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thekarebear
Reviews
Away from Her (2006)
Polley's subtle direction.
Just got done watching this film on DVD. Do I ever wish I could have had the opportunity to experience it on the big screen now! For a writing/directing debut, Polley's efforts are nothing short of amazing. She should be commended for this monumental achievement in Canadian film. The performances she got out of her leads (and all the cast) are sheer brilliance.
Of course the slow/gentle pace of the film was deliberate, but it works within this narrative to a tee. I thought the picture editor, through subtle strokes, successfully captured a slice of the wrenching experience in which one partner helplessly watches the other slip away. Thankfully he knew just when to hang on the leads performances to a capture the most important dramatic beats.
I have yet to read Alice Munro's short story "The Bear That Came Over the Mountain," though I am planning to pick it up in the near future.
Road to Victory (2007)
Something Different
Saw this film at ReelHeart Film Fest with my boyfriend. We both liked this film, but for totally different reasons. He liked because he was an athlete in high school, and a little bit in college, so he completely identified with the main character. I thought it was more of a relationship film, which showed some of the realistic difficulties couples go through.
Given what the film is about (sexual dysfunction), some of the scenes were really tough to watch, but at the end of the film, we ended up walking out of the theatre hand in hand, not really saying much, but just thinking about the film.
I think this film would be good for couples to watch, especially young couples, or even old couples who find themselves going through a tough time. We talk about the film sometimes, and how what we saw relates to us (not that my boyfriend has ED!), but more how sometimes we fight because we're too proud to say that we're hurt. I don't consider myself a movie critic, but I liked this film for its message, and how I felt after I saw it.