Reviews
My thoughts on books and movies I've read and watched.

Three Colors: Red
Trois couleurs : Rouge
directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski
99 min
It was a captivating film that drew me into its scenes. The original story revolves around a retired judge who enacts unresolved desires through a young woman. While the lead actress delivered a strong performance, I found the rest of the cast less convincing, and at times, the film felt a bit slow. Nevertheless, the director’s mastery of cinematography turned it into a striking visual experience that kept me engaged. Learning afterward that it was the final installment of a trilogy made me wonder if watching the films in order would have amplified its impact.

Frances Ha
Frances Ha
directed by Noah Baumbach
86 min
A warm and delightful New York film. Through the performance of an actress who truly lived her role, we step into Frances’s life, where behind the black-and-white frame she reveals to us poverty at times, hope and determination at others, and always a way of looking at life with positivity. A touching film that was a joy to watch — one that made me laugh, made me sad, and pushed me to empathize. Thank you, Frances, I love you.

Paris, Texas
Paris, Texas
directed by Wim Wenders
146 min
A father confronting his past, a journey, a love story. A beautifully written script enriched with stunning set designs, outstanding performances, and powerful music. A film that could very well answer the questions: Why do some leave? And perhaps, is it not those who stay who are the true forsakers?

Fallen Leaves
Kuolleet Lehdet
directed by Aki Kaurismäki
81 min
A love struggling to ignite in the midst of misery, carried by two lovers who believe life still owes them one last chance. The story unfolds with perfect musical choices, and humor that is both effective and subtle, never forced upon the audience. It’s a warm love story — not a cliché about two lovers striving to reunite, but rather an original take on it. Set in a bleak universe shaped by poverty, alcoholism, oppression, and the scars of war, the performances contribute deeply to the film’s somber atmosphere.

Perfect Days
Perfect Days
directed by Wim Wenders
125 min
Our main character — brought to life with an extraordinary performance — appears to be someone who, despite coming from a wealthy family, chooses to live a simple life, while paying close attention to the smallest details within it. A minimalist figure who excels at his craft and continues his life through straightforward planning. By its nature, the film is quite slow-paced, yet with the lesson it aims to convey and the way it delivers it — combined with a remarkable lead performance — it keeps the audience engaged. Music also takes a prominent place, making it a beautifully crafted film overall.

The Father
The Father
directed by Florian Zeller
93 min
The director made us spend 90 minutes inside the mind of a patient. It was a brilliantly constructed film. Hopkins’ extraordinary performance played a major role in making us feel as though we were truly living inside this mind. We were constantly tossed around within the decaying mind of an old father. Through its masterful use of space and seamless scene transitions, the film managed to hold us firmly in its grip at every moment. At times dramatic, at times comedic, and at times full of unexpected twists, the harmony of these elements elevates the film into a masterpiece.

Drifting Clouds
Kauas pilvet karkaavat
directed by Aki Kaurismäki
95 min
Are you trying to entertain us or torment us? For the most part, the film carries the disturbing weight of Requiem for a Dream, with strong performances that make us feel like we’re part of the misery. Even though the emotional atmosphere it conveys is a deep, dark gray, the use of color within the scenes is strikingly well executed. While the film primarily stands out for its unsettling nature, the moments of humor it incorporates are presented to the audience in just the right measure. Overall, it was a powerful Scandinavian film that made me feel truly immersed in its world.

Holy Spider
Holy Spider
directed by Ali Abbasi
118 min
If you try to watch this film with a mindset accustomed to Hollywood cinema, the narrative structure might throw you off balance.