MOTHER, COUCH

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Niclas Larsson and Film Movement is a look at family dysfunction with MOTHER, COUCH.

David (Ewan McGregor) is in a bit of a predicament; it seems his Mother (Ellen Burstyn) has decided that to sit on a couch in a furniture store and not move. David’s brother Gruffudd (Rhys Ifans) isn’t much help as he seems more interested in flirting with Bella (Taylor Russell), the young woman who runs the store.

Trying to get their mother to leave, the brothers call sister Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle) who turns out to be not help either. David tries to explain to Anne (Lake Bell) what is happening but she is busy running a household. When Mom won’t leave and night falls, David decides to stay with her until they could figure out a way to help her.

In the middle of the night, Bella returns and stays with David as they make an evening of it. The next morning David meets Marcus (F. Murray Abraham) who doesn’t seem surprised by their presence. Checking on Mom, David hears things that surprise him as she seems to be pouring her emotions out about life and her own disappointments.

He is now juggling a Mother with issues in a furniture store, a brother who seems to be on a whole other level, a sister who doesn’t care, a family that needs him, two other store brothers and living in a store – it is mayhem!

McGregor as David is a man walking on a razor’s edge with the family. His mother seems to have a plan that no one else is aware of, he can’t control the siblings and his own family is suffering from the ridiculousness. McGregor has the amazing ability to pull off any role he is given and in this very different story, although frazzled, is the crazy (literally) glue holding it all together.

Russell as Bella is the young woman who doesn’t seem at all concerned with the situation that is occurring in the furniture store. She sees the world for what it is and experiences a family that is a little twisted. Ifans as Gruffudd is just going with the flow hoping that David will figure it all out and doesn’t mind throwing in his own bits of wisdom. I just love Ifans characters and this is another good one.

Boyle as Linda is a chain-smoking daughter who doesn’t see all the fuss about Mother. She is also waiting for David to make a decision on what to do but if she had her way, she’d grab her and throw her out the door. Bell as Anne knows what the family is going through and wants to be supportive but at arm’s length.

Burstyn as Mother has found her sofa and that’s all there is too that. Sitting on that lovely green sofa, she confesses, spills truths and makes it clear that the children are after affects of relationships. She is amazing in this role and her talent shows no signs of stopping and that is everything to someone like me who has followed her career for years.

Abraham as Marco/Marcus gets a chance to take on duality as Marco and Marcus, two brothers who have just as many issues as David and his siblings. He portrays a unique character that David needs to keep madness at bay.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

The film is based on the 2020 book Mamma I Soffa BY Jerker Virdborg. Larsson takes the look and feel of an Ikea and gives it an American flare of its own. The film is full of symbolism and sadness, quirk and beauty all at the same time. The emotions it provokes are powerful and attempts to teach us how difficult it can be to just, well, let go.

MOTHER, COUCH is a film about family dysfunction, lies, secrets and a mysterious key. The cast gives everything to this film and with their own unique natures but it becomes clearer and clearer as the story unfolds how they all came to this place. It seems as if only David is scrambling by all the events happening and it eventually takes its toll. It is the last ten minutes of the film that the family storm finds its calm.

In the end – he discovers that life is too short!

The Memories are CRACKED

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Surapong Ploensang and Film Movement comes the story of a past trauma and memories that are CRACKED.

Young widow Ruja (Chayanit Chansangavej) has been living in New York with young daughter Rachael (Nutthatcha Padovan) and now must return home to Thailand to settle her father’s estate. Begrudingly returning, she immediately tells Wichai (Sahajak Boonthanakit) to sell everything, including two strange paintings that everyone seems to want.

Wichai suggests that young artist Tim (Nichkhun) be allowed to touch up the paintings to get the best price possible. Ruja agrees making it clear she wants nothing more than to sell and get back to her life in New York. But something is happening to everyone around them and Ruja begins to see strange things.

She is not the only one as Rachel experiences forces that only want to do evil. Even Tim sees the dangers to the young girl. There is something from Ruja’s past at work here and as she tries to escape, the force is making sure she and Rachel stay. When the truth finally comes out, so does the history of Ruja’s family and it is shocking beyond belief!

Chansangavej as Ruja is a young woman in mourning and now dealing with going back home, a place that she never wanted to see again. Her very young daughter Rachael is dealing with sight issues and that take precedent over anything else. What Chansangavej’s character of Ruja didn’t grasp until it was too late is that her own childhood memories are about to prove dangerous to them both. Chansangavej’s portrayal is very well done.

