Had it been a decade and a half ago, anything detailing the darker part of Indonesia’s political years would come with hefty risks. Nowadays, not only can “Sang Penari” be shown on every cinema, but people can freely flock to a film focused on the events surrounding the Suharto’s New Order era. Ifa Isfansyah’s directorial effort is a tribute to how far the country has come in terms of democracy.
Artistic license on the concept of life after death is exercised in Goran Dukić’s film — but not without a cause. If you’ve watched Richard Matheson’s “What Dreams May Come” without feeling morally outraged, “Wristcutters: A Love Story” a fantastic complementary piece.
“Were the World Mine” is funny as it is moving. Tom Gustafson’s and Cory James Krueckeberg’s choice in a campy execution is acquired taste, but it contains a message relevant to all with a soul.
Tom Hooper’s film adaptation of David Seidler’s screenplay, “The King’s Speech”, is an artwork rich in dialogue and impressive scenes. Simple, moving, and incredibly funny, it is a gem performed by some of the top echelons of today’s film industry.
“Never Let Me Go” is a story about clones. It is also about what it is to have a soul in the midst of being told otherwise. This adaptation is a soft yet precise approach to Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, reminding those who wept while reading the book to prepare for the same bitter-sweetness in the film.