The film is a portrait of writer’s block and its struggle. It is a drama that hits close to home (for me) because I grew up in Illinois. Directed by Kate Cobb, she brings her audience to a world of detrimental stress in the life of a writer. Okie is artistic with a vast landscape of a soul-focused direction.
The film’s main character is Louie (played by Scott Michael Foster). Louie feels that reality is hitting him hard. He has a bad past with a deceased parent. Louie is on a journey back to his home around De Kalb, Illinois. The frustrations contain a sense of tension (based on Louie’s reputation as a writer).
What is intriguing about Okie is its continuing purpose of getting through hurdles. Louie is the one dealing with them. Louie has success from dishonesty and lies. The many old folks around him do not forget that. More frustrations unfold, and Okie is a journey that contains harsh pasts, connecting again (with others), and common grounds complex.
Okie is a blur written thoroughly (because its main character is in one throughout the film). Its writing and portrait of aggravation take the cake cinematically. Once one event goes wrong, another one does after. Okie is full of surprises on the realistic levels of life challenges. Three out of four stars for Okie.
The film is a subtle portrait of a historic period. The 1940s setting of dynamics is moving continuously. Written and directed by Maura Delpero, Vermiglio is the title of its home. It is a film about a mountainous village (that is secluded) that brings in a breathtaking direction of an array of individuals. It is through education, love, and war. Those many aspects have the presence of quality in Vermiglio.
The film is a relationship with angles of frustration. Its characters (who are in love) are Pietro (played by Giuseppe De Domenico) and Lucia (played by Martina Scrinzi). Pietro is a soldier who is trying to put the war behind him. Lucia is the daughter of a schoolmaster, Cesare (played by Tommaso Ragno). Cesare is one with high expectations. Those who are not motivated make Cesare think otherwise.
With Cesare and his high expectations, approaches to finding love are a subject of curiosity. Quiet pacing (in the film) loops in minds to think deeply. It is a tail of surrealism. Vermiglio dives deep into its odyssey of finding the ability to accept.
The continuity of Lucia and Pietro is what stands as audacious in Vermiglio. The bond of their love is where the writing weaves heavily on (from many angles). Vermiglio is a breathtaking masterpiece. The emotions swarm with curiosity. Three-and-a-half of four stars.
The teenage era of creating a self-image leads to cinematic misdirection in Toxic. This is a dark and detrimental drama that fueled the 60th Chicago International Film Festival. Teens and beauty which combine in a recipe of courage and self-destruction. Written and directed by Saule Bliuvaite, there is a lot of turmoil among the adolescents in Toxic. The subject ofpopularity provides a constructive setup, and the country ofLithuania provides an interesting setting. The rural areas lead toboredom. Therefore, the teens aspire to feel a sense of connection to reality, as well as a sense of purpose. Toxic is a title with layers to its context. The poor choices the kids make cause a deranged ride where pleasure and popularity are no easy game.
The film focuses on Marija (played by Vesta Matulyte) who lives with her grandmother in an industrial area. She makes a new friend named Kristina (played by Leva Rupeikaite) who is stubborn, rebellious, and does what she can to feel cool. Marija learns from Kristina how to be a rebel. They both have dreams of becoming fashion models, so they enroll in a modeling school. Their behaviors are intertwined—drugs, sex, partying, and so much more. Their focus on being “cool” causes them to hit some harsh plateaus which portray teenage angst and disconnect. Bliuvaite’s direction results in an international sensation created through showcasing a mixture of risky behaviors and associated thrills. This film is a portrait of howyouthful generations still have much to learn. Four out of four stars for Toxic.
Movies with Tarek 