Certified Copy (2010)

Film: Certified Copy (French: Copie conforme)
Running Time: 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Abbas Kiarostami
Written By: Abbas Kiarostami

Certified Copy is a 2010 drama film by Iranian writer and director Abbas Kiarostami, starring Juliette Binoche and the British opera singer William Shimell, in his first film role.

The film was a French majority production with co-producers in Italy and Belgium.
The dialogue is in French, English and Italian.

The film premiered at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, where Binoche won the Best Actress Award for her performance. Critics have been mostly positive and compared the film to Journey to Italy by Roberto Rosselini.

Short Summary:

The story is set in Tuscany and focuses on a French antiques dealer, (Juliette) who spends a day with the writer of a recently published book on the value of copies in art. The couple appear to have met each other for the first time that day, but as the film progresses it is left unclear as to whether they are a married couple attempting to rekindle their relationship by pretending to be strangers, or strangers playing the part of a couple.

Review:

Certified Copy is the deconstructed portrait of a marriage, acted with well-intentioned fervour by Juliette Binoche, but persistently baffling, contrived, and often simply bizarre – a highbrow misfire of the most peculiar sort. It looks like the work of a sophisticated director.

The film is set in Tuscany, where visiting British author James Miller, played by newcomer William Shimell, is giving a reading from his latest book, entitled Certified Copy. Binoche plays a French antiques dealer, invited along to his talk, who is fascinated and a little nettled by the man’s provocations. She has offered to give him a local tour, where James turns out to be prickly and difficult; their conversations are tense, and the proprietor of a local cafe tellingly mistakes them for a married couple. The idea appears to amuse them both, and without ever remarking explicitly on what is happening, the pair embark on a kind of exploratory role-play, in which Binoche finds that she can speak with unaccustomed freedom to her “copy” husband about the crisis in her marriage, and finds that this virtual-reality intimacy may be more powerfully real than the real thing. Binoche reacts with exasperation to James sometimes, but never asks about his own life or marital situation, and seems in her way quite as weirdly solipsistic as he is.

It is a film that is pregnant with ideas, and for aspiring to a cinema of ideas Kiarostami is to be thanked and admired. But the simple human inter-relation between the two characters is never in the smallest way convincing, and there is a translated, inert feel to the dialogue.

Reviewed by Peter Bradshaw

2011 Oscars! ‘The King’s Speech’ and ‘Inception’ tie at the Academy Awards

Here is the complete list of winners for the 83rd Annual Academy Awards 2011, presented at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

Big Winners:

The King’s Speech

won 4 awards for
:: Best Picture
:: Director – Tom Hooper
:: Best Actor – Colin Firth
:: Original Screenplay – David Seidler

Inception

won 4 awards for
:: Cinematography – Wally Pfister
:: Sound Editing – Richard King
:: Sound Mixing
:: Visual Effects

Toy Story 3

won 2 awards for
: Animated Feature
:: Original Song – We Belong Together

The Social Network

won 3 awards for
:: Adapted Screenplay – Aaron Sorkin
:: Film Editing
:: Original Score

Alice in Wonderland

won 2 awards for
:: Art Direction
:: Costume Design – Colleen Atwood

The Fighter

:: Supporting Actor – Christian Bale
:: Supporting Actress – Melissa Leo

Others:
:: Foreign Language Film: In a Better World (Danish film)

:: Best Actress – Natalie Portman, Black Swan

:: Documentary Feature: Inside Job

:: Documentary Short Subject: Strangers No More

:: Makeup – The Wolfman

:: Animated Short Film – The Lost Thing

:: Live Action Short Film – God of Love

Cinema for Peace-building

By Shiraz Hassan
Originally published in “Trail Blazer” January 2011 Edition.

If there’s one thing in common between the people of India and Pakistan, it would certainly be the love for cinema. 

Cinema or simply film is a story conveyed to the audiences through the use of audio-visual medium using animation techniques or visual effects.

The history of cinema goes back to hundred years ago in late 19th century when the films developed occasionally for special festivals. The gradual development of the cinema turned it into one of the most important tools of communication and entertainment, and mass media in the 21st century.

Nowadays, films are considered to be an important art form, a source of popular entertainment and a powerful method for educating or instructing people. It has not only remained to be a source of entertainment but also work as tool of public opinion and helps in setting the mind of a society.

Films are also called objet d’art (artifacts) of cultures reflecting the specific cultures, and, in turn, affecting them.

