Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
In the embryonic stages of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival, I can predict it will surpass all expectations because of the astute prescience of Artistic Director Mimi Plauche and Managing Director Vivian Teng. Viewed to date:
“Lingui, The Sacred Bonds”. (French: English Subtitles) Director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun focuses on the restricted lives of Muslim women living in Chad; abortion is forbidden, Sharia law prevails and FGM (female genital mutilation) is celebrated. The brilliance of the film lies in the slow but positive rise of women’s wills and rights. FOUR STARS!!!!
“Amira” (Arabic: English Subtitles) Director Mohamed Diab’s sensational scenario is a mind-blowing portrait of a young Palestinian woman’s quest to discover her biological father. Brilliant. FIVE STARS!!!!!
“Flee” (English, Danish) Another FIVE STAR film; an animated documentary by director Jonas Poher Rasmmussen telling the true tale of a young, gay boy’s journey from war torn- Afghanistan to Denmark; a remarkable feat of filmmaking, storytelling and survival.
“The Gravedigger’s Wife” (Somali, Finnish). Poverty infused with great dignity, love and respect permeates this film with unimaginable grandeur and grace. Happily married, “Guled” and “Nasra” struggle to find a means to save Nasra’s life from a debilitating kidney infection; truly sublime. FIVE STARS!!!!!
“Amparo” (Spanish: English Subtitles) A touch too plodding for me but a fair representation of events in 1988, Columbia. A mother tries to salvage the future of her eighteen-year-old son from forced conscription into the Columbian Army. THREE STARS!!!
“For the Left Hand” Staggeringly inspirational; introducing Norman Malone, a left- handed pianist, a child prodigy, maimed at ten, by a maniacal father, but rose to become an iconic teacher and performer. Weeping with admiration, here is a celebration of spirit rarely experienced. FIVE STARS!!!!!
Peneflix
