- The Killer
2023 – Thriller – 1h 58m – 3 in scale 1-5
Director: David Fincher, Interpetations: Michael Fassbender, Parents Guide, Sophie Charlott, Tilda Swinton, Monique Ganderton, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell
The great David Fincher returns by bringing to the screen his beloved graphic novel of the same name by Alexis Nolent and Luc Jacamon. Here we follow the story of a professional hitman who finds himself hunted by his own bosses after a ‘job’ goes wrong. As the two-sided pursuit continues around the world, he must also face his own personal demons, which in some cases prove to be more dangerous than his physical pursuers.
Michael Fassbender takes on the central role of a stylish hero who seems to be going through a mini identity crisis. Determined to right his wrong, he tries to hold on to what he knows and trusts: “Stick to the plan,” “show no mercy,” he repeats obsessively to himself, the Smiths’ “How soon is now” in his ears. . Fincher crafts a fast-paced film with a strong stylization and artistic style that harkens back to his story’s comic origins. Perhaps this is what takes away from the overall depth, although we’ve seen a similar recipe applied more effectively in the past, such as in Nicolas Winding Refn’s multi-layered and mysterious Drive.
- A Brighter Tomorrow
2023 – Drama – 1h 35m – 3 in scale 1-5
Director: Nanni Moretti, Interpetations: Nanni Moretti, Margherita Buy, Silvio Orlando, Barbora Bobulova, Mathiew Amalric.
The distinguished Italian filmmaker Nani Moretti presents a film with a personal stamp, signing direction, script and leading role. The latter belongs to Giovanni, a middle-aged director, who begins shooting his new film. At the same time, the relationship with his wife (and producer) is going through a crisis, while his main financier is also on the verge of bankruptcy. As for himself, he will now be asked to adapt to a rapidly changing film industry, which seems to have left him behind. Moretti makes a largely self-referential film that contains several apt observations about today’s film environment – especially the scene where Giovanni meets with the Netflix representatives is simply delightful. On the other hand, there is the boxed story of the film. It stars Silvio Orlando as a local secretary of the Italian Communist Party, who finds himself in an awkward position when Soviet tanks invade Hungary. The political finally gets mixed up with the personal, in a bittersweet film, in which, however, the main flaw is – ironically – its somewhat old-fashioned character.
- Opponent
2023 – Drama – 1h 59m – 2,5 in scale 1-5
Director: Milad Alami, Interpetations: Ardalan Esmaili, Marall Nasiri, Payman Maadi, Arvin Kananian, Joonas Sartamo, Bjorn Elgerd.
Iranian-born but creatively raised in Sweden director Milad Alami tells a family story, which has both social and personal content. Unable to stay in Iran anymore due to a scandal, Iman and his family are forced to flee to Sweden. There they live in an immigrant reception center, waiting for a residence permit, while he, a professional wrestler, becomes a member of the local club. Soon, however, a series of rumors will disturb the family’s life even more. On the one hand, the illiberal regime of Iran, which forces people to migrate, and on the other hand, a secret desire that asks to come to the surface. Iman, played in an exemplary manner by the excellent actor Paiman Maadi, finds himself in the midst of countervailing forces, called upon to make an inherently unfair decision.
- The March to Rome
2022 – Documentary/Propaganda – 1h 38m – 3 in scale 1-5
Director: Mark Cousins, Interpetations: Donald Trump, Alba Rochwacher, Mark Cousins.
Irish-Scottish filmmaker Mark Cousins examines the rise of fascism and the Far Right, beginning with Benito Mussolini’s rise to power in Italy in the early 1920s. Through rare footage, we follow the later dictator’s infamous march to Rome, as well as the myths that were later created around her. Through the narration of Cousins himself, and with the participation of the Italian actress Alba Rohrvacher, the documentary traces the history of fascism, reaching up to Donald Trump and his supporters’ invasion of the Capitol.
