Review – Review Brisbane

I have 3 double in-season passes, and 3 Buy 1 Get One Free passes to MEMORY to giveaway!

For your chance to win a double pass,
1) Make sure you’re following @reviewbrisbane
2) Like this post,
2) Tag who you’d like to take along with you, and
3) Let me know: What is your favourite memory?

Put your answer on Twitter, Instagram (with the #Memory, tagging @reviewbrisbane), Facebook, or below!

IN CINEMAS NOVEMBER 14

SYNOPSIS:

Sylvia, a single mother, confronts her traumatic past after a chance encounter with Saul, a former schoolmate who stalks her after their highschool reunion. As their relationship evolves, both are forced to face buried memories and personal hardships.

Thanks to Wonderfilm and Potential Films

REVIEW:

What is a film? To me it’s an experience that you view through your own experiences. Life’s not easy. Not perfect. Many times, it’s hard. Things happen to you that you didn’t deserve and it leaves scars in your heart and emotions.

Memory is one of those cold and realistic dramas, focused on the acting and dialogue, but not effects or plot twists. But that does not mean it lacks moments of love, affection, and sensitivity. It was a good ride with strong storytelling and good acting, and it revolves around the uncomfortable and important topic of mental health.

I appreciated the films unique look at dementia and whilst it’s certainly one you have to be in the right mindset for, its worth watching if you get the chance.

Trigger warning: if you’ve dealt with sexual assault on any level this may be hard to watch.

Drive My Car

In Cinemas FEBRUARY 10

SYNOPSIS:

Yusuke Kafuku, a stage actor and director, still unable, after two years, to cope with the loss of his beloved wife, accepts to direct Uncle Vanja at a theater festival in Hiroshima. There he meets Misaki, an introverted young woman, appointed to drive his car. In between rides, secrets from the past and heartfelt confessions will be unveiled. As they spend time together, Kafuku confronts the mystery of his wife that quietly haunts him.

REVIEW:

If you are a fan of little films that seem quiet on the surface but deep down have jarring tremors of emotions, then this 3 hour art-house gem from Japanese writer-director Ryusuke Hamaguchi is a must-see. The director, along with co-writer Takamasa Oe, adapted the script from the short story by Haruki Murakami, part of his “Men Without Women” collection. The story revolves around Russian playwright Anton Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya”.
In what may be the longest prologue in cinematic history, the opening credits finally roll about 35-40 minutes in. But that first segment is absolutely terrific. Probably the most complexed drama this year. First it was an unique exploration of love and loss from the weird relationship between the stage director and his driver. Then it’s an ambitious celebration of life where the our troubled director found his will to live. In between was the beautiful cinematography and score that created the calm and immersive atmosphere whenever the car’s wheels turns.
This movie is incredibly patient. The dialogues of the stage play was slowly revealed. The relationship between the two main characters didn’t really kick in until halfway through. For awhile I thought this movie was going nowhere. However, when the big character change hit, my mind was blown away. It brought so much meaning to the bizarre stories and conversations from the last three hours.
Overall, a layered and gorgeous drama that can be too complexed for me at times.

Thanks to Potential Films