Nichkhun as Tim is brought in to make repairs to a painting that seems to be taking on more cracks at time passes. Tim discovers that there is something more going on with these two valuable paintings and shares his discovery with Ruja. Nichkhun gives us a portrait of a man who cares about the strange events and may have some answers.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

CRACKED is a thriller from beginning to end with a mysterious story that isn’t about to let itself out in big doses. Instead, it twists, turns, misleads and covers up teasing the viewer to find the hidden gems on their own.

The story is unique and stellar, being a big fan of suspense, the film gave me everything and more.  A few quick inhales now and then followed by ‘oh my gosh’ whispers. Surrounded by a very dense forest and serious rain only adds to the mysterious look and feel of the story director Ploensang is trying to convey.

The cast is limited which allows for the viewer to become completely engrossed in the story without any outside interference. Moment by moment is meticulously put into place and when it all comes together – there is always a bit more, and a bit more. Even when the story is finished, it isn’t and I loved that.

Coming in at 93 minutes, it is in Thai with English subtitles but let me say this – its when you don’t hear anyone speak that you should be worried about!

In the end – a horrifying truth lay beneath the paint!

 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH Clocks in on DVD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Veronique Jasin and Film Movement comes the story of a job and what is not in the job description with EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH.

Ines (Jasmina Douieb) works for EcoCleanPro company for over seventeen years and today, intern Melody (Laetitia Mampaka) will be joining her in the office. 

Also in the office are Jean-Paul (Achille Ridolfi), Jean-Pierre (Christophe Bourdon), Nico (Alex Vizorek) and boss Patrick (Peter Van Den Begin) and they make sure it is known that the men dominate this company.

Anna Nilsson (Laurence Bibot) is not on the side of Ines either and that could be a problem too. As Ines learns that she is once again being turned down for a raise while everyone else gets one, she becomes more and more agitated.  The men continue to make cracks about being a woman and Ines is beginning to see red and Melody knows it.

What happens when the bitch-button is finally pushed? Well, mayhem, madness and murder – my three favorite things in a thriller.

Douieb as Inez is wonderful play the meek and quite overworked and underpaid employee of the company. However, something is slowly happening to the meek mouse and the office is about to find out how far she will go.

Mampaka as Melody is watching the change of Inez right before her eyes. She is also thoroughly disgusted by the men in the office and wonders why she tolerates it. Once boss Patrick gets his due, Melody finds herself in the middle of it all. Mampaka’s character seems to go with the flow and although a bit disturbed, it’s not enough to stop helping Inez.

More of the cast include Ingrid Heiderscheidt, Philippe Resimont, Philippe Grand’Henry, Blaise Ludik, Sebastian Moradiellos, Thomas Ancora and beloved fish Jean-Philippe VII. 

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH has become one of my favorite films of the last few years. Coming out of Belgium with French subtitles, it takes nothing away from the laughs and fun of the film adding in a dash or two of the macabre. Keeping the story within the office forces everyone to become creative in how to get away with – well, everything.

There is nothing like watching someone do what we all kind of think of doing and that’s cleaning the office up – Inez just takes it to the max. It also works out well that she knows everything about the cleaning company which fascinates Melody and cracks me up. These two actresses are stunning to watch together.

This is such originality in this strange and wonderful comedy. In looking for something unique to watch time and time again, it will be EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH. It also should be given as a Christmas gift to bosses, you know, just to let them know how to appreciate an employee.

In the end – it is time to clean up the mess!

 

They are Looking for a MIRACLE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Bogdan George Apeitri and Film Movement is a story of a novice and a cop in MIRACLE.

Cristina Tofan (Ioana Bugarin) is a young novice in a small-town convent in Bulgaria. Needing to get away quietly to take care of a personal matter, she is helped by Sister Mina (Nora Covali). The nun’s brother Albu (Valeriu Andriuta) drives her into the city minding his own business as to why she needs to stop and change from her habit to civilian clothing.

Making her way through the city, Cristina makes an odd stop before deciding to move on. She makes an equally quick stop at the local hospital deciding it is time to go back to the convent. Hailing a cab, their drive back is filled with small chat and silence until Cristina once again asks if he could pull over so she can change.

The driver has other plans.

Marius Preda (Emanuel Parvu) is a police inspector assigned to Cristina’s case. Trying to understand her movements, he visits each place and speaks with anyone who would know anything. Back at the convent, Mother Superior and the other nuns are together on their silence, but Preda knows one nun who needs to speak up.

The case begins to tear at Preda who becomes enraged as more people do not speak – especially Cristina. She has a bigger story to tell. The only one that can speak on a moment on that day is the Dr. Matalia Marcu (Ana Ularu). Feeling like he is close to taking the law into his own hands, Preda comes face to face so to speak with the evil that men do.

