Right Words

Below are several films I’ve enjoyed recently, listed chronologically by year of release.

Disclaimer: Most of the films below are rated PG or PG-13 since that aligns with my moral comfort zone. As a rule, I do not support the elements in R-rated films (graphic violence and conjugation, extensive profanity, etc.). If I recommend an R-rated film, I’ll note its rating in my review and explain why I still recommend it. There are methods of sanitizing (or avoiding) movies with more objectionable content (VidAngel, pluggedin.com reviews, etc.) if you’re so inclined.

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (2002). What an interesting movie about a re-education camp in Maoist China. At the heart of the story is a bittersweet love triangle. I’d call it PG-13 for one brief conjugal scene.

Le Fils/The Son (2002). A unique French film about loss and forgiveness. It’s secular but has a redemptive message.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002). True story of some half-Aboriginal children’s escape from a re-education camp and long journey home.

Saints and Soldiers (2003). I watched this WWII film three times before I realized it was LDS-produced. Light on their doctrine, as was The Other Side of Heaven (2001), which I also recommend.

1944 (2015). This film provides a unique Estonian perspective on WWII, since that Baltic state was caught between the Third Reich and the Soviets, with countrymen fighting each other at times.

The Martian (2015). Riveting extra-terrestrial survival film! I thought that it might be boring, but it certainly wasn’t. I like Matt Damon in general as a lead, but I think that some of the swearing is gratuitous. Still, it’s a good story reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, since both men have to teach themselves skills necessary for survival in their settings. To me, that’s one of the biggest takeaways from survival films besides the courage that protagonists display in the face of death.

Suite Française (2015). Set in occupied France during WWII, this film explores the relationships between French villagers and a German division billeting with them. It reminded me of both Island at War (2004 British TV series) and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018 Netflix film), both of which I enjoyed — more so the latter.

Heritage of Love/Revolution 1917 (2016). This film reminded me of Dr. Zhivago in some ways, since the protagonists are White Russian and not Bolsheviks. Multi-generational love story.

Victoria (2016-17), Season 1 of 3. A Masterpiece miniseries, this one exceeded my expectations and complemented Young Victoria (2009) with Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend so well. With Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert central to the plots of the series and the movie, the right chemistry between the two leads is critical, and IMO both platforms succeed. If you like the movie, watch the series, since the presentations are both tasteful. I’ll report on Seasons 2-3 in future posts, Lord willing.

Arctic (2018). One of the most unique and intense (terrestrial) survival movies I’ve ever seen. Suspense until literally the final seconds of the film!

Ad Astra (2019). Suspenseful futuristic tale of a second-generation astronaut trying to locate his father, who led a previous mission to Neptune, but whose communications have lapsed. Good acting all around, but a few “GD’s” to put up with.