Change Your Image
diddy5000
Reviews
Maria Full of Grace (2004)
difficult to watch,
I have seen this film at Deauville Film Festival in France. Film is sometimes difficult to watch because of subject matter. But Director Joshua Marston make film that is necessary. Story of desperate girl in desperate circumstances is good drama and opens up our eyes to important problem on social level and personal level which is its great achievement. Catalina Sandino Moreno is exceptional as Maria and this, to me, is greatest part of film. Without her I do not think it would be successful. The great tension created as she goes through process of carrying out her smuggling is fascinating to watch and she gives it so much dimension. Her performance is mesmerizing and very moving in its stoicism. These are probably reasons why it was given awards at deauville and deserved. But film is not perfect, not truly great finally. The largest problem of film is that it is predictable at times and finally to me and there are loose ends unresolved.
Duane Incarnate (2004)
Humorous Unique Magical
I have recently to see this film at Deauville Festival Du Cinema Americain and was taken by it. I see many of the other films in the schedule but this is the one that stand out for me. Performances were exceptional. Story was mesmerizing. I think it is difficult to make good comedy and director Hal Salwen accomplish this beautifully. When character of Duane dances in particular sequence in film it was funny and beautiful. Also sequences when it snows very magical. Film is simultaneously simple yet complicated. Have told many friends about this film and cannot wait for it to come to Paris so that they can experience it. Have been waiting a long time for next film from author of Denise au telephone who has many fans among my group of friends.