Parvu as Marius is a man that becomes obsessed with the case he has been given. Knowing that there is so much more to the story than he can get from any person, the frustration begins to set in. Parvu gives us the portrayal of a man who is obsessed with what has happened to the young novice and wants to make it right, but at what cost?

Bugarin as Cristina is a quiet young girl who is caught in between worlds. Finding solace and refuge in the convent will not solve her problems and there comes a moment where she knows that. Bugarin gives us a character that is mousy in her approach with people, and in the case of her taxi driver, one moment of worldly trust leads to a horrific crime.

Other cast include Cezar Antal as Batin, Valentin Popescu as Dr. Ivan, Ovidiu Crisan as Officer Macarie, Marian Ralea as Dr. Mihaescu, Natalia Calin as Sister Sebastiana, Catalina Moga as Sister Sofia, Mirea Postelnicu as Officer Amzea, Dan Grigoras as Agent Ticu, Bogdan Farcas as Florin, Bogdan Tascu as Bordei and Ion Grosu as Officer Bodola.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

Official Selection Mostra Internazionale D’Arte Cinematografica La Biennale Di Venezi in 2021.

MIRACLE is such a mix telling the story of Cristina and Preda. One is the story of a young girl trying to solve a worldly problem in the midst of a convent. The other is the story of a man obsessed with what has happened to this young girl and the frustration that leads to a shocking end.

Keeping the cast small allows the story to play out without distraction. Simply put, the story does not become bogged down by other things which kept my interest. I wanted to know Cristina’s story and I wanted to know why Preda was pushed to the point that he was. The choice of locations to film near the bridge and wooded area become a quiet character in the story as well.

MIRACLE is also an Official Venice Film Festival Selection for Director Apetri. The DVD includes a Director’s Commentary and the Bonus Apetri Short Film ‘A Very Small Trilogy of Loneliness’. A man, a woman and a child are seen by themselves at an isolated location in three sequences that convey a haunting sense of longing and alienation.

In the end – it is about a miracle.

WOMEN COMPOSERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD is WOMEN COMPOSERS: A Cinematic Search for Their Lives in Music by Kyra Steckeweh, Tim Van Beveren with Film Movement.

The documentary begins with “…thus I consider it to be the educator’s duty to suppress the girl’s rising genius and to prevent her in every way from noticing the greatness of her own talents”. Here is the story of how music pushed past that useless belief. Pianist Steckeweh, a classical pianist, wants to discover music written by three women. Mel Bonis, Lili Boulanger and Fanny Hensel.

Hensel grew up in Hamburgh born in 1805 and fled back to Berlin years later. In 1820, Fanny’s father made his feelings clear about her study of music and seemed to back only her younger brother Felix. A professional career in music was considered inappropriate for her. Fanny then met artist husband Hensel and they married. Hensel supported his wife’s music and Sunday concerts began happening. She also travels to Rome and writes of her travels in a book that Steckeweh follows on her own.

At the end of the 19th Century, Paris was finding its own culture and a world exhibition was coming up. Lili Boulanger was born of a Russian mother and French father and in 1893 she was born. Lili showed from an early age that she was musically inclined. Playing the violin, organ, cello and harp, it would be her health that caused problems. Moving to Paris and into a musical building, at age 16 Lili would start making a name for herself. Due to her illness, she would never marry but at 19 she becomes financially independent due to her works.

In 1958, Melanie Bonis was born to a watchmaker father and textile worker mother. When she was 12, showing an interest in music, by the time she was 18 she was recognized by musicians such as Debussy. She eventually changed her name to Mel-Bonis so as to not be known as a woman composer. In 1883, she marries an older man, but Mel is now in a safer position financially which allowed her to return to composing. She begins to write piano and chamber music and from that comes the work, Salome.

Other contributors include Musicologist Prof. Beatrix Borchard, and Tobias Niederschlag

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

Bonus Features of WOMEN COMPOSERS include Q&A with Filmmakers Kyra Steckeweh and Tim van Beveren and Kyra Steckeweh Performs Ophelie by Mel Bonis.

WOMEN COMPOSERS is a wonderful, insightful and informative documentary on three women that even I did not know about. Each of these women came from a time where there works were not celebrated. It did not stop each of them from creating some of the most stirring pieces which is a credit to them all.

War breaks out in the world and the music that is composed is heart wrenching and a glimpse into the world. In the case of Boulanger, it is illness that continually plagues her ability to compose as she would wish too. Yet, through everything these women experienced, the music kept flowing in one form or another.

