Babel (Directed by: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu)

From the director of Amorres Perros comes Babel, a film that interweaves stories of different families throughout the globe in a play of differences in culture that causes misunderstanding and conflict. Inarittu’s play of the narrative and non-linear, intertwining story-telling make this movie a masterpiece in its own right, his signature as evident in the Mexican film Amorres Perros and 21 Grams. The Moroccan child actors are great, as well as Japanese actress Rinko Kikuchi in her role as a deaf mute school girl longing for love. Of course, Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett had their brilliant moments as a couple who faced tragedy in the Moroccan dessert. And how about Mexican actress Adriana Barraza who stole my sympathy when she was deported for illegally crossing the Mexico and US border to bring home the kids of Brad and Cate? Although this film shines with brilliant acting, the weak point is that it fails in making global a simple story and making Americans as the main victims in the series of events. Despite my anti-American glorifications in movies, the fact that I am a fan of non-linear narratives saves my gusto for this film.

Love Me If You Dare (Jeux d’enfants) / Directed by: Yann Samuell

“Love Me If You Dare” is France’s contribution to film history’s unforgettable romantic comedies. If you feel tired of the cliche Hollywood counterparts, then this movie will certainly give you a mesmerizing alternative. It gives sentimental fools a roller coaster ride of emotions – it enchants, frustrates and dares you to love the unusual situation and story. This film has a lot more to show: the out-of-this world and playful use of editing, the glowing and pleasing-to-the eye cinematography, the witty dialogues, and emotionally driving musical score. Above all, the script wins everything over: it deviates to clever twists and dark silly laughters with tones of perversion and funny innuendos. It is Amelie with pitchblack humor.

Just to give a glimpse of the story, the film depicts the romantic story of Julian and Sophie, who meet in grade school and create an intense game of “Dare” to distract them from the harsh realities of their lives. Over time their game becomes a mutual infatuation that binds them for life. Ultimately the childhood game remains with them into adulthood where it challenges their most cherished fantasies. Eventually, each of them is forced to decide between the game and genuine romance.

Here’s one cheesy line:

Sophie Kowalski: Tell me that you love me first because I’m afraid that if I tell you first you’ll think that I’m playing the game.

and here’s another cheesy dialogue:

Julien Jeanvier: You know… there were lots of things I was game for that you never said.
Sophie Kowalski: Like?
Julien Jeanvier: Eating ants… insulting the unemployed… loving you like crazy.

Film Review: Inang Yaya (Mother Nanny)

Inang Yaya / Directed by: Pablo Biglangawa and Veronica Velasco

Country: Philippines
Category: Movies
Genre: Drama

Sometimes the best story comes from very simple plots.

Inang Yaya, a light-hearted Filipino film is a must-see, especially for Filipinos who think that watching local movies is “baduy” (low class/uncool). It is Filipino film-making and story-telling at its best, with brilliant cinematography, superb acting, light but straight-to-the heart drama with subtly stated but powerful social relevance. In fact, the power of the film is its subtlety itself. Maricel Soriano plays Norma, a nanny in the city who had to leave her daughter Ruby in the province to take care of Louise. When Norma’s mother died, she had to take Ruby with her in the city. Louise and Ruby got well together despite the slight competition that they had. Yet they managed to be the best of friends amidst their differences in social stature. When Louise’s family had to move to Singapore, Norma had to make an important decision: to go with them to take care of Louise whom she treated as her own, or stay in the Philippines and take care of her daughter whom she had deprived her total attention and nurturing.

The two child actresses are so adorable, with the child acting as Ruby advancing an inch for portraying a very independent and funny “promdi”(slang for a person “from the province”) child. Yet they both exuberate innocence and good-heartedness. In spite of the lack of cheesy lines and hardcore dramatic gestures, Maricel Soriano’s acting floated in brilliance with her very simple yet memorable attacks of the character. Liza Lorena gives a balance by being the villanous grandmother, yet with redeeming factor in the end. The colors, framing, production design and lighting all blend together to craft this masterpiece, not to mention the lullabyes and chants that well-fitted this movie’s soundtrack. This film is definitely on top of my list!