A prostitute struggles to save money for her far-away family while suffering gross mistreatment from her pimp. When she moves into an aging photographer’s spare room, she finds herself growing to care for her new landlord. Through their newfound friendship, the two are both able to heal emotionally and spiritually. Indonesian director Nan Triveni Achnas delivers a film that deftly expresses pain, sorrow, love, and care. The Photograph’s (2007) main actors execute their scenes with poignancy. (RMM: 3/5)
Category: Reviews: N-P
Ida Lupino’s ‘Outrage’ Tackles the Subject of Rape at a Time of Strict Regulations on Content
A young, newly-engaged woman ready to start her life is raped on her way home from work one night. Suffering mentally from the attack, she abandons her life, her family, and her home in an attempt to forget what transpired— and to regain some semblance of faith. Ida Lupino’s Outrage (1950) tackled rape when it was even more taboo than today. Film regulations of the period further limit its scope of exploration on the subject. (RMM: 3/5)
Parker Posey Shines in ‘Party Girl,’ a Capsule of the New York City 1990 Club Ccene
TCM will feature films from 12 decades— representing 44 countries—totaling 100 classic and current titles all created by women. Read more about this here! This very campy film about a party girl who finds her calling as a librarian mainly works due to Parker Posey’s charm. While the fashion is fantastic and the film is… Continue reading Parker Posey Shines in ‘Party Girl,’ a Capsule of the New York City 1990 Club Ccene
‘Night Catches Us’ is Prevalent to the Black Lives Matter Movement
Director/writer Tanya Hamilton creates a dynamic and prevalent film about the plight of Black people in America. Night Catches Us takes place during the 1970s Black Power era, “Marcus Washington” (Anthony Mackie) returns home to his neighborhood in Philadelphia. Cops harass the residents. In this all-Black environment, there is immense tension. He reunites with an… Continue reading ‘Night Catches Us’ is Prevalent to the Black Lives Matter Movement
Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder Give Breakout Performances in ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’
Eliza Hittman’s intimate, raw Never Rarely Sometimes Always follows 17-year-old “Autumn” (Sidney Flanigan) as she ventures to New York City to get an abortion at 18-weeks pregnant. With the help of her trusted cousin “Skyler” (Talia Ryder), the two encounter physical and emotional obstacles in a city far from home. (4/5) Review by Managing Editor… Continue reading Sidney Flanigan and Talia Ryder Give Breakout Performances in ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’
‘Premature’ (2019): Review by FF2 Media
Premature, written by Zora Howard and Rashaad Ernesto Green, is an incredible coming of age film. Seventeen-year-old “Ayanna” (Zora Howard) is a poet from Harlem with big plans to go to a fancy school in the fall. After unexpectedly falling in love with “Isiah” (Joshua Boone), Ayanna is forced to grow up fast as adulthood… Continue reading ‘Premature’ (2019): Review by FF2 Media
Neeson, Manville elevate gut-wrenching cancer story ‘Ordinary Love’
Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville star in this gut-wrenching story of resilience. When Joan is diagnosed with breast cancer, she relies on the support of her husband to get through the year-long journey of scans, surgeries and chemotherapy. While the straightforward drama is overly bleak at times, lacking a plot point or two to keep… Continue reading Neeson, Manville elevate gut-wrenching cancer story ‘Ordinary Love’
‘The Photograph’ brings back memories
In writer and director Stella Meghie’s new film, The Photograph, she tells two intertwining love stories from the past and present. When New York-based photographer “Christina Eames” (Chante Adams) passes, her daughter is led to the discovery of her mother’s past life in the small town of Pointe a la Hache, Louisiana. (SYJ: 3/5) Review… Continue reading ‘The Photograph’ brings back memories
‘Panga’ is More than a Sports Movie
Written and directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Panga is about a mother making her return to her passion, kabaddi, a sport akin to wrestling played throughout Asia. Though fairly predictable in its plot, the film is redeemed by unique characters and their compelling relationships. (JRL: 3.5/5) Review by FF2 Media Intern Julia Lasker Panga opens… Continue reading ‘Panga’ is More than a Sports Movie
Freedom and friendship in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’
