December Overview

Goodbye 2013...

Christmas is over...but a new year arrives! And what can we celebrate over Christmas, besides family, friends, presents, bad TV, heaps of food and the odd sleep? Isn't it obvious? The farewell to Matt Smith in Doctor Who of course!

Anyway, we're not here to hear me geek out on the world's favourite time traveller. No, we're here to get all nerdy about films again. And December, even with the Christmas period throwing in some random dates and busy times, managed to give us some stellar content to tide us over the yuletide period.

We witnessed the return of the Top 10 in a roundabout way, with a special holiday themed Top 12. More on that below. Also, not only were there some cracking films to talk about (some with Christmas themes too) but due to December's timing of weekends it was one of those bonus months again. Five reviews for the price of four!

So let's remind ourselves of December...

Pick of the week recap

Five reviews this time around. Let's take a peek at what was chosen:

Acting brilliance from Frank Whaley and Kevin Spacey in Swimming With Sharks, a stripped down drama thriller about politics in the movie industry. Strip down the torturous scenes and you'll find a rich screenplay by the film's director George Huang. It received poor box office which is a terrible shame as this a real hidden gem.

My favourite film from one of the world's greatest directors. Jean-Pierre Jeunet's A Very Long Engagement is a beautiful blend of genres, adorned with gorgeous palettes and lighting, delivering a breathtaking picture. Plus, there's the stunning Audrey Tautou, who'll melt your heart at every corner on her hunt to find her long last love, missing during the Great War.

Then begins a long stint in Scandinavia. The Hanks starring Captain Phillips has been making waves recently, so here's a filmbore equivalent. Tobias Lindholm reaches into your gut for A Hijacking, a raw, terrifying drama. Part of its success is through its switching from boat raid to office negotiations from beginning to end. This is one for anyone.

Staying in Denmark, and for the first Christmas themed (if tenuously!) film we have Thomas Vinterberg's Festen: the ultimate dinner party film (besides Abigail's Party, of course!). A huge family gathering is the perfect moment for Ulrich Thomsen's Christian to drop a bombshell, exposing a dark family secret. Amazing performances in the first Dogme 95 movie. 

Over to Finland for Christmas film number two, for the incredibly original and hugely enjoyable Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. It's existence is thanks to some hilarious shorts (don't watch them until after this film, due to spoilers), birthing a wonderfully dark story of Christmas and doomed mythology. Have you been a good kid this year?

 
The return of the Top....Twelve?!?

I needed to get back into doing Top Tens for you all and I promise there will be many more for 2014. December saw the return of the list with a Christmas twist.

filmbore's Twelve Days Of Christmas takes the famous song and relates each lyric with a suitable movie. Some are well connected, some a little odd, but you know how I roll people... they are Top Tens With A Difference after all!

In case you don't agree with each choice, there is an alternative at each point. And, if you don't agree with the other choice either, then let your views be known by commenting as usual. Go take a peek and let me know what you think.

And, I promise, there will be more on their way soon.

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all have a smashing 2014!

Don't forget to leave comments below, tweet me @filmbore or post on my Facebook page here.

Or, you can email me directly at overview@filmbore.co.uk.

filmbore wants you! The Results continued

Part Two

Welcome back! Yes, we're here for the final part of the Top 20 everyone has been waiting for, filmbore wants you!: a list of the best films out of filmbore's first 52 reviews that make up its inaugural year in existence.

For those of you a little bit behind, go and check out Part One here.

To remind those of you that did see the post, I have not decided solely on this list myself, but compiled it with the consideration of your own votes and feedback on the first year of filmbore's pick of the weeks, all via the reminders I've been posting over the last several months.

Taking into account your views, the Top 20 has been finalised. And, so as not to forget some of the other popular choices, a couple of "honourable mentions" are included too. So, let's get cracking, as filmbore wants you! looks at positions 10 to 1...has your choice made it into the the final section of the list? Which film has made it to the coveted "numero uno" slot?

WARNING! Some spoilers and some awesome films await!

10. Bronson (2008)

Tom Hardy is now one of the biggest names in Hollywood. His earlier forays into acting hold just as much gravitas as his recent portrayals, and Bronson is no exception. Nicolas Winding Refn's biopic of the UK's most famous prisoner is a wonderfully art-house approach that will stay with you.

