Tag Archives: Father and son

Ad Astra (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4) : To the stars (and his father)

James Gray’s latest work “Ad Astra” is a slow, introspective science fiction drama austerely revolving around father and son issues from the beginning to the end. Although you may be quite disappointed if you expect something like “Gravity” (2013) or … Continue reading

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The Phenom (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): A baseball pitcher with issues

“The Phenom” is a somber and restrained sports drama which focuses more on psychological elements than physical ones. Mainly revolving around one talented but troubled rookie baseball player, the movie calmly and tentatively examines his longtime emotional issues, and we … Continue reading

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The Confirmation (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): A weekend between father and son

“The Confirmation” is more entertaining and touching than I thought at first. While its overall mood is dry and glum just like its hero, the movie gradually reveals its sweet and humorous side as moving from one small good moment … Continue reading

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Hotel by the River (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): One day of an aging poet guy

South Korean film “Hotel by the River”, the latest work from Hong Sang-soo, relatively feels more melancholic and reflective than Hong’s previous works. While there are several amusing moments of low-key humor as you can expect from his film, the … Continue reading

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Beautiful Boy (2018) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A father and his addict son

“Beautiful Boy” is not so successful despite some harrowing and painful moments it is required to deliver as a serious drama about addiction. Although its mostly non-linear narrative structure initially seems effective at first as its two main characters respectively … Continue reading

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The Wild Pear Tree (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A young writer returns to his hometown

Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s latest film “The Wild Pear Tree” is a long, reflective emotional journey which has a number of memorable moments to be appreciated for their interesting mix of ideas, mood, and drama. Although you may frequently feel impatient … Continue reading

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Sunset in My Hometown (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): A rapper coming back to his hometown

South Korean film “Sunset in My Hometown” is a mixed bag whose weak elements are covered by its strong elements to some degree. Although it is too corny and predictable at times and I am not sure about whether its … Continue reading

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Morris from America (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): African American father and son in Germany

“Morris from America”, which received the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award when it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in early 2016, is plainer than I expected. As phlegmatically observing the bumpy struggle of its young hero in his new … Continue reading

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Kodachrome (2017) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A predictable road movie shot on 35mm Kodak film

In short, “Kodachrome” is your average road movie. Thoroughly conventional and predictable at its every key narrative point, the movie did not surprise me or touch me much. While there are several good elements to notice, they are not enough … Continue reading

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Merry Christmas Mr. Mo (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): A deadpan filmmaking tale of one barber

South Korean film “Merry Christmas Mr. Mo” is advertised as a ‘black comedy stranger than paradise’, and that description is correct to some degrees. While I was a bit disappointed to find that it is not as uproarious or edgy … Continue reading

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