WOMEN COMPOSERS is a documentary I would hope that all music teachers would inspire to show their students. It is time for the question of ‘why aren’t more women composers played in concert halls’ to be answered. I personally would be thrilled to attend a concert that brings the work of women composers, played by women and conducted by a woman – now that would be a concert!

In the end – three brilliant women and three untold stories!

It is all the Result of a TAILGATE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from writer/director Lodewijk Crijns and Film Movement comes the nightmare of what can happen when you TAILGATE.

Hans (Jeroen Spitzenberger), wife Diana (Anniek Pheifer) and daughters Milou (Roosmarijn van der Hoek) and Robine (Liz Vergeer) are on the road to go visit the grandparents. The traffic on the road is moving at a normal pace until Hans comes up behind a white van that refuses to keep up the pace.

As the line of cars stacks up behind Hans in his lane and trucks taking up the other lane, he flashes lights and honks the horn. Instead of speeding up, the white van slows down until finally Hans manages to go around and speed away. The family’s nerves are on edge from that whole incident, but nothing can prepare them for what is coming.

Thinking it is over, Ed notices the white van following their car. Behind the wheel is Ed (Willem de Wolf) and he has only one thing in mind. Now the family is on the run from a mad man who has no qualms about teaching adults’ lessons on how to apologize.

Spitzenberger as Hans is the typical husband behind the wheel just trying to get from point A to point B as quick as possible. When challenged by the man in the white van, Hans resorts to the usual signs of driver irritation setting in motion every event from that moment on. Pheifer as Diana is the typical wife in the car with the typical husband trying to get from point A to point B without pulling her hair out.

Hoek and Vergeer as Milou and Robine are horrified by what is happening to their family. Once getting to the grandparent’s house, they feel a moment of relief only to discover that crazy can follow a family anywhere. Shout out to Truus te Selle as Trudy and Hubert Fermin as Joop as the grandparents.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

TAILGATE is a film that is a start to finish race to see who will survive. If anything, the film is a reminder of what can happen on the road when a person is impatient. You never know who is in the car in front of you or what their intentions are. Not that we haven’t seen in the news what road rage can do.

The pace keeps the heart pumping, and it is unnerving how calm Ed the crazy is while everyone else is screaming and panicking. Just goes to show you how focused a person can be when you’ve crossed into their line of insanity! Keep your eyes on the road but make sure you watch your rear.

TAILGATE is the Official Selection of FrightFest and the Sitges Film Festival and will be available exclusively at Walmart.

In the end – road rage has its consequences!

Never Underestimate THE COLUMNIST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Now on DVD from director Ivo van Aart and Film Movement is a story of the emotional truths about social media now attacking THE COLUMNIST.

Femke Boot (Katja Herbers) is a Dutch columnist and author struggling to finish her book. Taking a stance on how people can be cruel to one another on social media, she begins to become harassed on social media and even a few death threats. Concerned for daughter Anna (Claire Porro), all of it begins to drill itself into her brain.

Then she discovers that her neighbor is actually one of the people who has been harassing her on social media. It starts to become an obsession and the obsession turns to murder with a trophy. Oddly enough, her writing seems to have found itself after constant pressure from the publicist had slowed her down.

Femke also finds herself ready to start a very unexpected relationship with fellow author Steven Dood (Bram van der Kelen). As much as love is great and all, she can not help but continue to scroll social media and find those who would bring her anxiety level to a sleepless pitch.

Anna is a high school student who protests happenings at her school and is pleased when Femke wants to help her in any way possible. She even likes having Steven around. That changes when she unexpectedly discovers a secret in the garage that has her second guessing everything.

In the meantime, be careful what you post on social media!

Herbers as Femke is amazing in this role giving it everything and more. Starting out just wanting to finish her book and have a break from the pushing of social media, Herbers’ portrayal of Femke is together on the outside and raging on the inside. As a woman who becomes obsessed with each post, journalists and columnists alike get to live out their own anger and hostility towards it all – minus the odd freezer collection.

Kelen as Dood seems to be able to whip out a book in no time which really unnerves Femke. Through their relationship she gets to see another side of him but it doesn’t change her obsession. Porro as Anna is a young woman coming into her own and using her voice. Encouraged by her mother to do so, she is also upset that there seems to be a lack of understanding and she wants to know why. I love that Porro is the rebel teen!

Other cast include Genio de Groot as Arend, Rein Hofman as Arjen Tol, Achraf Koutet as Tarik Bos, and Harry van Rijthoven as Head Master.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

THE COLUMNIST is the story that has many levels to it. First, obviously, is that of a writer trying to make everyone happy without much success. Gee, that is totally relatable to fellow writers on every level. Then there is the aspect of social media that plays and plagues everyone’s life in some for or another. Femke wraps herself in the insanity with a prickly blanket of hate.

