FILMS THAT HAVE MOVED ME
MALCOLM X (1992)
A grand, epically scaled period film, spanning multiple decades. Obviously, it therefore necessitated different styles of costumes, automobiles and physical landscapes etc, which ordinarily, the budget of such a film would accommodate. Not so, Malcolm X. The film was made on a ‘fixed’ budget, NOT AT ALL commensurate with any other period film of similar magnitude and scale. Despite this, I feel it’s a beautifully realised film; especially in the context of my (inside) knowledge of the various obstacles that existed, in getting the film made at all. The filmmaker, Spike Lee, and his colleagues worked in profoundly ingenious and creative ways to overcome the significant obstacle of being significantly under budgeted, yet still completed the film successfully. It’s a testament, not only to Spike Lee’s talent and skill as a filmmaker, but also to everyone who worked so committedly on the film.
CAPERNAUM (2018)
An emotionally searing narrative, featuring equally searing and impactful work from all actors, most, if not all of whom had never acted before. Everyone was deeply compelling; but particularly the two youngest actors. I was stunned, watching certain scenes featuring the baby (my mouth literally agape); wondering how in the world the director had managed to coax Boluwatife Treasure Bankole to do what was needed, so accurately, emotionally, for the scene. Extraordinary. The young actor Zain Al Rafeea was also breathtaking. They all seemed to understand this world, and perhaps, therefore, the work. To watch such phenomenal work from this company of actors was deeply inspiring and humbling. Another gargantuan testament to the skill of filmmaker Nadine Labaki, I feel.
NETWORK (1976)
A profound and visionary work. Stunningly prescient for the 21st century. Brilliantly realised.
CHILDREN OF PARADISE (1945)
The emotional majesty, sweep and power of this work. Haunting. Speaking to our elemental need for love, and to be loved.
NASHVILLE (1975)
A beautiful, poetic work about America, in some sense, I feel. Honestly, I can’t necessarily say what Nashville’s ‘about’ (?!) — just that it’s magnetic, riveting and a colossal piece of work. Beautifully crafted. Brilliant acting, among a bunch of other things.
Each of the following films contain scenes that literally caused me to burst into tears. In each instance, the scenes exhibit profound human connections, in all of their simplicity, complexity, and profound courage. The scenes in question are that much more heartrending because they each take place in context of the characters overcoming dire/severe circumstances.
SUGAR CANE ALLEY (1983)
A grandmother in turn-of-20th-century Martinique, literally sacrificing everything, including, ultimately, her life, so that her grandson can get an education.
LA BONNE ANNÉE (1973)
A scene literally exemplifying the concept of honour among thieves: when one erstwhile ‘thief’, released back into society after years of incarceration, discovers that his former partner in crime (who in the intervening years has become socially ‘respectable’ and successful) has saved for him his share of the bounty from the heist they’d both performed, but for which he had taken the fall, and subsequently gone to jail for. GLORY (1989)
The ‘will and courage’ displayed by men going into a battle they know they are going to die in. What that says about their humanity, ‘courage’, love of self and country; even in the face of the violation and degradation their country subjects them to.
BREAKER MORANT (1980)
Two World War I Australian soldiers, unjustly accused and persecuted for a crime they’re completely innocent of, share an excruciatingly human moment on their way to their firing squad.
LACOMBE, LUCIEN (1974)
A narrative about the preternaturally human need for acceptance and family and the sometimes extreme measures some will go to, to be accepted and to belong. Breaker Morant and Lacombe Lucien moved me so deeply that I sat through two showings, back to back, of each film (LL in 1974, BM in 1980), back in the days when one could
do that in movie theatres!