Don't Stop Believing!

So as a close to my blog--since, let's face it, I've had enough trouble fitting in time to do it as is... I've decided to throw out some new films that even I haven't seen. I'll be happy in knowing that my E&P friends may be watching them for the first time at the same time as me. I know the psychic link I've formed with my GREEN team will aid in this :)

I've researched the reviews on rottentomatoes.com for all of these, and picked the ones that got high marks on the "tomato meter." I've also included a couple that I've seen once, don't remember, or came in half-way through and was confused enough to need another viewing. Happy viewing, readers! I bid thee a fond auf wiedersehen, au revior, sayonara, zai jian, adios, and good night.

The Devil's Backbone: Spanish, part one of Guillermo del Toro's Spanish Civil War trilogy. 92% on the tomato meter (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/devils_backbone/)

House of Flying Daggers: Chinese, yet another film with the amazing Zhang Ziyi, 88% on the tomato meter (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/house_of_flying_daggers/)

Run Lola Run: German, directed by Tom Tykwer, 92% on the tomato meter (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/run_lola_run/)

La vie en Rose: French, starring Marion Cotillard who won best actress for her role, 75% on the tomato meter with a lot of word-of-mouth praise from peers (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/la_vie_en_rose/) 

La Vita e Bella (Life is Beautiful)

Blurb: Set in late 1930's Arezzo, Italy, Jewish poet Guido Orefice uses his wit and charm to win the heart of schoolteacher Dora. Their fairy tale romance ends in marriage, and produces their wide-eyed son Giosue. When Giosue's fifth birthday comes around, the happy family's party preparations are interrupted when the Nazi's arrest them and transport them to a concentration camp. Throughout their stay in the camp, Guido must use his gift of wit to protect his son from the horrible cruelties of Nazi-Germany. (I did this one... hope it doesn't suck)

Notables: won 3 Oscars in 1999 for best actor, best foreign language film, and best musical score. Nominated for 27 other awards and won 56 (imdb.com)

My thoughts: 4/5

I'm only giving it a 4 because I honestly can't remember this film very well. I watched it several years ago, in the English dub, and have only seen it a handful of times.

From what I can remember, however, this one is a heart-wrencher. The beginning is extremely endearing and hilarious, and makes both Guido and Dora characters to love. But after the Nazi's move in... well, as history has shown, everything goes to hell. The father-son dynamic is something almost anyone can relate to, and the acting is superb. I have never seen the original Italian, but I would suggest watching it in that format. Solely because the language is beautiful, and I remember the dub being very off from the mouth-movements of the actors.

Pan's Labyrinth

Blurb: "Spain, 1944. Officially, the Civil War has been over for five years, but a small group of rebels fights on unbroken in the northern mountains of Navarra. Dreamy 10-year-old Ofelia moves to Navarra with her delicate, pregnant mother Carmen , to become acquainted with her new stepfather, Captain Vidal, a Facist officer under orders to rid the territory of rebels. Ofelia, who is fascinated by fairy tales, discovers an overgrown, tumbledown labyrinth behind the mill. In the heart of the labyrinth she meets an ancient faun who claims to know her true identity and her secret destiny. But first, she must complete three tasks before the moon grows full. And no one must know: not her ailing mother, or her new friend, Mercedes. Time is running out, for Ofelia and for the rebels. Both will have to battle hardship and cruelty in order to gain their freedom. But, who can be trusted in a time of lies and danger? Is the faun telling the truth...? And if not, who is?"

Notables: Won 3 Oscars for art direction, cinematography, and makeup. Nominated for and won over 60 awards.

My thoughts: 5/5 

This film is amazing, to be frank. It will make you cringe, gasp, laugh, and cry. Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) is an endearing and captivating character that you find yourself relating to, especially if you were one of those imaginative kids back in your day.

The Oscars this film won were well deserved. The believability of these fantastical creatures del Torro brings to life is... well, unbelievable! I found myself shocked at how much there was for my eyes to take in! The story line gives whole new light to what a villain truly is and the power of imagination and the human heart.

The gorgeous Maribel Veruda (Y Tu Mama Tambien) returns as Mercedes, one of the most heartwarming and courageous female characters I've had the pleasure of watching. But don't be fooled by the title (as my mother and I were), this fairy tale is anything but happy, and certainly not kid-friendly. The story is dark, with the only pinpoints of light being Ofelia's unwavering innocence and love for her mother and Mercedes. Don't be shocked if a few moments take you aback--but they're well worth it.

Oh, and I definitely recommend watching it at least once in Spanish. The language is absolutely beautiful, and the voices the actors give their characters only heighten it.