The main character is correct is wondering why we can not all agree to disagree without the war of disgusting words. Many, not necessarily writers, wonder the same thing. As a writer I find it wise to stay away from social media because of the ugliness it brings and the emotional detriment it can bring.

Yes, THE COLUMNIST is just a film, but it is a film showing how human beings do not give one flying frog about what Femke is going through. Their right so say whatever they want supersedes the humanity we should be showing to one another. Agreeing to disagree should be a given not an exception to the rule.

That being said, the film is also brilliantly done, filled with dark humor, raw emotion and has a bit that I found my self feeling evil grins escaping from my face. Based on a short story by Windhorst, it plays amazingly as a full film with an ending that had my jaw drop.

In the end – keyboards can be dangerous!

 

 

 

 

SWORD OF GOD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from writer/director Bartosz Konopka and Film Movement comes a story of faith and the misunderstanding of men in SWORD OF GOD.

Willibrord (Krzysztof Pieczynski) is a holy man sent on a specific mission, to find the man Jan (Karol Bernacki). On the boat with other men, he barely makes it to shore but the other men do not. The young man he is looking for finds Willibrord and nurses him back to health. That is when he tells the young man Jan that the king is on his way and it is not to make friends with him or the indigenous people on the island.

Jan takes him to the people and Willibrord is shocked at what he sees. Their leader is Geowold (Jacet Koman) and the people are covered in clay and chanting. Not speaking their language, Willibrord must move slowly with what he does. The goal is to build a chapel and convert the population in order to keep the King appeased.

When Willibrord challenges the shaman, that is when Jan begins to question the elder’s ability to lead the people in faith. In an act of defiance, Jan turns away and pulls half of the people toward him with Prahwe (Wiktoria Gorodecka). The other half with their leader Karenga (Jeroen Perceval) follow Willibrord.

But all the pull back and forth means nothing once the King (Jan Bijvoet) arrives and a secret is revealed followed by what Willibrord feared the most.

And it is all done in the name of God.

Pieczynski as Willibrord is a man on a mission but is it really a mission to bring the indigenous people closer to God? For me that was the biggest question about this character. Piecynski gives a performance of a man confused and turned in so many directors and once he has the fallout with Jan, he seems cemented in moving forward against him. This actor gives a stunning performance of a man who on the outside seems put together but is struggling on the inside.

Bernacki as Jan is a young man who has made the island home. The arrival of Willibrord with news from home does not seem to unsettle him. Taking the elder to meet the indigenous people, he is shocked at the result of their meeting. Turning toward his own faith, it is now Willibrord’s turn to be shocked. Bernacki gives his character a crisis of conscience.

Koman as Geowold has a secret of his own that Willibrord is unaware of at the time he first meets the indigenous people. Keeping an eye on him, he knows where all of this is going, and it is the people he is concerned with. Perceval as Karenga believes in Willibrord because of what he saw during the trial by fire with the shaman. He watches everything but refuses to break away from him.

Other cast include Konrad Beta as Ateb, Marcel Borowiec as Mynothe, Izabela Chlewinska as Juda, Halina Chmielarz as Khari, Olivier De Sagazan as Pem, Dominik Bak as Uwe, Marta Cichorska as Triske, Kamil Dobrowolski as Sentan and Karol Dus as Ahum.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

SWORD OF GOD is the story of men who spout the word of God and use any means necessary to scare the indigenous people. It is Willibrord versus Jan and the people who pay for their break from each other are the people they claim to want to help. Both men believe they are right but right does not stop what is to come.

This is the story throughout history of religion believing they are saving indigenous people. The United States has history of its own with those claiming to be men of God and the Native Americans of this country. SWORD OF GOD is a film that is a lesson to be learned if we so choose to learn it.

The grey and lack of color in the film is perfection because there is certainly nothing here that is colorful or cheerful. Instead, the darkness of the film is almost a precursor to the darkness in the hearts of those who hold secrets for their own gain.

SWORD OF GOD is an Official Selection at Sitges and Moscow International Film Festival and Winner of Best Cinematography at Cinepocalypse and the Polish Film Festival.

In the end – it is a battle between salvation and damnation!

A Thriller with A GIRL MISSING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Koji Fukada and Film Movement comes a film of secrets and the pain of A GIRL MISSING.

Ichiko (Mariko Tsutsui) has spent many years working with the Oisho family's taking care of their ailing mother. Close to the family she also helps Motoko (Mikako Ichikawa) study for an exam that would allow her to also be a private nurse like Ichiko.

