LPS Magazine Picks For Oscar Worthy Flicks
Defiance
What happens to the human spirit when justice is denied? Does it seek revenge? The Belski brothers answer boldly in “Defiance”. Ed Zwick’s direction of this 1940’s Holocaust film, set in Belarus, is as captivating as his work in “Glory”, “Legends of the Fall” and “Traffic”. Starring roles went to Daniel Craig – the latest James Bond lead, Liev Schreibner from “The Sum of All Fears”, and Jamie Bell, who gathers momentum from his recent “Jumper” role. Defiance, adapted from a book of the same name, documents a true but untold story. This Paramount Vantage picture will remind you why real life can be more exciting than fiction.
The reunion of four brothers comes with the startling realization that horrible crimes are being committed in their homeland. The Nazis were eradicating Jews from Russia so the Belski brothers find solace in the dense forests of their youth. Struggling to search for food and answers, Tuvia[Craig] and Zus Belski[Schreibner] become reluctant leaders to many others who need help. As alliances form and human weaknesses rear their head, their survival is challenged by ever-increasing threats.
Craig, Schreibner, and Bell are impressive in their portrayal act brilliantly as they expose their souls and show what courage is like at the core of a human being. Zwick and Clayton Frohman’s adaptation tell a truth so ugly but also accurate. Strong violence and some language cause this 2 hour and 17 minute movie to be R-rated. Though probably not appropriate for children, it may also be tough for others to handle. “Defiance” may have a heavy hand in changing your perspective on the Holocaust. Many movies about this time period often show many other people groups fighting for the Jews. It is also inspiring to see them fight so arduously for themselves.
Doubt
Trust. Discipline. Grace. Deception. Truth. A place of certainty becomes an epithet of doubt. John Patrick Shanley, most famous for his Oscar award-winning screenplay of “Moonstruck”, is a playwright by trade. Luckily for us, he has brought another play to the big screen with “Doubt”. Meryl Streep whose notable performances and nominations are too many to list and Philip Seymour Hoffman, a great chameleon actor whose roles range from “Mission Impossible III” to “Capote”, are the pillars of this film.
Supporting this movie are Amy Adams, recently from “Enchanted” and Viola Davis, often in smaller metaphorical screen roles (her words paraphrased). Davis is also a stage actor and played the lead character’s mother in “Antwone Fisher”. Shanley and his actors tackle a relevant but difficult subject matter. Even though the theme may make us uncomfortable, it is addressed in an intellectual way perhaps making it more digestible.
The story is set in the year after JFK’s death and takes place in a Bronx Catholic parish and school where Father Flannigan (Hoffman) and Sister Aloysius (Streep) have conflicting leadership styles. Sister Aloysius rules with a hard disciplined hand contrary to Father Flannigan’s more gracious approach. A series of suspicious events unfold that make us unsure about the intentions and perceptions of our main characters. Both Father Flannigan and Sister Aloysius come to the crossroads of making difficult decisions. When children are involved, quarrels tend to get messy and that makes the actions and words of Sister Aloysius, Sister James (Adams), and Mrs. Mitchell (Davis) even more costly. The majority of the scenes take place in the school’s complex giving us an outlook of the unique dynamic between students, teachers and priests. Acceptance, power, and reputation play a huge role in this film.
If for nothing else, scenes between Streep and Hoffman are comprised of exemplary acting and deserve to be watched. The same can be said about the scene between Meryl Streep and Viola Davis walking through the concrete park nestled between buildings. This director distinguished great shots of simple things, a relatively simpler time, and of not so simple characters really well. A daunting soundtrack topped it off. According to a former professor of mine, plays rely more strongly on words and concepts than they do on the time and space that film creates.
Although adaptations sometimes struggle to be translated, the themes that this director creates are notably crafted. Shanley does not shy away from sensitive topics regarding children and/or the Catholic Church as the PG-13 rating may suggest of this 2 hour film. During times of uncertainty, some disregard the hard questions and others face them with the courage and fear of their souls. How do you know that you’re really sure about something that no one else quite believes; including a little part of you? This contemplative movie will make you change your mind again and again.
The Boy In The Stripped Pajamas
When a historic crime against humanity is told through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy, innocence finds its way through the maze of hate. “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is based on the book of the same name written by author John Boyne and adapted by writer/director Mark Herman. Herman brings mostly British actors such as Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, and Jack Scalon to play his characters. The female lead went to Vera Farmiga, an American of Ukrainian ancestry, who we’ve seen in “The Departed” and “The Manchurian Candidate”. “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” is a delicately crafted film on a tragic occurrence – the Holocaust - that shows how humanity still exists in the midst of evil.
We follow a young German family who moves to suit the demands of their father’s military duties. Bruno, the younger of two children, is actively trying to discover his new surroundings far away from his friends and home in Berlin. Even the watchful eyes of his parents and other guardians (some are soldiers) cannot quench the thirst of Bruno’s curiosity. Bruno sees through eyes that only kids choose to see through. He is unapologetically honest and questions everything that doesn’t quite fit. The only thing that he can control about his life is showing up for his new friend, Shmuel.
Much of this ninety-minute ‘Pajamas’ flick is meant to show a perspective that is neither purely combative nor purely victimized. Although rated PG-13, some sensitive thematic events may be difficult to watch even in a story told by a child. Viewers that enjoy narratives or historic settings may find significance in this movie. This life-changing film shows the importance of a child’s lack of prejudice and the unfortunate result of ignorance. ‘Pajamas’ is truly one of the great films of the year.
Movie reviews by Casey Elle. Casey Elle is a writer pursuing her master’s degree in media studies. She finds joy in brilliant writing and is electrified by smart television and film. Casey Elle falls more in love with her husband every day and is in awe of the magnificence of God.
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mitchell davis
March 28th, 2010
[...] restaurant reviews by our buddy Mitchell Davis - the only person we’ve ever heard of who’s …Spring 09:Original Issue Oscar Worthy Flick Picks …Davis is also a stage actor and played the lead character’s mother in Antwone Fisher. Shanley and [...]