In the words of Ingmar Bergman, “No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls.” This citation substantiates the belief that film is the most powerful form of all communication techniques and leaves a profound impact on the psyche of an individual and in turn affects the society.

This influential tool if used for the purpose of disseminating peace messages to the audiences of different cultures can infuse the feelings of peace, tolerance and compassion among people of diverse cultures.

Today as Pakistan is struggling with serious issues of terrorism, extremism and violence of human rights. While the neighboring country, India is also facing the threats of terrorism. It is only the diffusion of peace messages through chinema which can bring the two countries together to combat the menace of terrorism together.

As after the world war in Europe hundreds of films were produced with message of peace, neglecting violence and bloodshed. This played an important role in the constructive development of their society and for reducing the violent behavior of a society.

In the same way, Pakistan and India should both work on films conveying the message of peace and unity in order fight off the elements of extremism in the society and promote peace in the region.

Peace is at the core of a successful society. However, despite of co-existing in the same region for hundreds of years, sharing same background, culture and history, we are unable to maintain peace between two neighboring nations which encourages the adversary i.e. terrorism.

However, fortunately the people of both countries have strong bonding with each other because of hailing from similar backgrounds. In fact people-to-people contact has never weakened even when there are tensions at government level.

To keep this bonding strong and deep, there is a need to strengthen the cinemas of Pakistan and India to put across the messages of peace through our films, which portray the feelings of the society.

Indian cinema is considered as world’s leading film industry producing hundreds of films each year in different regional languages. In this regard, the Indian cinema has a greater role to play in promoting peace in the region.

On the other hand, Pakistan film industry is small and was not lucky enough to flourish as compared to Iran or India. But during the past decade, Pakistani film industry has produced some high class films which have been popular among the masses.

Top Films of year 2010

2010 – the Year of the Animated Films

‘Toy Story 3’ tops the List of Highest-rated Films of 2010‎

1. Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3 is a 3D computer-animated film and is the third in the installment of the ‘Toy Story’ series. This film is a worthy conclusion of a trilogy with beautiful animation, brilliant vocal performances and a superbly crafted script. The No 1 movie worldwide which earned $1,063,100,000 at the box office of course strike a chord with grown-ups as well as with kids. In part 3, the toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it’s up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren’t abandoned and to return home.

2. Alice in Wonderland

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, the only other film to make more than $1 billion. It also a computer-animated/live action fantasy adventure film. Written by Linda Woolverton, and released by Walt Disney Pictures, the film is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s 1865 fantasy novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Wasikowska plays the now nineteen-year-old Alice who, 13 years after her previous visit, returns for the first time as a young woman. She is told that she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwocky, a dragon-like creature controlled by the Red Queen who terrorizes Underland’s inhabitants.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) is the first part of the last chapter in the Harry Potter saga directed by David Yates. The story following Harry Potter on a quest to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s secret to immortality – the Horcruxes. The film is considered to the best in the series so far (as well as the darkest and most violent).

4. Inception

Inception is a contemporary sci-fi actioner set within the architecture of the mind where one’s mind is the scene of the crime. It is a psychological thriller film about corporate raiders invading other people’s dreams which was written, produced, and directed by Christopher Nolan.
This summer blockbuster is a mind-bending thriller featured a complicated, fascinating plot and stunning action scenes. The film also taps into psychological phenomena like false memories and the introspection illusion.

13. Character (1997)

Original Title: Karakter
Country: Netherlands
Director: Mike van Diem
Writer: Ferdinand Bordewijk

Review:
The film starts with an argument between a young man in long over coat, a black hat and an old man, sitting at desk, writing some notes. There was an exchange of a few words and the young man went back. A few moments later, the man with long coat proceeds back and suddenly leap towards the elder man. In the very next scene, we see the man coming out of the place with blood all over his face. It began to rain, and I began to think.
Did the young man kill the man sitting at desk? If so, then why? If not, then when will the reason be disclosed?

10 Best Russian Films

Many people are interested in what the 10 best Russian films are as the culture of the former Soviet Union remains intriguing after Cold War. The list compiled below showcases some of the best Russian films that will offer a glimpse into the lives of people living in that country.

1. “What Men Talk About” (2010). This modern comedy is considered one of the best Russian films as it reveals how Russian men interact with their male peers, and their perceptions of women, career, and money. Russian culture is effortlessly captured by the four main characters in the film.

