“ALIYAH” ***
It doesn’t matter what mistakes have been done, or difficulties one has been through, there will always be a moment, when oneself will realize the necessity of changing, of restarting from scratch. Even though, the challenges tend to discourage, the human instinct is moved by the hope of reaching out and accomplishing an objective. In some cases, the need of restarting, appears every day as the sun rises.
Young, smart and charming, Alex lives the benefits of his youth, but he isn’t satisfied with his own life style, his way of earning a living. He maintains a discreet traffic operation, supplying drugs to the party scene in Paris. He decides leaving the past behind, and invests in a trip to Israel, to rebuild his lost roots and experience by himself, the process of surviving without easy money.
Director Elie Wajelman presents an inspiring portrait about youth crisis, of young slickers dealing with uneasiness and risky opportunities, through the nights of Paris, alerting audiences to the dangers of crime, and also the desire of rescuing personal integrity.
Meanwhile, the characters surrounding Alex, his estranged parents, his addicted clients, the gorgeous teacher whom he develops a romantic bond and his brother, constantly in troubles due to his debts, come up as a metaphor trying to persuade him to give up on his decision, and overturn his path towards self freedom.
Beautifully shot and fulfilled with emotional and spontaneous performances, specially Pio Marmai (who also appeared in the French hit “Amelie”) as the protagonist who gets the audience’s support, Wajelman uses the modern storyline to open a window for new horizons, new opportunities in the midst of turbulences, pleasures, struggles and ambitions that reflects on the characteristics of perseverance and individualism of our Generation. (Opens Friday at Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street NYC)
11th BRAZILIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Surprisingly efficient, the documentary “ELENA” is a moving and delicate look at family ties, through the story of a young aspiring actress who comes to New York to recollect the steps of her deceased sister. It’s a sad journey, but it’s also an original meditation on family values and passion for art. (At Tribeca)
THE STROLLER STRATEGY
Raphael Personnaz is hilarious as a charming Parisian in trouble when he is left as a guardian of a baby. He takes advantage of the situation to try to reconnect with his ex. It’s a funny and sexy adventure of a man trying to step into maturity through the lies he creates. (Opens Friday at Angelika, 18 West Houston St. NYC)
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