9. Headhunters (2012)

A sensational blend of humour and thrills in this refreshing action-packed drama from Norway. Based on Jo Nesbo's book of the same name, we see Roger Brown, a charismatic head hunter with a particular talent in art theft. What begins as a straight up heist film evolves into a deadly chase of an unusual kind.

8. Brotherhood (2004)

I love South Korean cinema, and this picture is one of the reasons why. The Far East's answer to Saving Private Ryan sees two brothers consumed by the Korean Civil War. As their close bond is frayed, attacked and near obliterated due the unforeseen paths they are about to take, it's an emotional and hefty perspective on boys becoming men.

Honourable mention

Staying in Asia, I need to make a nod to one of Hong Kong's finest action pieces, Infernal Affairs. Bumped off by some of your votes, it's more famous for being the film that was remade into Scorsese's Oscar winning movie, The Departed.

7. Battle Royale (2000)

At the turn of the century there was only one film on everyone's lips...Battle Royale! A mash-up between The Running Man and Lord Of The Flies, this comical yet alarming gore-fest is, surprisingly, brimming with metaphor and political brevity. A must if you haven't seen it...but only if you dare!

6. Let The Right One In (2008)

And who'd have thought that a horror movie can be both scary and sweet. One of the most unique films you are likely to see, Tomas Alfredson's left field approach to school bullying is touching while still carries enough chill to not forgot its genre roots. But at its heart, it's a story of love between friends.

5. Searching For Sugar Man (2012)

So many documentaries to watch. Which one to choose? Just one! The story of the best unknown songwriter in the world, Rodriguez, is an incredible revealing tale. Initially played as a real life detective story, this eye opening film will melt your heart through its reveals. This man is a legend!

4. Kill List (2011)

A firm fan favourite. Your votes had an influence on the position of this picture too. Ben Wheatley's shockingly brilliant, disturbingly delicious thriller is in a realm of its own. A foray into the psyche of a troubled assassin and the underlying conspiracy that eludes him merits repeat watches as the subtle references slowly seep through. Dark but beautiful.

Honourable mention

Another favourite of yours was Sightseers. A great film admittedly,  but with many UK films already in this list and a Wheatley film about at number 4, it had stiff competition. It's properly funny though!

And so...to the Top 3...

3. Tyrannosaur (2011)

The highest UK film on this roster and only the second review I ever wrote on this site. Tyrannosaur, the directorial debut from Paddy Considine, is one of the finest modern British films available. It's both subtle and brash, real and unbelievable, appealing and astounding. With two of the country's finest actors in Peter Mullan and Olivia Colman, it's proof that straight- forward storytelling, delicate and confident camerawork and plenty of room for performers to release is just the right recipe for a great picture. I've watched this piece several times and cannot tire of it. It's evidence of when a good team of talented artists get the balance just right.

2. Holy Motors (2012)

This very nearly took the number one spot! After a thirteen year sabbatical, Leos Carax came back to the world of cinema and birthed unto the world one of the smartest, craziest, prettiest, bravest films in many a year. This truly refreshing look into the world of voyeurism and reality TV, mainly encapsulating the ever growing demand for real-life entertainment, sees Monsieur Oscar (Denis Lavant) step between different realms to "perform" as a plethora of alternating personalities. Each vignette is absorbing in its own sense, as we are taken on a ride through an array of genres. This sounds hard to swallow, I know, but it truly works. It's the work of a genius and proof that the world of art really missed Carax. Try and find a film like this. In fact, just watched this live-recorded, Steadicam accordion skit and tell me it's not superb!

And the winner is...

1. I'm A Cyborg, But That's Okay (2006)

There can be only one winner! Quite clearly one of the most perfect films of modern cinema, this is Park Chan-Wook's masterpiece. Each frame paints its own picture, with vivid colours, obscure angles and intriguing sets. But it's the premise to this film that will really win you over.

Cha Young-Goon (the beautiful Lim Soo Yung) is at odds. She is adamant that she is a cyborg yet nobody else sees it. A confused attempt to "charge her batteries" is seen as a suicide attempt, or even just a cry for help, so she is placed in an institute for the clinically insane.