In Celine Sciamma’s new film Portrait of a Lady on Fire, an 18th century French painter finds herself with a difficult task. Secrets and deceit change the relationship dynamic between two girls. (SYJ: rating 4 / 5) Review by FF2 Media Intern Sophia Y. Jin Set in 18th century Brittany, «Marianne» (Noemie Merlant)… Continue reading Freedom and friendship in ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’
‘The Portal’: How Meditation Can Unify the World
The Portal is an experiential documentary directed and written by Jacqui Fifer, consulting six pioneers on their visions for humanity through mindfulness of meditation. (BV: 3.0/5.0) Review by Junior Associate Beatrice Viri The Portal centers six different subjects, who are philosophers, scientists, and innovators, and even features Sophia the Robot. They speak about their life’s… Continue reading ‘The Portal’: How Meditation Can Unify the World
PARADISE HILLS (2019): Review by FF2 Media
Alice Waddington displays the core evils of a capitalistic society through her direction and cowriting of the mesmerizing world shown in Paradise Hills–everything has a price, even loyalty. “Uma” (Emma Roberts) grew up wealthy, so her family requires her to marry a rich man (whom Uma despises). After putting up a fight about it,… Continue reading PARADISE HILLS (2019): Review by FF2 Media
‘Promise at Dawn’ a Memoir about the Depths of a Mother’s Love
Promise at Dawn, directed by Eric Barbier and co-written with Marie Eynard, is an adaption of Romain Gary’s memoir of the same name. Supposedly near his death bed while vacationing in Mexico, Romain recalls his tumultuous but loving relationship with his mother. A failed actress in Russia, single mother Nina Kachew puts extreme expectations on… Continue reading ‘Promise at Dawn’ a Memoir about the Depths of a Mother’s Love
‘Official Secrets’ Tells Compelling True Story of British Intelligence Officer
Official Secrets tells the true story of Katharine Gun, a British intelligence officer who leaked information to the press in an effort to out illegal NSA spy operations regarding the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Kiera Knightley stars as the whistle-blower, leading an all-star cast in a compelling retelling of a woman who had nothing to… Continue reading ‘Official Secrets’ Tells Compelling True Story of British Intelligence Officer
‘One Child Nation’ tackles intense national issue but fails to finish the job
One Child Nation is a documentary by new mother Nanfu Wang and Jialing Zhang that attempts to search for answers and perspectives about China’s one child policy beginning in 1979. While One Child Nation often tackles the difficult subject with poise, it lacks a cohesive structure and introduces different strings of narratives that struggle to… Continue reading ‘One Child Nation’ tackles intense national issue but fails to finish the job
THE NIGHTINGALE (2018): Review by FF2 Media
The Nightingale is an absolutely unforgettable film that tells the brutal honesty of what living under British colonization was like. It’d be morbid to call it an enjoyable watch, but it is an incredible cinematic experience that’d be a mistake to miss. (HRM: 5/5) Claire (Aisling Franciosi), a young Irish convict, has spent the past… Continue reading THE NIGHTINGALE (2018): Review by FF2 Media
‘Otherhood’: the Awkward, Midlife-Crisis Inducing Stage after Motherhood
Otherhood, directed by Cindy Chupack, is a lighthearted comedy about three mothers in the next stage of life that no one really seems to talk about, the stage after ‘motherhood’. Carol, Gillian and Helen are best friends, who bond over their empty nests. Vindicated after their sons barely acknowledge them on mother’s day, the three… Continue reading ‘Otherhood’: the Awkward, Midlife-Crisis Inducing Stage after Motherhood
OPHELIA
Synopsis: Director Claire McCarthy has breathed new life into the story of Hamlet with her latest film following Hamlet’s lover, the character of Ophelia. This adaptation of Lisa Klein’s novel, which retold the original William Shakespeare classic Hamlet in young adult form, features stars Daisy Ridley and Naomi Watts playing outstanding and commanding women as… Continue reading OPHELIA
OPHELIA (2018): Review by FF2 Media
From IMDb: A re-imagining of Hamlet, told from Ophelia’s perspective. Ophelia opens 6/28. FF2 review coming soon!
PAVAROTTI (2019): Review by FF2 Media
From IMDb: A look at the life and work of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. Pavarotti opens 6/7. Review coming soon!
