FOREIGN MOVIES: “Full Time.” / “The Slut.” / “13 Assassins.”

“Full Time” (2021, Amazon Prime) French drama film about a single mother who works a demanding job as head maid at a high-end hotel in Paris. 



       This well-made movie is all Laure Calamy is a persistent and determined single mother. Writer/director Eric Gravel's film is fast-paced minimalist aesthetics and most of it is Ms Calamy's focused, unrelenting performance. 🎥👍📽


“The Slut” (2011, Tubi) Israeli drama. Tamar, a promiscuous thirty-something, lives on a farm with her two daughters and occupies her spare time with a string of lovers. A new arrival in the village changes everything. 


       Spare, minimalist, and focused. But this little dramatic interlude is also boring. But don't tell that to indie purveyors who revel in easy storytelling, one-locale shoot, and a “controversial” highlight (midway in the movie). You gotta check that one out yourself. No spoilers.

       Hagar Ben-Asher as the titular character Tamar is a credible performer given the flimsy character cliché (sic). She also directed this movie. I can't say it is badly-made, it isn't. Just enough intrigue to see Ms Ben-Asher's next or other projects, director or actor or both. 🎥💻📽


“13 Assassins” (2010, Plex) Samurai film remake of Eiichi Kudo's 1963 Japanese period drama film “13 Assassins,” set in 1844 toward the end of the Edo period. A group of thirteen assassins—comprising twelve samurai and a hunter—secretly plot to assassinate Lord Matsudaira Naritsugu, the murderous leader of the Akashi clan, to thwart his appointment to the powerful Shogunate Council. 


       I concur Takashi Miike's rehash of Mr Kudo's classic is a stylish katana ballet and a more engaging acting performance, too. Destined to jar, disturb and amaze are Mr Miike's “Audition” (1999) and “Ichi the Killer” (2001). Try them yourself. 

       “13 Assassins” though is a different beast, climaxed by mind-boggling albeit aesthetically alluring combat. My only whine is--it is quite long. 🎥💻📽


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

“Mayor of Kingstown." Season 3.

MOVIES That I Just Saw: “Dream Scenario.” / “Arizona.”

“Toxic Town."