Watching Movies - II

Here is my short take on the movies I've seen in the last month or so. A rating of 3 stars or more means that the movie was satisfying enough to me and worth seeing.

   

City of God *****

            Brilliant, frightening, spectacularly violent, brave portrait of life in Rio slums

 

Sophie’s Choice *****

            Deeply affecting Holocaust survivor’s story; great acting, esp. by M Streep

 

Africa – The Serengeti ****

             “There is neither malice nor remorse on the Serengeti.” Terrific footage.

 

Maria Full of Grace ****

            Sad, suspenseful, seamy side of drug trafficking, just a tad melodramatic

 

Notes on a Scandal ****

            Decent movie with no likable characters, good acting, contrived in places

   

Omkara ***

            Creative adaptation of Othello, not w/o Bollywood kitsch but has moments

 

The Beautiful Country **

            Contrived, pat, manipulative, too many holes, ending somewhat decent

 

                                   See also Watching Movies - I