Persepolis, The Counterfeiters, Baghead
Persepolis
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
This may be an animated film on the outside but don’t let that fool you. This is a heavily political, self-aware, coming of age film that focuses on an inquisitive Iranian girl that turned into a strong Iranian woman. I have to admit that I didn’t understand the politics because I don’t know much about the history of Iran. So, it took me a while to get used to the background of the story. Things really started to pick up when the focus turns to the character; how she had to lose people she loved because of the Islamic Revolution, her immigration to western Europe, her experience with boys, and her eventual return to her home country. I thought this was a very insightful film but the drama wasn’t heavy-handed. In fact, there were a lot of humorous scenes from time to time in order to make the story a little lighter. I could relate with the main character’s rebellion even though I didn’t go through the same things she did, whether it’s hanging out with people who are outsiders themselves or immersing herself with hard rock music. Her most sensitive episodes when she came to be embarrassed of who she is and where she came from is not far from what I had experienced when I had to assimilate when I was new in America. This really is an impressive not-so-ordinary animated film because it aims to bring down barriers: that animated movies are mainly for children. I must also give kudos to Vincent Paronnaud and Marjane Satrapi for writing and directing this good-hearted picture. I also admired the voice-over of the main character by Chiara Mastroianni. I enthusiastically recommend this movie because it’s something different and it really does have a great message about our relationship with our cultural identities.
Counterfeiters, The (2007)
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
I thought I’ve already seen all the kinds of stories about the concentration camps in World War II so this movie really surprised me. This is the first time I’ve seen a movie that took the angle of the counterfeiters’ experience in the camps (I wasn’t even aware that the Nazis had the operation until I heard about this film). Not only is it interesting, the style of it made me feel like I was right there with the characters. Although slow in some parts, those are more than forgiven because the film is undeniably well-written and well-directed. I got this feeling that desperation is always in the air even though the characters are being treated “well” (as opposed to the ones not in the counterfeiting operation). All of the actors did a convincing job playing their roles, notably Karl Markovics and Devid Striesow. They embodied their roles with such intensity that it was fascinating to see them interact. I also enjoyed how each character can be placed different points on the moral spectrum; their choices in action and words make them complex characters worth spending time with. This is generally a very good film but it’s even better if one is hoping for a different vantage point regarding the victims in the concentration camps.
Baghead
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
I adore films that are able to prove that you can make a movie for basically next to nothing, but if it has a clever script then most of the other crucial components will come into place. I must mention Jay Duplass and Mark Duplass for writing and directing a movie that made me laugh and feel fear most often wrapped in one scene (some of the humor are borderline darkly comic). Even though it took its merry time to establish the characters and their motivations, hand-held camera and all, it was an interesting watch from start to finish. We find out something about each character after each minute, whether they may be talking about nothing or just sitting in awkward silence. Speaking of awkward, I did adore the awkward humor, which I don’t want to go into specifics because I don’t want to ruin the surprise for those who are interested in watching the film. I also want to commend the four actors: Ross Partridge, Steve Zissis, Greta Gerwig, and Elise Muller. Even though their acting might be a bit amateurish, I liked their zeal. Somehow, their style worked because I feel like they are people I can meet anywhere; they seem very amicable. But I must say that they’re really good at freaking out and being cute with each other, basically the extremes. As for the horror aspect of this picture, I have to admit that I did get scared at times, especially during the night scenes, specifically in the last thirty minutes. This is a pretty effective horror-comedy that almost feels like a documentary because of the hand-held camera. Don’t let the low budget scare you because the filmmakers really do have something interesting to offer.