2. “Kandahar“ (2010). Although “Kandahar” is a relatively new movie, it is already perceived as one of the best Russian films because of its relevance with the current war in Afghanistan. This film depicts the true story of five Russian crew members being captured by the Taliban in 1995

3. “Ivan the Terrible“ (1944). This historical epic film portrays the rise of dictator Ivan, and how he rules with absolute of power over the will of his people. This is one of the best Russian films in history because it reflects truthfully the past of the nation. The second part of “Ivan the Terrible” was censored by the Russian government.

4.“Alexander Nevsky“ (1938). Another historical drama film, “Alexander Nevsky” is widely considered as one of the best Russian films, and the directors were awarded the Stalin Prize for the film. This film celebrates the tenacity and courage of Russians as it portrays the failed invasion of the Holy Roman Empire.

5. “Ballad of a Soldier“ (1959). The winner of the BAFTA Award for Best Film, “Ballad of a Soldier” is without a doubt one of the best Russian films. Without diving too much into war, this film focuses on various kinds of love amidst the turmoil of a military conflict.

6. “Solaris“ (1972). An internationally acclaimed film, “Solaris” is a psychodrama set in in a space station. It explores the interiority of a psychologist who is about to embark on a journey to space.

7. “White Sun of the Desert“ (1969). One of the most popular Russian films of all times, “White Sun of the Desert” is a fantastical combination of music, comedy, drama, and action. It follows the adventure of a Red Army soldier who after several battles is finally able to reunite with his family.

8. “Little Vera“ (1988). The winner of multiple awards, “Little Vera” focuses on the coming-of-age of a school girl, who after graduation feel trapped by her town and by the Soviet society. It is controversial for some explicit sex scenes.

9.“The Cranes Are Flying“ (1957). This excellent film is a post-WWII creation that depicts the damage and trauma of the Russian people after the devastation posed by the war.

10. “Seventeen Moments of Spring“ (1973). The protagonist of this film, Stirlitz, has become one of the immortal characters in the Russian cinema. The film portrays the life of a Russian spy who tries to sabotage the plots of the Nazis

By: Sharon Yam

Break Studios Contributing Writer

 

Mission: To watch All ‘Oscar Winning Best Foreign Films’

MCC is on a mission to watch all the Oscar Winning Films in the category of Best Foreign Films. Below is the complete List of Best Foreign Film at the Academy Awards which we will be watching during this spree.

2009 The Secret in Their Eyes
Directed by Juan José Campanella, Argentina

2008 Departures
Directed by Yojiro Takita, Japan
Departures follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job.

2007  The Counterfeiters
Directed by Stefan Ruzowitsky, Austria
– Based on a real life counterfeiting plant was set up with prisoners in the concentration camp in Sachsenhausen.

2006  The Lives of Others
Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Germany
– Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck takes a hard look at East Germany, before the fall of the Berlin Wall, where a mind-boggling one in fifty citizens spied on the rest.

2005 Tsotsi
Directed by Gavin Hood, South Africa
– Six days in the violent life of a young Johannesburg gang leader.

2004 The Sea Inside
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar, Spain
– The real-life story of Spaniard Ramon Sampedro, who fought a 30 year campaign in favor of euthanasia and his own right to die.

2003 The Barbarian Invasions
Directed by Denys Arcand, Canada
– During his final days, a dying man is reunited with old friends, former lovers, his ex-wife, and his estranged son.

2002 Nowhere in Africa
Directed by Caroline Link, Germany
– A German Jewish refugee family moves to and adjusts to a farm life in 1930’s Kenya.

2001 No Man’s Land
Directed by Danis Tanovic, Bosnia & Herzegovina
– Two soldiers from opposing sides in the conflict become trapped in no man’s land during the Bosnia/Herzegovina conflict in 1993.

2000 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Directed by Ang Lee, Taiwan
– Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a Wuxia picture, a Chinese genre involving magic warriors, flying monks, and noble swordsmen. Starring Michelle Yeoh, Chow Yun-Fat and Zhang Ziyi.

1999 All About My Mother
Directed by Pedro Almodovar, Spain
– Young Esteban want to become a writer and also to discover the identity of his father, carefully concealed by the mother Manuela in Alomodavar’s masterful melodrama.

1998 Life is Beautiful
Directed by Roberto Benigni, Italy
– A Jewish man has a wonderful romance with the help of his humour, but must use that same quality to protect his son in a Nazi death camp.