Park Il-Sun (action star Rain) believes he has many hidden talents, super powers even. Invisible when he wears his mask, he can steal personalities or traits from his fellow patients without a trace. Yet, he is enamoured when he's confronted by Young-Goon, and starts to see his world a little differently. Maybe he can use his abilities to help her somehow?

Chan-Wook can work a lens, we all know that. Yet, you won't see such a wide array of his talents as visible in I'm A Cyborg... as he switches genres in an instant, prompting some incredibly creative camerawork.

Yet, behind this visual smorgasbord is not a tale of insanity, or a big action piece, or a response to mental care. In fact, scrape away a lot of the surface art and beneath you will find one of the simplest, sweetest love stories that you'll even encounter. It's incredibly well paced too and should be studied for its sensational rhythm of editing.

If you are a fan of Park Chan-Wook, of his Vengeance trilogy, of particularly Oldboy, or of his recent output Stoker, then watch this film. If you are bowled over by artistically shot films with great choice in colour and design, then watch this film. If you are the type who's won over by wonderful storytelling and unique performances, then watch this film. If you haven't seen this film...watch this film! It is, quite clearly, one of the finest modern pictures ever made and - yeah, you guessed it - one of my favourite films of all time.

Enjoy!

So that's it. filmbore wants you! has finally come to an end. Did your choice make the list? Are the right films in the right place? Are there any that are placed so incorrectly that it just enrages you to the extent where you need to have a massive rant?

Then post your comments below and get the debate going. Alternatively, you can email me directly at filmborewantsyou@filmbore.co.uk, comment on my facebook page or tweet me @filmbore.

filmbore pick of the week - No

No

Director: Pablo Larrain
Screenplay: Pedro Peirano
Starring: Gael Garcia Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Luis Gnecco
Year: 2012
Language: Spanish
UK rental release: June 2013

IMDb
LoveFilm
Rotten Tomatoes

We finally leave Scandinavia this week, sailing across the Atlantic to South America for the third in Pablo Larrain's Pinochet trilogy, No, an alternative account of the end of Pinochet's "Dirty War" in Chile.

After General Augusto Pinochet's forces won a successful coup d'état, his fifteen years of dictatorship have been watched by the whole world. There's a global expectation that a legitimisation of his regime is the right course for Chile.

In response to this growing perspective, in 1988 a referendum is raised for a national plebiscite. The Chilean public are expected to vote on whether their leader should stay in power for another eight years or whether a democratic election be raised for a new president...Either they vote "Yes" or "No".

René Saavedra (Gael Garcia Bernal, The Motorcycle Diaries, Amores Perros) is an expert in advertising campaigns, lacing them with political subtext. His talents are recognised by an old friend, José Tomás Urritua (Luis Gneco, Pérez, Padre Nuestro), who comes from a more socialist angle. Urritua wishes to recruit René for the "No" campaign. 

René's boss, Lucho Guzmán, Post Mortem, Tony Manero) is reluctant for René to go through with this offer; that it would destroy his reputation and soil a career he worked so hard to build. Nevertheless, despite advice from his companion and employer, René decides to do to go ahead with the campaign anyway.

He wants to take a different approach to the campaign. Instead of raising awareness to the horrors present in Chile, he believes a softer, more positive perspective could win the campaign for them. He wants to inject humour and happiness into each video. Such a prospect could be the only way to be rid of Pinochet for good.

Those that don't vote are too scared to. Those that do, say "Yes". René has to figure out how the construction of this campaign will draw in abstainers from the shadow of Pinochet, which appears to be the only way for Chile to make a stand and overthrow their adopted leader. This cloud seems to be present in their attempts as well, however. 

René and his colleagues sometimes have to resort to guerrilla-style shooting of the campaign material in fear of soldiers interfering and halting their work. It doesn't take long for suspicion and discomposure to set in. The further René takes it, the harder his life becomes, as his family home is threatened by the opposition. Even his peers are unsure of his maverick, risky approach. 

Nobody takes him seriously, many offended by his optimistic approach. Before he can influence the public with his campaign, he has to convince his benefactors first.

