3 movies i saw lately
mysterious skins
set in the suburbs, the movie examines the different effects childhood molest has on two boys. one child blocks out the entire event from his mind, believeing that he was being abducted and experimented by aliens, thus embarking on his relentless and peculiar quest to find the truth. the other, while comfortable with his sexuality, develops into an aloof teenage male prostitute. after a series of events, their paths finally cross in a touching scene finale. this movie is cleverly woven, filled with witty humour, and supported by a good cast that play the leading boys' mothers and friends. it is a tale of innocence loss, growing pains, inner demons, irresponsible pedophilia, self-acceptance and relationships. good soundtrack too.
****1/2
crash
i shan't discuss the plot here too much lest i violate it. suffice to say that it's a series of stories all set in a city, where the characters' lives inter-cross one another's. there isn't a central story but rather a central theme - racism. the characters, from a vast array of ethnic backgrounds and stereotypes, clash with one another when discrimination, doubt and insecurities get the better of them, in the events of car crashes, robberies, accidents, sickness, death, and other unfortunate events. i like how values and relationships of the characters are explored, tested and exposed by these events. the characters may be different, but they are somewhat haunted by the same fears, and bound by the same values. the show offers no direct conclusion. but that is what is real and endearing about it. life doesn't offer direct black and white (pun intended) answers all the time.
*****
seven swords
set in ancient china, this movie is a straight forward tale of heroism, comaraderie and courage. after a promising start, which sees some great fighting choreogaphy, the movie quickly slides into a boring series of unconvincing scenes, of which some are totally unnecessary and do nothing to the plot. on the contrary, it frustrates and slows the movie down a few notches. not much is done to explain the background of the 7 heroes and their relationship with one another. each of them has a special and distinctive sword, which potency is briefly displayed in the fight scenes. while the story telling is draggy, the movie in my opinion, is somewhat salvaged by the outstandingly portrayed villian, and the fighting sequences, while relying on little wire work and no CGI, are breath-taking and beautiful nonetheless.
***