When not at working, Ichiko is enjoying her life with a fiancé who has a young son and making a life with them. One day Motoko's younger sister Saki can't be found, and the police are everywhere looking for her. Ichiko does her best to tell the police what she knows as well wanting the girl found.

That is when these two family's paths cross even more as Ichiko discovers that it is her own nephew that is being accused of the crime. Motoko defends her friend and Ichiko is appreciative not knowing there is something more traumatic about to come into her life. The media swarm Ichiko causing havoc in her relationship, at work and being dismissed by the Oisho family.

Trying to undo the damage, Ichiko finds herself on a destructive path that can only lead her to one place - right back at the beginning.

Tsutsui as Ichiko portrays her character as a very warm and understanding person. Making a life with her fiancé and becoming a stepmother is something she is accepting but doesn't seem really to look forward to. When the madness begins, it becomes clear that everything she wanted for her future is about to be destroyed. Tsutsui is endearing and calmly terrifying at the same time.

Ichikawa as Motoko is a young woman who wants to be just like Ichiko and become a private nurse. Looking up to Ichiko turns into something more sad but dangerous at the same time. Turning someone's life upside down does not seem to be something this character has issue with. The talks between the women become weapons for both.

Other cast include Sosuke Ikematsu as Kazumichi Yoneda.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information please visit www.neonrated.com.

The Bonus Features of the film include: Making of Featurette, Bonus Short Film: Love Comes Later directed by Sonejuhi Sinha which is an unexpected discovery forces an undocumented motel employee to make a life changing decision.

This film tells the story of a woman just moving along with her life giving the feeling that she settles for everything she does. From her job as a private nurse (although very caring towards the elder Oisho matriarch), to her relationship and future marriage and life in general.

It is what comes next that turns everything inside out and upside down making her relish the simplicity of that life. Not prepared for the lies, deceptions, shocks or revelations - it becomes almost predicted that a path of destruction brings her to a breaking point.

It is the wonderful performance of both Tsutsui and Ichikawa that keeps the suspense continuing from frame to frame. There is bomb after bomb and, quite honestly, I am surprised that Ichiko was not more reactive. Guess that says a lot about how I handle life eh?

A GIRL MISSING was nominated for a Best Film Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival and an Official Selection at Toronto and the New York Film Festival. This thriller comes in at 112 minutes with or without subtitles from Japanese to English.

In the end - it is a journey she never thought she would take.

Don't Fight A GOOD WOMAN IS HARD TO FIN

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to loaded DVD and digital from director Abner Pastoll and Film Movement is a suspense thriller when A GOOD WOMAN IS HARD TO FIND.

Sarah (Sarah Bolger) is struggling to raise her two young children Ben (Rudy Doherty) and Lucy (Macie McCauley) after the sudden death of her husband in Northern Ireland. Daily she is looking for answers as to who is responsible especially when her young son might have seen something. Coming home with the children and opening the front door, drug dealer Tito (Andrew Simpson) barges in.

Running from a men who represent a drug lord Leo Miller (Edward Hogg), he finds a hiding place after stealing their drugs. He calmly threatens Sarah with a place to stay in exchange for money that he realizes she needs. Never knowing when Tito is going to show up, son Ben finds the stash and Sarah is in for the scare of her life.

Determined to find a way to make Tito go away, she will do anything to protect the children from him. She also realizes that Tito might be able to tell her something about the death of her husband. When Tito is no longer an issue, Miller finds out who was responsible for his stolen drugs.

While Sarah and the kids are shopping, Miller makes his presence known which sends Ben running! She knows it is time to take the kids to her mother's house until everything is ironed out. Confronting Miller is about to put Sarah in a situation where she has no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

Sarah is a good woman pushed to far!

Bolger as Sarah is a woman doing what most mothers would - make sure no one invades their home especially when children are involved. After losing her husband under mysterious circumstances, her life is flipped once again when drug dealers put her family’s life in jeopardy. It is easy to follow Bolger in this role because she has set herself up as a force to be reckoned with, especially lately in her roles as Into the Badlands and currently as lawyer Emily Thomas, wife of the leader of a cartel. She is strong even when she's not and dedicated whether in good or bad. Well done!

Simpson as Tito has put himself in a dangerous situation but does not seem to mind it and when taking Sarah and her children under emotional hostage, he cares even less. Convincing himself that she "needs the money" is one way of clearing his conscious of what he is doing to a family. Doherty and McCauley as Ben and Lucy are caught in the middle of things no child should ever have to deal with. These two small actors are convincing in the terror and that makes for the intensity the story has.

