Honorable Mentions…
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese's The Irishman presents a complex narrative, weaving the life of Frank Sheeran (played by Robert De Niro), a World War II veteran turned hitman for a Philadelphia crime family in the 1950s. This epic mobster film is a masterclass in storytelling, exploring themes of betrayal, the destructive nature of power, and the vulnerability that comes with aging.
Scorsese's craftsmanship is evident as he delves into the futility of human life. The film's nearly four-hour runtime demand commitment, and its depth would require multiple viewings, to allow audiences to fully appreciate the nuanced relationships, political influence, and union dynamics that drive the plot. The performances are outstanding Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci never disappoints. Scorsese’s use of dry humor disrupts the intense drama, providing levity amidst the film's darker themes. Despite receiving ten nominations without a win, the lack of awards does little to diminish the film's artistic achievement. Watching The Irishman, one sees not just Scorsese's passion for filmmaking but also a gift he crafts for himself and his audience.
J’ai Perdu mon Corps (I lost my Body)
This macabre, dreamlike, and visually stunning French film caught me off guard. The movie splits its time between two stories. The first follows a severed hand and its journey, heading somewhere. There are beautiful moments of stillness and the importance of being present that left me in tears. The animation was stunning, and the scene with the rats under the subway was crazy!
The second story is about Naoufel, after losing his parents at a young age, he is moved to live with his uncle and cousin who are indifferent to him and have no sense of boundaries. He becomes terrible pizza delivery boy, who meets Gabrielle at her apartment and they share a moment. In hopes of reconnecting with her, he finds ways to creepily stalk her, which does not end well for him, nor should it. However, the movie is not a love story. I Lost My Body is haunting yet beautiful film, urging us to confront our own stories of loss and the fragmented journey of self-recovery in the face of life’s inexorable challenges.
Other movies (in oder of preference)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
In the absence
Robot Dreams
American Factory
Ford vs Ferrari
The Letter Room
The Cave
For Sama
Quo vidos, Aida?
The Lion King (live action)
