arikde

"Eu Tu Eles" tells the story of Regina Case. A headstrong peasant woman in dusty rural Brasil who needs the support of 3 men to fulfill the traditional role of a husband. Each of the men help her attain different areas of fulfillment - a economic provider, a soulmate, and a lustful sexual partner.

Its a simple story and you do feel that the movie drags on much more than necessary as it shows how people are mutually dependant. The soundtrack of the movie is excellent, and I think what makes it work is the background - the pallete of the story set in rural Brasil. Directory Andrucha Waddington and cinematographer Brendo Silveira used prominent reds, browns, and ochres, fading into deep shadows to give a dusky, lusty beauty to the landscape. Its a very raw beauty - the clouds, the trees are prominent, and stagnant which go on to enhance the location of the story and the lives of its main protagonists.

Indian movie seems to continue to come of age. Mr. & Mrs. Iyer is a refreshing departure from the plethora of Indian movies based on the identity crisis facing the Indian diaspora (please God, no more movies on ABCDs).

The background of the movie sees India at conflict with itself; this Hindu-Muslim divide providing a tense background to in effect a beautiful "love" story between two strangers. This is the movie's strenght - the politics remain in the backseat while the focus is solely on the interaction of the lead characters. Modern India of the conservative Hindu and the liberal Muslim is played out in subtle nuance filled scenes (ex, drinking from the water bottle) etc. Over the course of the movie, the characters learn to trust from each other and understand that they do need each other. The evolution of their relationship makes this movie a must-see. Aparna Sen's gentleness is very evident throughout the movie.

As an Indian, this movie can be hard to watch. I agree with some of the other posters, it celebrates violence and plays into a western cliche of religious relations in India. It fails to address the tremendous harmony thats present in a country of 1 billion people. Yet, its also a call for Indians to understand that the euphoria in a country can mask concerns of religious intolerance which Indians must face together. Perhaps a wakeup call that our democracy wich has worked so well is in danger due to vested political interests.

"L'Auberge Espagnole" (LAE) tells the story of modern Europe - an Europe that struggles with unification issues while trying to maintain the identities of each of its individual members. Set against this background, LAE is a coming-of-age story of Xavier - a graduate student from Paris who moves to Barcelona to learn Spanish - apparently a sure fire way of landing a job @ the MoF in Paris.

Leaving behind his girlfriend (Audrey Tautou), he finds himself sharing a Barcelona apartment with a group of fellow 20-somethings from across Europe. The city, with its striking architecture, nearby beaches, and buzzing nightlife, offers Xavier a wealth of opportunities, and he comes to enjoy the camaraderie of communal living. But will his friendship with a shy married woman (a very SULTRY Judith Godràche) lead to romantic fulfilment?

Klapisch's screenplay, though, has its share of comic stereotyping: it's the laddish British visitor (Kevin Bishop) who provides the "jokey" Hitler salute and walk, and it's the German guy who believes in a disciplined revision schedule. The Italian who is always late, disorganized and into techno (and wears cool shoes), and the Danish who like his country does not play a significant role.

However, the movie disappoints as Xavier's romantic entanglements feel underpowered - besides, I was left with the feeling that he learns too many of life's lessons without really having a strong grasp.

I left the theatre disappointed - while a fun film, everything seemed to be surface like - the exploration of the supporting characters, the lessons of life Xavier learns, and the ending - all seems a bit too shallow in face of the messages that were trying to be conveyed.