Based on Antonio Skármeta's unpublished play El Plebiscito, Pablo Larrain's take in No is a memorable one. It takes us to 1988, in a time when TV advertising techniques were starting to be using in political campaigns. And king of the ad is René Saavedra, played by Gael Garcia Bernal. 

Bernal is, as always, just excellent. His subtle performances are just as divine as his more powerful ones, and there's a smart blend of both at play here: a hint of the charismatic in his poised, reflective portrayal of René Saavedra. His fellow cast members are equally spectacular, executing their roles with natural grace in order to transport us to this complex time in Chilean politics.

You really do feel that you have taken back to this era. The vintage look required is absolutely spot on. The set dressing, the clothes; everything is so beautifully and impeccably designed you have to actively seek out the purposeful stylisation used.

Such choices are imperative when considering one of the concepts that make this film so enriching. Larrain has cleverly used real archived footage of campaigns, attacks, riots and arrests from this period in Chile's history, including video recordings from the real "Yes" and "No" campaigns of the time. 

All of this material is edited into some interesting cinematography. Refusing the favoured tech of the moment (Hi-definition) Pablo Larrain opted instead for low-res 3/4 inch U-matic magnetic tape to shoot the picture, which is the same type of film used by Chilean TV in the 1980's. Thanks to this, frankly, perilous we're presented with a piece that's chock full of 80's music video stylising and rustic lens grains. It brings a real retro feel and I'm glad to say that I found it absolutely mesmerising. Don't get me wrong, I adore the crispness and depth of Hi-def, but there's no mistaking beauty in simplicity and hidden detail, providing a rich template throughout.

It is incredibly striking in its look. It's a brave move that works perfectly, especially with the real footage mixed in seamlessly. Such methods may have prevented any further interest in more commercial outlets, with even the Oscars being wary of this title, yet this technique allowed for consistent transitions between recorded scenes and real footage. It was a risk worth taking.

This amalgamation of both sources is most impressive when a parade and concert, organised by René's campaign, is infiltrated by Pinochet's forces. Overlays of our cast over recordings from that period is startling. It's expertly handled and still has the ability to confound and shock; even though we are aware that these edits exists (even if they are sensationally smooth) we are there with René amidst a shocking response.

Some of these images may shock those of you with a delicate disposition. The footage used is a stark reminder of the terrors, the torture and the oppression that the dictatorship brought to Chile. Thousands had been tortured, beaten, detained, killed, with many more still missing. Some of it will move you, highlighting the horrific way in which Chile's regime has wrecked the lives and damaged the souls of the country's people.

I admit, it can be quite sombre. Yet, it is necessary to take this slant when considering the source material we are dealing with here. Thankfully, some of the campaign footage, in its light manner, elevates the picture ever so slightly above the morbidity that it could have fallen victim too, providing a balanced, political piece.

Winning the Art Cinema Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, there are few pictures like No. When creating a story of brave individuals you have to be a little courageous yourself. Pablo Larrain has finished his trilogy with panache and inventiveness. It's touching. It's raw. It's important. 


Don't forget to leave comments below, tweet me @filmbore or post on my Facebook page here. 

Alternatively, you could contact me directly about this film or my other reviews on pickoftheweek@filmbore.co.uk

filmbore wants you! The Results

Part One

Phew, that took a long time! Well, the moment is finally here. After a ridiculous amount of prioritising (and procrastinating!), the votes are in and the decisions are made.

For the benefit of those that missed out on my (months long) quest to create the ultimate list, here's a run down: for the inaugural year of filmbore's existence a total of 52 reviews were published in the pick-of-the-week segment of the site. Ranging from small British indies, to European art house, to challenging English language head-scratchers, to twists on known genres, to to unknown foreign-language hidden gems, year one was a spectrum of the quality of film available to you if you dig through the crates a little.

And, to honour filmbore's first birthday I wanted to create a Top 20 of the best of them. Not of my reviews (I'm not that arrogant!) but of the pieces themselves. Which of these 52 films is the finest?

I began by reminding everyone of each picture in sections by month, taking in feedback from yourselves through this site and through facebook. And why? Because this list is not just decided by myself... where your argument has been sound, I have taken into account your views. Your opinions and votes have influenced the Top 20.

