Category Archives: Capsule Reviews

60th Chicago International Film Festival, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

All We Imagine as Light Review-60th Chicago International Film Festival

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This is an international film in which love is hard to find and morals are put to the test. Set in Mumbai, the many emotions caused by various choices spiral. All We Imagine as Light is centered on finding the moments in life that count. Written and directed by Payal Kapadia, the writing and continuity display a sense of realism that is unforgettable. The emotional and cultural backgrounds in All We Imagine as Light are cohesive and prompt audiences to ponder the ultimate question, “What does the heart want?”

The film features a nurse named Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti). Her life is interrupted when a gift shows up from her estranged husband. She has a roommate, Anu (played by Divya Prabha) who is in love with her boyfriend. These two roommates are experiencing different types of feelings. There is deep meaning to this film although it is a quiet, soft-spoken one. It is a journey where audiences are curious about what Prabha or Anu are thinking. There is a purposeful dynamic focused on finding connections or love.

It is a beautifully written and directed portrait of Mumbai that is enhanced through the cinematography. Much of the lighting is in tune with Prabha’s and Anu’s feelings. There are moments ofsadness, confusion, and acceptance. There are also moments where hardship seems to cause great struggles in their lives. Overall, it is a poetic portrait of finding meaning in life and what one’s heart desires. Four out of four stars.

60th Chicago International Film Festival, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

Hard Truths Review-60th Chicago International Film Festival

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This is one of those rare experiences where honesty finds its brilliance. The film is vocal, vulgar, and has no filter, yet is executed monumentally well. Hard Truths is a dark comedy that is perfect for The Chicago International Film Festival. The characterizations are superb. Written and directed by Mike Leigh, the writing that is part tragedy part comedy are a recipe for many laughs as well as moments which transition to seriousness.

The film focuses on Pansy (played by Marianne Jeanne-Baptiste), who is trying to navigate her own life and struggles. The setting is the United Kingdom. Pansy is vocal and tells the truth without holding back as she keeps fighting to make a point. The story is a portrait of a strong-willed African American woman in an English setting. She is trying to help her depressed son Moses (played by Tuwaine Barrett) while at the same time dealing with other conflicts in her family. The twist to this dark comedy is that the problem is Pansy.

The film is about navigating reality and facing consequences, but also about how society reacts when not everyone is on the same page. The cultural dynamics explore many different rituals and difficult scenarios. It is a joyful rollercoaster that feels bipolar, but the writing is successful at turning the negative into an attention-grabbing work of art. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Capsule Reviews, CUFF 31, Film reviews

Flying Lessons (CUFF 31) Review

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This is one of those rare and distinct documentaries that captures struggle and frustration.  This film displays the art of tolerance while dealing with a crisis and dives into the depths with a blissful meaning and purpose. Flying Lessons is an audacious and gorgeous work-of-art about finding bonding moments in life. Directed by Elizabeth Nichols, Flying Lessons had me questioning how the film found its positive voice. How does it remain optimistic given the issues  beneath the surface that are so difficult to cope with?

Flying Lessons focuses on Philly Abe, a punk artist. The director examines Philly’s life from what she tells her. Philly lives in an apartment on the Lower East Side of New York City and is dealing with an abusive landlord related to issues of fairness and rent. Philly has ways of coping with the stress through music, art, and culture. The film links to a lot of artists in the 80s as Philly talks about her struggles growing up. The story is an experiential ride that throbs with heartache and pain.

Philly is an inspiring force in this surreal story of exploration. She thrives on telling her story, and explaining what she does with her artistic value to stay afloat. The director is skillful atputting herself in Philly’s environment by spending time in her home and listening to the many stories she shares. Flying Lessons showcases the reality of class facing a real problem. It is charismatic in its poetic writing which portrays the evolving patterns of art.

The perspective of a home-life in turmoil based on inevitabledetrimental causes is compelling. The director of Flying Lessonsencourages the audience to use their voice to build resilience and fortitude.  Philly’s daily routine and the development of an amazing artistic path make Flying Lessons intriguing. The mental approaches used by Nichols come from poignant angles which result in light in each word she hears from Philly. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Flying Lessons is destined to be part of the 31st Chicago Underground Film Festival. The festival runs from Wednesday,September 11th to Sunday, September 15th. Flying Lessons will play at the Harper Theater on Thursday, September 12th at 9:30pm and Saturday, September 14th at 12:00pm. Go to https://cuff.org/ for listings, tickets and passes.