Film: Chico & Rita
Country of Production: Spain/UK
A collaboration between Oscar-winning director Fernando Trueba and Spanish designer Javier Mariscal, this animated feature is set in the vibrant bebop jazz scene of the late 1940s and early 1950s. When handsome and talented young jazz pianist Chico (voiced by Eman Xor Ona) meets sultry nightclub singer Rita (Limara Meneses) in Havana, the two quickly become a double act both on stage and in love. As they take their Cuban rhythms to the clubs of New York, Las Vegas, Hollywood and Paris, their turbulent relationship plays out its passions and heartbreaks to a soundtrack of Latin beats, ballads and bolero.
Cuban pianist and composer Bebo Valdes provides the original score for the film, which also features the music of jazz greats including Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie.
Film: Budrus
Country of Production: Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territory/USA
Julia Bacha’s thought-provoking, compelling documentary gives an amazing insight into the Middle East conflict and the struggle of a group of villagers trying to protect their land without resorting to violence.
Ayed Morrar, an unlikely community organiser, unites Palestinians from all political factions and Israelis to save his village from destruction by Israel’s Separation Barrier. Victory seems improbable until his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, launches a women’s contingent that quickly moves to the front lines. Struggling side by side, father and daughter unleash an inspiring, yet little-known movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories that is still gaining ground today.
Series: Gungrave: The Complete Collection
Country of Production: Japan
All 26 episodes of the Japanese anime series. Armed with twin handguns, and a coffin filled with weapons on his back, Grave returns from the dead cloaked in darkness and bent on revenge. His goal is to cripple Millennion, the huge mafia organization that uses undead monsters as its enforcers, but his real objective is to root out Harry Macdowel, Millennion’s leader. The former friends are on a collision course with destiny and anyone in the way is destined for the grave.
Film: I Saw The Devil
Country of Production: South Korea
Kyung-chul is a dangerous psychopath who kills for pleasure, his victims ranging from young women to children. The police have chased him for a long time, but have been unsuccessful. One day Joo-yeon, daughter of a retired police chief becomes his prey and is found dead in a horrific state. Her fiance, a top secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself. He will do everything in his power to take bloody vengeance against the killer, even if it means becoming a monster himself.
Series: The Tower Of Druaga: The Complete Series
Country of Production: Japan
All 24 episodes of the Japanese anime series. Defeat the demon, save the kingdom, and don't forget those extra lives! In a summer once every five years, demons within the mysterious Tower of Druaga lose their powers due to a magic spell cast by a god named 'Anu'. During this time, King Gilgamesh, ruler of the kingdom Uruk, and his army have invaded the tower and built a fortress city on the very first floor of Druaga. Thus begins the story of a warrior named Jil who embarks on a quest for the legendary Blue Crystal Rod, a powerful artifact said to be held on the highest floor of Druaga. However, others want the treasure for themselves!
Film: Rififi
Country of Production: France
Jules Dassin's classic noir, starring Jean Servais as master thief Tony le Stephanois. Recently released from jail, the aging Tony is reluctant to return to a life of crime - but when he discovers that his girlfriend has thrown him over for a rival gangster, he agrees to attempt one last job. Together with three collaborators - young father Jo (Carl Mohner), boisterous Franco-Italian Mario (Robert Manuel) and sentimental Milanese safecracker Cesar (played by the director under the pseudonym of Perlo Vita) - Tony meticulously engineers his biggest heist yet: robbing the most heavily guarded jeweller in Paris. But when a rival gangster, Pierre Gruter (Marcel Lupovici) finds out about their haul, he stakes a claim to a cut of the take in a most persuasive manner. The film is best known for its celebrated half-hour silent robbery sequence.
Film: My Neighbours The Yamadas
Country of Production: Japan
Double Play (DVD and Blu-ray) release. The little victories of the quirky Takashi Yamada and his wacky wife Matsuko are followed in this touching animation from Isao Takahata (Grave Of The Fireflies) and Studio Ghibli. The Yamadas navigate their way through the ups and downs of work, marriage, and family life with a sharp-tongued grandmother who lives with them, a teenage son who wishes he had cooler parents, and a pesky daughter whose loud voice is unusual for someone so small. Even the family dog has issues!
Film: Samurai Avenger
Country of Production: USA (Japanese language)
Samurai action, from actor/director Kurando Mitsutake, about the victim of a brutal assault who takes revenge on his attacker eight years after the event. An innocent man (Mitsutake) was left blind and alone after notorious psychopath Nathan Flesher (Domiziano Arcangeli) ambushed him and killed his family. Now known only as Blind Wolf, the wronged man has returned as a highly skilled samurai, intent on seeking vengeance. However, the powerful criminal has hired seven deadly assassins to finish what he started...
*The release date is subject to change for any of these titles.
No comments:
Post a Comment