Now, I have to add that a few films still didn't quite make it into the list I'm afraid. But, some have managed to push out a couple of my original choices, so I have taken your points seriously. A few outsiders will get honourable mentions throughout these two posts however, so not all is lost.

In the list below, each title is a link into the review in question, so please take the time to go and have a look. I must pre-warn you...some of these were written in my first weeks as an amateur critic, so hold judgement on the quality of blogging... I just hope I've got better!

Finally, I just want to say thanks for your patience with this. I'm glad I finally got to the end. 

So, without further ado...filmbore wants you! now counts down numbers 20 to 11...did your choice make the cut?

WARNING! Mild spoilers and seriously awesome films are just ahead!

20. Neds (2010)

Slipping under the British film radar, this raw, true-life influenced drama is a heady window into the intense violence in 1970's Glasgow. Peter Mullan pours some of his own life into the character of John McGill, portrayed furiously by up-and-coming star Conor McCarron.

19. The Kid With A Bike (2011)

No ultimate list is complete with a piece from the Dardenne brothers! Belgian cinema has always been faithful and this delivers in both the stunning performances and the beautiful camera work. You'll fall in with Thomas Doret's Cyril in the first few minutes, and Cécile De France is just magnetic.

18. The Secret In Their Eyes (2009)

This surprise Oscar winner (beating Jacques Audiard's A Prophet) from Argentina packs when hell of a thriller's punch. This dark yet rich story will encapsulate you not only in its chilling plot device but by the enigmatic chemistry between our two leads in Ricardo Darin and Soledad Villamil. A deserved winner!

17. Waltz With Bashir (2009)

Ari Folman's docu-film is unforgettable. His own experiences from the Lebanese War paints the backdrop to this real life detective story. He has gaps in his memories during this horrific period and interviews fellow soldiers to fill gaps. Yet, it's fully animated (beautifully may I add) and even has time for a little humour.

 

16. Troll Hunter (2010)

This was popular with you voters! Originally, this just sat outside the Top 20 but your feedback has elevated to 16th in the list. This is the greatest example of found-footage features you will find, with self-referential humour, bags of charm and crazy trolls. And all of the back of a joke about Norway's pylons!

Honourable mention

Cell 211 was the first film I reviewed on filmbore. A cracking Spanish drama but was bumped of the list by a couple of films voted by yourselves.

15. Primer (2004)

If you love a good thinker and have a penchant for time travel, you won't get more confused and messed-up than when watching Shane Carruth's Primer. Minuscule budget, film makers as actors, incredibly original idea. You'll be scratching your noggin over this one for years!

14. Goodbye Lenin! (2003)

You will have all seen Daniel Brühl at breakneck speed in Rush last year but in his younger days he wowed in some incredible German and Austrian pictures, best of which is Goodbye Lenin! It's an incredibly sweet and comical film when considering the source material and truly unique in its premise.

13. Dead Man's Shoes (2004)

I'm a sucker for a good Shane Meadows film. Where many of you are probably more familiar with This is England, here you find a darker, deeper more moving piece about brotherly and revenge. Paddy Considine's Richard is astounding and Toby Kebbel is beautiful as his troubled brother Anthony.

12. Tell No One (2006)

A cracking thriller with laughs, action and one of the most emotional finishes of any film you'll see. If you, or someone you know, needs an intro into world cinema, this is one of the finest choices you can make. This film is fun, sad and charming, showing that you'll do anything for those that you love.

11. The Devil's Backbone (2001)

Guillermo Del Toro is now a stamp of approval in the movie industry for creative eye-opening film making. Yet, he was doing this before he was a household name. This, one of his earlier films, is a prime example of the journey he will embark upon, as all his trademarks are on show in this delicious mix of genres.



So that's it for Part 1. Keep your eye out for the final Top 10 of filmbore wants you! coming to blog near you soon!


Do you agree with the choices so far? Think that some are placed too low or too high? In hope that your favourites are in the next part? Or just fancy a bit of a rant in general?

Then post your comments below and get the debate going. Alternatively, you can email me directly at filmborewantsyou@filmbore.co.uk, comment on my facebook page or tweet me @filmbore.