PAVAROTTI: The Eternal Tenor
In director Ron Howard’s new documentary Pavarotti, co-written by Cassidy Hartmann, the story of the world famous tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, is told. He becomes a house-hold name across the world. The film leaves the audience inspired and amazed by the star’s story. (SYJ: 5/5) Review written by FF2Media Intern Sophia Y. Jin From… Continue reading PAVAROTTI: The Eternal Tenor
Fighting for an Artist’s Legacy in ‘The Proposal’
The Proposal details director and visual artist Jill Magrid’s own journey for access to architect Luis Barragán’s archives in Switzerland— and her controversial means of gaining the owner’s attention. (3.5/5) With Jill Magid’s trance-like narration, The Proposal takes the viewer between Mexico, New York and Switzerland as she works on a multimedia art installation based on the… Continue reading Fighting for an Artist’s Legacy in ‘The Proposal’
POMS (2019): Review by FF2 Media
Martha (Diane Keaton), a stoic introvert, moves to a retirement community. The new living arrangements are filled with an array of clubs and activities at her disposal. Not intrigued by any of them, her new friend Sheryl (Jacki Weaver) suggests that she start a cheerleading squad for her peers. While setting up the squad, they… Continue reading POMS (2019): Review by FF2 Media
Patricia Clarkson Leads Neo-Noir Homicide Investigation in ‘Out of Blue’
Based on Martin Amis’ 1997 novel “Night Train,” Patricia Clarkson stars as a lead investigator in the death of a leading astrophysicist (Mamie Gummer). Although the stellar cast is more compelling than the story itself, the science fiction elements make director Carl Morley’s Out of Blue a unique homicide puzzle to piece together. (BKP: 3.5/5)… Continue reading Patricia Clarkson Leads Neo-Noir Homicide Investigation in ‘Out of Blue’
Summer Vacation Takes a “Supernatural” Turn in ‘Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase’
In Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase, directed by Katt Shea and written by Nina Fiore, Nancy Drew and her friends partake in a spooky summer adventure as they investigate a seemingly haunted mansion and expose a hidden conspiracy. (BV 3.5/5.0) Review by Intern Beatrice Viri Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase introduces the… Continue reading Summer Vacation Takes a “Supernatural” Turn in ‘Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase’
On the Basis of Sex is a feat of historical drama
On the Basis of Sex (directed by Mimi Leder and written by Daniel Stiepleman) is a historical drama that recounts the early beginnings of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s legal career with stunning clarity, intensity, and nuance. (DLH: 4.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Dayna Hagewood The first scene in On the Basis of Sex shows a… Continue reading On the Basis of Sex is a feat of historical drama
ON MY SKIN (2018): Review by Katharine Cutler
Based on a true story, On My Skin is the haunting death of Stefano Cucchi, killed after being arrested for a minor crime. The film explores the week he spent in custody and attempts to give an explanation of his psyche before his tragic death. (KAC: 4.5/5) Review by FF2 Intern Katharine Cutler Directed by… Continue reading ON MY SKIN (2018): Review by Katharine Cutler
THE PARTY’S JUST BEGINNING (2018) Review by Giorgi Plys-Garzotto
Karen Gillan makes her directorial debut with The Party’s Just Beginning, a movie that—while it has its problems—has punchy dialogue, vivid characters, and a lot to say about life as a millennial. Gillan’s direction gives the film a frenetic electronic score and some vital, real performances that make up for any failings in the script.… Continue reading THE PARTY’S JUST BEGINNING (2018) Review by Giorgi Plys-Garzotto
Narcissister Bares All In Fascinating Documentary-Drama Hybrid
Brooklyn performance artist Narcissister combines her own stage performance work with graphic animation and her brother’s home videos to explore the nature of her parent’s relationship and familial history as it lives on in her life and work. The result is the fascinating and emotional piece of art documentary, Narcissister Organ Player. (HRM: 5/5) Review… Continue reading Narcissister Bares All In Fascinating Documentary-Drama Hybrid
Unconventional ‘The New Romantic’ captures humor of Generation Z
Aspiring journalist and hopeless romantic Blake Conway takes on a new endeavor to preserve her column in her college’s newspaper in director Carly Stone’s The New Romantic – becoming a sugar baby. (BV 3.5/5)