- GRAND TOUR
Portuguese auteur Miguel Gomes takes us on a magical, absurdist and passionate trip throughout the Asian hot spots, following a runaway groom and his humorous encounters with eccentric figures. Fueled by poetic images, elegant humor, sharp and penetrating dialogue, and a unique sense of magical realism, it breathes the purest essence of cinema.
- HOLY COW
A sensitive, profoundly humane coming of age story observing the grieving process of a rebellious kid forced to take responsibilities after the sudden death of his father. Tackling economic struggle and social abandonment, first time director Louise Courvoisier (winner of the Cesar award for Best First Film) and actor Clément Faveau (playing the unforgettable youngster Totone) deliver a heartwarming, raw and uplifting neo-realist drama.
- THE WEDDING BANQUET + MATERIALISTS
Two romantic films about love, finding and experiencing love, and of course, sacrificing and getting hurt for love. Their greatest quality is to entertain, deliver fine performances, and well…make you believe in love again, or at least the need of believing it. The first is a spin on Ang Lee’s queer classic where an Asian immigrant must marry to validate his visa putting his relationship at risk. The second is a sensitive and modern blend of “Pretty Woman” and “Cinderella”, where a matchmaker is torn between a charming millionaire and her aspiring actor poor ex. Both films deliver powerful messages about modern relationships with sex-appeal and irresistible humor.
- MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: THE FINAL RECKONING
If you need to take your mind away from the world’s troubles this is not really the most recommended option. It starts with a worldwide atomic destruction that can be hard to see, but once Tom Cruise starts his mission to rescue humanity and the planet, this becomes the most entertaining and fun film of the year. It’s thrilling, suspenseful, impeccably produced and executed, all while reflecting the madness of political reality. It’s a cinematic action experience like the good old days.
- MISERICORDIA
A man returns to a small village to attend the funeral of his former boss. The remote area becomes the perfect scenario for sexual entanglements, public scandals and a mysterious disappearance. French provocateur Alain Guiraudie delivers his best film, a sensational and hilarious dark comedy about desires, secrets and the contemptuous side of the human condition.
- GHOST TRAIL
Based on a true story of trauma and survival, Adam Bessa gives a breakthrough performance as a Syrian refugee seeking to avenge the man who tortured him in jail. Grieving the loss of his family, Hamid is determined to make justice and is joined by a French woman whose husband was killed. Director Jonathan Millet crafts a magnificent political thriller, suspenseful, intriguing and superbly acted. He makes a powerful antiwar and humanitarian statement through the willingness of Hamid to execute his revenge yet firmly attached to his principles.
- BLUE SUN PALACE
A winning, charming, deeply sensitive tale of immigration, love and loneliness, Constance Tsang’s intimate drama is one of the year’s most assured directorial debuts. Drawing from neo-realism influence, Tsang crafts a visually and sensorially appealing slowburn gem centered on the strong bond between four female co-workers of a massage spa in Queens. Announcing a major cinematic force, it’s an important statement on immigrant values and the imminent threat of the American Dream.
- FRIENDSHIP
A crazy, neurotic and utterly funny buddy comedy gone wild, director Andrew DeYoung’s feature film debut brings Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson as pals whose excessive hangouts turn their lives upside down. The result is a mad exploration on male issues and both the role and impact of modern relationships.
- TORNADO
Visually arresting and unpredictable, this revenge-tale disguised as western feels like the encounter between Sergio Leoni and Bruce Lee. It shows a lot of potential with its limited budget and the performances are over the top. An indie gem.
- YOUNG HEARTS
Sensitive, personal and heart-moving, writer-director Anthony Schatteman draws from his own memories to portray this year’s most enriching romance. Focusing on the coming of age of two boys learning of themselves and falling in love, he conceives a poignant and very humane look at identity and first love.
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