1997 Character
Directed by Mike van Diem, The Netherlands
– Jacob Katadreuffe lives mute with his mother, has no contact with his father who only works against him and wants to become a lawyer, at all costs.

1996 Kolya
Directed by Jan Sverák, Czech Republic
– The perfect grouch meets his match in a five-year-old boy named Kolya in this heart-warming drama.

1995 Antonia’s Line
Directed by Marleen Gorris, The Netherlands
– A Dutch matron establishes and, for several generations, oversees a close-knit, matriarchal community where feminism and liberalism thrive.

1994 Burnt By The Sun
Directed by Nikita Mikhalkov, Russia
– A moving and poignant story set against the corrupt politics of the Stalinist era.

1993 Belle Epoque
Directed by Fernando Trueba, Spain
– In 1931, a young soldier (Fernando) deserts from the army and falls into a country farm, where he is welcomed by the owner (Manolo) due to his political ideas.

1992 Indochine
Directed by Régis Wargnier, France
– Set in 1930 in French Indochina against a backdrop of political tension between the French and Vietnamese. Catherine Deneuve and Vincent Perez star.

1991 Mediterraneo
Directed by Gabriele Salvatores, Italy
– On a magical Greek island a soldier discovera that it is better to make love instead of war.

1990 Journey of Hope
Directed by Xavier Koller, Switzerland
– The story of a turkish poor family who tries to emigrate illegaly to Switzerland.

1989 Cinema Paradiso
Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore, Italy

1988 Pelle the Conqueror
Directed by Bille August, Denmark

1987 Babette’s Feast
Directed by Gabriel Axel, Denmark

1986 The Assault
Directed by Fons Rademakers, The Netherlands

1985 The Official Story
Directed by Luis Puenzo, Argentinia

1984 Dangerous Moves
Directed by Richard Dembo, Switzerland

1983 Fanny & Alexander
Directed by Ingmar Bergman, Sweden

1982 Volver a Empezar (To Begin Again)
Directed by José Luis Garci, Spain

1981 Mephisto
Directed by István Szabó, Hungary

1980 Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears
Directed by Vladimir Menshov, USSR

1979 The Tin Drum
Directed by Volker Schlöndorff, Federal Republic of Germany

1978 Get Out Your Handkerchiefs
Directed by Bertrand Blier, France

1977 Madame Rosa
Directed by Moshé Mizrahi, France

1976 Black and White in Color
Directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, Ivory Coast

1975 Dersu Uzala
Directed by Akira Kurosawa, USSR

1974 Amarcord
Directed by Federico Fellini, Italy

1973 Day for Night
Directed by Francois Truffaut, France

1972 The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie
Directed by Luis Buñuel, France

1971 The Garden of the Finzi Continis
Directed by Vittorio De Sica, Italy

1970 Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion
Directed by Lee Kresel and Elio Petri, Italy

1969 Z
Directed by Costa-Gavras, Algeria

1968 War and Peace
Directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, USSR

1967 Closely Watched Trains
Directed by Jirí Menzel, Czechoslovakia

1966 A Man and a Woman
Directed by Claude Lelouch, France

1965 The Shop on Main Street
Directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos, Czechoslovakia

1964 Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Directed by Vittorio De Sica, Italy

1963 Federico Fellini’s 8½
Directed by Federico Fellini, Italy

1962 Sundays and Cybele
Directed by Serge Bourguignon, France

1961 Through a Glass Darkly
Directed by Ingmar Bergman, Sweden

1960 The Virgin Spring
Directed by Ingmar Bergman, Sweden

1959 Black Orpheus
Directed by Marcel Camus, Brazil

1958 My Uncle
Directed by Jacques Tati, France

1957 The Nights of Cabiria
Directed by Federico Fellini, Italy

1956 La Strada
Directed by Federico Fellini, Italy

1955 Samurai, The Legend of Musashi
Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki, Japan

1954 Gate of Hell
Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa, Japan

1953 [No award given apparently]

1952 Forbidden Games
Directed by René Clément, France

1951 Rashomon
Directed by Akira Kurosawa, Japan

1950 The Walls of Malapaga
Directed by René Clément, France/Italy

1949 The Bicycle Thief
Directed by Vittorio De Sica, Italy

1948 Monsieur Vincent
Directed by Maurice Cloche, France

1947 Shoe Shine
Directed by Vittorio De Sica, Italy