SBS Film - Paradise

Didn't realise that this was actually a book, and having seen the film --> I can't imagine the book would be very different, but i would totally read it!

From the website:
On the low end of the totem pole at the tabloid newspaper where she is employed, Annika Bengtzon (Helena Bergström) receives a call from Rebbeca Bjorkstig, encouraging her to write a story about ‘Paradise,’ a foundation that protects women from domestic abuse. Having herself been the victim of domestic violence, Annika is sympathetic to Paradise’s cause. After taking a call from a distressed woman named Aida, who claims to be suffering at the hands of her abusive partner, Annika ensures Aida is taken care of by Paradise. However, Annika later discovers that Aida is wanted by the police for questioning about a murder, and that Paradise may not be what it seems…

The film totally sucks you in at the beginning with the Baltic (?) wedding scenes, and then the frantic terrible chases that follow. The "love interest" reminds me of Hugo Weaving, with a gap in his front teeth! There is a confusing scene/montage where there is an attempt to link Annika's abusive relationship experience with that of Aida, which is a little stretched and confusing given we haven't met Annika at that point.

Story : 7.5/10 it's interesting and has a bizarre plot development at the end which although totally unnecessary for the film makes complete sense now that I know it's a book.

Photography: 7.5/10 I liked it, it was a bit gritty, but it helped that the actress was so lovely to look at!

SBS Film - Something like happiness

Something Like Happiness

From website:

"...follows three childhood friends, now in their young adulthood, from a mid-sized Czech city. The trio tries to crystallise a role in life while struggling to cope with parental pressure on one hand and depressing physical and social conditions on the other."

Really sad film, but really good to watch. Helps to broaden one's mind on how others have to cope how little choice people have in other countries. This is the one with the dysfunctional mother and her good friend who looks after her children. The good friend's boyfriend has moved to America and is waiting for her to come to him there. The third party is the guy who has stayed in Czechslovakia and tried to be original and live by renovating his old family home. Happiness is almost reached and then taken away.

Story : 8/10
The way the director has made these three sad people interesting, and for the viewer to care about then while still providing some hope in this film is a gift of genius. It's not a higher score just cause it's a sad story.

Photography 7.5/10
There's nothing wrong with it, it perfectly captures the feel and grit of the situation, but as the situation isn't pretty so the aesthetics aren't pretty.

SBS Film - Letters to Father Jacob

Postia pappi Jaakobille (original title) 2009

I LOVED this, and I like the original title even better (said like jacobi)
It's a quiet film, really only two characters, but there is a twist at the yes cheesey but bittersweet end.

Story : 9/10 for me (perhaps not everyone!) It was a great plot but then beautifully handled by the media of film. It didn't feel slow to me as the mystery around leila was intriguing enough.

Photography : 8.5/10 lovely, but not hard it's in a lovely isolated forest somewhere in Finland.

from the website:

Leila (Kaarina Hazard), a newly pardoned convict, agrees to work as an assistant to a blind pastor. Father Jacob (Heikki Nousiainen) spends his days answering the letters of the needy, which Leila finds pointless. But when the letters stop, the pastor is devastated and Leila sees their importance and finds herself cast in a new role.

Director

• Klaus Härö

Cast

• Heikki Nousiainen
• Esko Roine
• Jukka Keinonen
• Kaarina Hazard

SBS Film - King's Game

Kongekabale (original title) (2004)

Director: Nikolaj Arcel
Writers: Nikolaj Arcel, Rasmus Heisterberg, and....
Stars: Anders W. Berthelsen, Søren Pilmark and Nastja Arcel

Really good to watch. had to download the end from the internet just so I could watch it (bloody SBS programming!)

From the SBS Filmsite:

Starting a new job as a political journalist at a leading newspaper, Ulrik Torp (Anders W. Berthelsen) witnesses a brutal struggle for power in the Midparty's ranks – a struggle that coincides with the party's charismatic leader's involvement in a near fatal car accident. A flurry of lies and media speculation surround the incident. Gradually, Ulrik unearths a ruthless conspiracy involving the incumbent prime minister and becomes obsessed with bringing the truth into the light. But neither his colleagues nor the politicians are willing to listen to him, and as election day draws near, Ulrik finds himself alone, battling against the powers that be.

Story 8.5/10 great plot, great character development, a fun "heist" like ending, but realistic and believable.

Photography: 8/10 well it's copenhagen, lots of grey (and I mean LOTS) but used well, some of the contrast in some night scenes isn't awesome but otherwise it's nordic!!

SBS Films - You Bet Your Life

SBS Films - You Bet Your Life: "Kurt (Georg Friedrich) is an unemployed gambling addict who lives with his girlfriend, Manu (Gerti Drassl). On a losing streak, Kurt sheds the last of his cash at a card game and tries unsuccessfully to get more from Manu. He then tries to get money from his devout Christian dad. A chance encounter with a woman named Elvira (Claudia Martini) leads to a temporary winning streak at roulette with a seemingly lucky gambling die. Kurt starts using the die to help him make decisions in his life."

WEIRD ending, I've got the flu so it took me a while to get it.
I kept being alternately repulsed and attracted by the lead actor, so he was kind of awesome, perfect for the role.

Photography - 8/10
Feel - 8/10
Story - 6/10 not too original..but a few nice turns.
Again - maybe, middle of the scale.