19 August 2016.
BLANKA ***1/2 (vo Tagalog)
Blanka is a little orphan girl in the slums of Manila who wants more than anything to have a mother. Her own ran off with some man and abandoned her to the streets. She is a sweet girl who only wants love and a home, but ends up stealing to survive. Until she meets a blind old musician who brings out the best in her, maybe even a career in singing.
This achingly beautiful film, a first feature by the young Japanese director Kohki Hasei, may break your heart but will also open your eyes to the reality and resilience of the multitude of street kids in the Philippines. For that is exactly what Hasei hopes to do with his future films – show the tragedy of slum children in our societies around the world, but with empathy and hope for their plight. One could call this a modern Oliver Twist.
Blanka has won various awards at the Fribourg and Venice film festivals and is a film that you should not miss, for its delicate look at its subject and the brilliant, natural acting of its amateur protagonists. Run to it at the Grutli cinemas.
SUICIDE SQUAD – A film to boycott!
Now this is the exact opposite of the above film, taking the most vile, unappetising characters and making them into a squad of heroes. Here is the lowest common-denominator that Hollywood churns out to make millions and twist the minds of adolescents that see it.
How the talented, “good guy” Will Smith could stoop to such filthy, outrageous garbage that is not even entertaining is a mystery. And a huge disappointment.
Be sure to miss it!
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune Ravar Ingwersen reviews film extensively for publications in Switzerland. She views 4 to 8 films a week and her aim is to sort the wheat from the chaff for readers.
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