Hogg as Miller is a man who is not about to let anyone get in his way, man or woman. Being the head drug dealer means there is no fear, surrounded by people who will do just about anything you ask for money and do not share the same values for life. That's a difficult role to play but Hogg does so with the right amount of justifiable fear, and he gets my vote for scary.

Other cast include Packy Lee as Mackers, Nigel O'Neil as PC Huxley, Sean Sloan as Jean, Jo Donelly as Betty, Jane Brennas as Alice, Josh Bolt as Donal, Caolan Byrne as Terry,Mary Linsday as Mandy, Susan Ateh as Emily, Siobhan Kelly as Dr. Brady, and James McCaffrey as Conor.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

The DVD includes the Bonus Features of Audio Commentary by director Abner Pastoll, Deleted Scenes, Alternate Opening, Outtakes, Making of Featurette and Behind-the-Scenes Footage.

A GOOD WOMAN IS HARD TO FIND is an intense and ugly ride into a world that most people try to avoid. Sarah tried to avoid it as well caring for her two young children as a single mother. Of course, she wanted to know what really happened to her husband, especially when young son Ben clams up, but when Tito enters their life, it is a case of be careful what you ask for.

There is not a lot of external madness as the story focuses on Sarah as the film starts in a very bloody place. Taking us back to the beginning, we see how and why she came to be in that place and constantly questions the viewer with 'what would you do?'.

Bolger is all in from the get-go and I truly enjoyed her performance. This is a crime thriller to be sure and there is no doubt of that from start to finish but underneath is a story of a woman trying to find answers so that the family she is left to raise on her own can go forward. It does not matter if the answers are ugly, as long as they are the truth. I think Bolger's portrayal of Sarah gives us that.

In the end - she takes one final act of vengeance!

She Lives as a ZOMBI CHILD

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on DVD from director Bertrand Bonello and Film Movement comes the generational story of a ZOMBI CHILD.

Fanny has moved to France from Haiti after the earthquake in 2010 to live with her Aunt Kate (Katiana Milfort). Going to boarding school at Legion d'honneurshe makes friends with Melissa (Wislanda Louimat), a young girl who has the same malaise at Fanny.

Trying to help Fanny fit in, Melissa introduces her to friends to see if they will agree to let her into their clique. The young girl is also dealing with the emotions of her first love Pablo wanting to live in her summer romance.

Fanny has a story of her own to tell about her grandfather Clairvius (Mackenson Bijou), a man who became a victim of kidnapping and a voodoo culture. Clairvius is subjected to a life of

When Melissa learns of it, she secretly turns to Aunt Katy to make the pain of love go away. At the same time Fanny recounts to her new friends what they have seen and has no idea what is about to be unleashed.

Two cultures clash and something evil is about to be unleashed.

Labeque as Fanny is a young girl living so far away from everything she knows. In a new country, the only thing she shares is the language making friendship awkward. Labeque is lovely and exudes a face of a young girl caught between two worlds.

Louimat as Melissa is a young girl living in the dreams of the previous summer and the love of a boy named Pablo. She is determined to do anything possible to avoid the pain of reality. Meeting Fanny, Melissa thinks she may have found a way out of it. Louimat brings a sense of foreboding that is intense.

Milfort as Katy is a woman who understands the voodoo culture of her country and knows the dangers. Yet when Melissa comes to her with a request, she may hesitate but it is the power of that pulls her into danger.

Bijou as Clairvius has the saddest story to tell as it is based on the accounts of a man who claims to be have zombified in Haiti in 1962. What was done to him is beyond horrifying.

Other cast include: Sayyid El Alami as Pablo, Ginite Popote as Francina, Adile David as Salome, Mathilde Riu as Adele, Ninon Francois as Romy, Nehemy Pierre-Dahomey as Baron Samedi and Patrick Boucheronas the History teacher.

Film Movement, founded in 2002, is an award-winning independent and foreign film company that has released more than 250 feature films and shorts. Theatrical releases include American independent films, documentaries, and foreign arthouse titles catalog such directors as Hirokazu Kore-eda, Maren Ade, Jessica Hausner and Ciro Guerra and Melanie Laurent. Bluray and DVD films bring such directors as Eric Rohmer, Bolle August, King Hu, Sergio Corbucci and Luchino Visconti and many more. To discover what Film Movement is all about and find out more about what they have to offer please visit www.filmmovementplus.com.

ZOMBI CHILD is an Official Selection at Cannes, Toronto and New York Film Festival, winner of the Online Film Critics Society Special Achievement Award for "Best Non-U.S. Release and nominated for the Queer Palm at Cannes. The film can also be found on iTunes, Amazon and Vudu.

