I’ve taken the liberty of re-entering society and learning about pop culture over winter break via film. Here are the movies that I’ve watched (and liked!) over winter break (so far):
The Graduate
I just saw it on Netflix and thought that I should finally watch this classic movie that I’ve heard so much about.
Burt’s Buzz
I really loved this documentary about the co-founder of Burt’s Bees, as I already told you. It’s really not so much about an entrepreneur, but looking at life through someone who never wanted to be start a business. He just found some bees and was in the right place at the right time. I want to be him.
Cutie & The Boxer
Documentary about two Japanese artists who have lived together for years. It was a pretty sad story because being an artist isn’t easy and sometimes the person you marry isn’t easy either (is the diplomatic way to put it). I love stories of families in struggle.
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
I saw and exhibition by Ai Weiwei when I went to Toronto last year and have been meaning to watch this documentary about him for ever. It was really wonderful to learn more about him, his history, and the projects that drive him. Really articulate artist. I really liked listening to his perspective. It was another sad movie for me.
Populaire
After watching a bunch of sad movies, I thought I should cheer myself up a little since I was already down to begin with. I indulged with Amélie. I remembered how very much I liked that movie and Netflix recommended this movie next. It wasn’t as quirky, but I still really liked it. Old (time period setting) French romanic comedy.
Sidewalls
Then after watching Populaire I was like, ‘more foreign movies please!’ This was also recommended. It was darker and I was starting to get frustrated because I found myself rooting for a happy ending (I won’t spoil it). Regardless, I thought the way they told the story and the pacing was super interesting. It had a different quality than most movies, I think.
Ida
I didn’t know this was a foreign movie, but it also was. It is a gloomy movie, but good in it’s own quiet way. The main character has such a dower expression throughout. Her black eyes kind of pierce the scenes. I liked it, but it has a slower pace than people might enjoy.
Into the Woods
This was actually not netflix! I went to see this yesterday with two of my old friends. I really enjoyed it. I didn’t know anything about it and I didn’t even know it was a musical (I love musicals). I liked it, but I also felt like there were so many separate stories happening that it felt a little unsatisfying at the end. Like you don’t get that feeling of resolve. Despite that, I like the humor of the movie, it juxtaposed bright musical acts and with the darker plots of the Grimm Fairy Tales.