lee_eisenberg

If you've seen any martial arts movie, then you probably know that most of them have convoluted plots - often set in old China - and are mainly an excuse to show off the characters doing all sorts of crazy stunts. That's definitely the case with Johnnie To's (called "The Bare-Footed Kid" in English). The actual plot involves a unshod poor man seeking protection in the provincial capital amid intrigue, but the action scenes are undeniably the highlights (on top of that, it doesn't have the ending that you might expect). It just reminds us that kung fu is one of the great contributions to world heritage, and that Hong Kong cinema is among the most fun out there. You're sure to have a good time.

I've seen a number of Ken Russell movies over the years. I have no doubt that "Women in Love", "The Devils", "Tommy" and "Altered States" must've shocked audiences when they came out. But not only had I never seen "The Secret Life of Arnold Bax", I had never heard of Arnold Bax. My knowledge of famous music is mostly limited to the composers from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the notable stuff from the '50s, '60s and '70s.

So, Russell's TV movie looks at Bax (played by Russell), emphasizing his relationships with pianist Harriet Cohen (Glenda Jackson in her final role before entering politics) and dancer Annie (Hetty Baynes, whom Russell married after the movie aired). It's not any sort of masterpiece, just a look at the later years of someone whom people today might not have known about. Low production quality, but an interesting piece of history.

Available on YouTube.

Sean Penn's directorial debut looks at two brothers in a small midwest town, both having taken opposite paths in life. Joe (David Morse) is a deputy sheriff with a troubled family life. Frank (Viggo Mortensen) is a Vietnam vet with no creed except cynicism. Eventually, everything has to come to a head.

Every movie directed by Sean Penn that I've seen has a gritty side, and this might be the grittiest. There are basically no truly "good" characters. I understand that the movie takes influence from John Cassavetes (to whom the credits pay tribute, along with Hal Ashby). Whatever the inspiration, it resulted in a fine piece of work, showing Sean Penn to be one of the best people in Hollywood. I guess that the only downside is the behind-the-scenes participation of Steve Bannon, years before he became one of the leaders of the alt-right. The rest of the cast includes Valeria Golino (of "Rain Man" and "Hot Shots!"), Patricia Arquette, Charles Bronson, Sandy Dennis (in her final role), Dennis Hopper, and a brief appearance by a young Benicio Del Toro.