Change Your Image
john-984
Reviews
Temporada de patos (2004)
a beautifully under stated film that neatly encapsulates the ennui that adolescence can bring
No special effects, frenetic, head-spinning editing here - just a simple story about a day in the lives of two 14 ear old Mexican boys that turns out to be anything but typical. Eimbcke is clearly a major talent in the making,the simplicity belies his canniness and empathy with the human condition. The comparisons with Jim Jarmusch's low key delights are valid, there is a similar languid economy of action, there are also shades of Beckett here too, and Eimbcke has an eye that finds beauty and humour in the most mundane situations.The playing is wonderful throughout, Catano as Moko and Miranda as his pal Flama are the films core and things seem to happen around them, rather than to them, the catalysts are pretty teenager Rita (Perea)the neighbour in need of an oven, and hapless pizza delivery man Ulises (Arreola). I suppose at the film's core is the redemptive power of friendships,as in "Gregory's Girl" or "Stand by Me" both of which share an intuitive insight into adolescence and teenage awakening. There is even a hilarious post credit coda for all us credit fiends that clog up the aisles once the film ends!Simple,heartwarming, surreal and ultimately uplifting. Unmissible.
Gregory's Girl (1980)
Wonderful rites of passage movie, says more about growing up than a million manuals ever could.
Quite simply, one of the best British movies ever made, in fact one of the best movies, period. I watch it about three times a year and never tire of it. A film that is up there with the classic Ealing comedies and has every right to be classed alongside the best. John Gordon Sinclair exudes a gawky, gangling charm as the lovesick Gregory and the rest of the cast are perfect.Jake D'Arcy is wonderful as Phil Menzies, the ambitious sports master, the brilliant Chick Murray is the pompous headteacher, Dee Hepburn is Dorothy, the confident, dedicated new member of the soccer team, Gregory is besotted with her. Clare Grogan of Altered Images is Susan, who along with Carol and Margo conspires to make it an evening that Gregory will never forget. Who's going to be Gregory's Girl? Is it any of them, or is it his kid sister Madeline, 10-going-on-20 years old and his mentor. Special mention goes to Rob Buchanan and Graham Thompson as Gregory's mates Andy and Charlie, who feel that life is passing them by and resolve to get girlfriends. Charlie only has one line, right at the end of the film, but it remains my fave line. If you haven't seen Gregory's Girl, quite simply, you are inadequate!