Some DVD Reviews

Information Technology Librarian Matt Benzing has offered brief reviews of four DVDs he's recently seen:

Animal Kingdom

Gut wrenching crime drama from Australia that earned a best supporting actress nomination for Jacki Weaver. Well written, well acted movie with a cohesive thematic structure and a dark view of crime and punishment. Reminded me a lot of Sean Penn's At Close Range, but even grittier. One of those movies that you think about for days. 

Electric Shadows

Nostalgic, sweet, yet tragic story about how a woman, her daughter, and the boys and men in their lives are comforted by movies and buffeted by fate. Not exactly a Chinese Cinema Paradisio, but similar in its love for film and its yearning for a lost innocence. Many reviewers have pointed out that the story rests upon a number of incredible coincidences; I think that this is intentional and is meant to echo the contrivances of the old movies the characters embrace. Well acted (especially the kids), well directed, and beautifully photographed.

                                                   


 Never Let Me Go

I can't say too much without creating a "spolier," although it’s not really that kind of film; it plays its hand early on. A  group of young people at an exclusive school learn that they are being raised for an unpleasant purpose. Not a suspense film like you might think; it's not about trying to escape or outrage at their plight but rather a parable about the way in which people can be conditioned to accept anything, a society wants the benefits of technology but closes its eyes to the costs, and the fact that we all are in a desperate situation but go on about our lives like we have all the time in the world. Beautifully shot, too.

 

Baraka

 

Tremendous movie with no dialogue, no narration, just gorgeous evocative images from around the world, demonstrating the fragility and beauty of our planet and the highs and lows of human existence. The title translates to "Blessing," and that's just what it is.

All of these DVDs are available at the Folsom Library, thanks to the generosity of Friends.

Adrienne Birchler
Coordinator
Friends of the Folsom Library