The DVD also include the Bonus Features of Audio Commentary by director Bertrand Bonello, Bonus Short Film "Child of the Sky" directed by Phillip Montgomery is the story of a young woman waking up in the desert lost and learns she was summoned by a woman and it all has a price.

ZOMBI CHILD is a riveting tale of a story of the past and how it has affected the generations since. Clairvius Narcisse is a victim of his own people causing grief and heart ache to his own family with a legacy steeped in the culture of voodoo.

The intertwining of stories with Fanny and Melissa are filled with teen angst, separation of home and family, desires and decisions that are destructive in ways neither could see coming.

The 'zombi' title brings the feeling that this is not exactly a walking dead story. Instead it is a story of life transformed into something more horrifying. The idea of a control so beyond understanding that it twists the very idea of what the possibilities of being a zombie truly are.

In the end - a generation of horror continues!

RESISTANCE Takes on Survival after D-Day

Jeri Jacquin

On DVD from acclaimed novel by Owen Sheers, director/writer Amit Gupta, Omnibus Entertainment  Film Movement comes the story of a village finding their way to stand strong and show RESISTANCE.

It is 1944 during Nazi-occupied Britain during a difficult time in the war. D-Day has devastated the country while Panzer and Nazi troops invade the countryside. In a quiet village, this particular morning starts with the women waking up to find all the men have vanished.

Sarah’s (Andrea Riseborough) husband is one of the men but she believes he is gone to join the top secret group called BRO. Speaking with the other women, they agree that it is important to keep the home front safe and continue on.

What they didn’t expect was a Wehrmacht platoon setting up an outpost in one of the homes. Leading the platoon is Albrecht (Tom Wlaschiha), a commanding officer who wants to remain low-key while looking for those in the resistance. Albrecht tries to find a common ground with the women of the village but they are emotionally shut down.

What none of them know is that George (Iwan Rheon) is a young man from the village who wants to do his part. After meeting with Tom Atkins (Michael Sheen), he does what is necessary to make a dent in the activities of the group in his village.

When Albrecht befriends Sarah, it confuses everyone including Albrecht’s own men. It all comes to a head when the war moves closer to the village and each makes their own move to resist.

Riseborough as Sarah is just stunning! Her recent role in the stellar film NOCTURNAL ANIMALS and BIRDMAN show her strength in portraying memorable characters and Sarah is one of them. Stoic and conflicted, every bit of it shows in her behaviors and it is impossible not to feel it through the screen.

Wlaschiha as Albrecht is a commanding officer who shows this dual personality. One moment he is thoughtful, emotional and shows caring and then next he has no problem ordering the death of someone. He reaches out to Sarah’s character understanding the rejection but still wanting something other than what the war makes him feel.

Rheon as George is such a far cry from his role in the hit series GAME OF THRONES. In RESISTANCE he is a young man who believes he has a duty to protect the villagers and, as Tom says, he must be prepared to do the unthinkable.

Sheen as Tom has a small role here but it lays the groundwork and understanding of what the men of this particular village face. Kimberley Nixon plays Bethan, a young woman trying to understand what the war is doing to everyone. Melanie Walters as Helen Roberts is a strong woman but knows that perhaps flexibility might be the answer to surviving but the results are disastrous.

Other cast include Stanislav Ianevski as Bernhardt, Anatole Taubman as Sebald, Simon Armstrong as George’s Father, Mossie Smith as Ruth, George Taylor as Gernot and Sharon Morgan as Maggie.

Film Movement is celebrating its 15th year in 2017, Film Movement has released more than 250 feature films and shorts culled from prestigious film festivals worldwide, and last year it had its first Academy Award-nominated film, THEEB. Film Movement’s theatrical distribution strategy has evolved to include promising American independent films, documentaries, and an even stronger slate of foreign art house titles. Noted directors Film Movement brings are Eric Rohmer, Peter Greenaway, Bille August, Marleen Gorris, Takeshi Kitano and Ettore Scola. For more information, please visit www.filmmovement.com.

RESISTANCE is an extraordinary film about the struggles of war added with the fear of survival through this particularly harsh winter. Trying to take care of their own, there is no way this village is going to accept occupation by anyone which is something Albrecht never understands.

It is totally realistic to think that several of the women in the village try to find a compromise with their ‘captors’, even if they know deep down there is no such thing as compromise. RESISTANCE takes the viewer on a journey through every human emotion with shocks that lead to the very end.

This cast is stunning together as Riseborough and Wlaschiha lead the entire film in so many directions it is impossible to take your eyes off the screen.

In the end – the lines are blurred between collaboration, occupation, duty and survival!