rickykaye Reviews

Children Underground (2001)

deeply disturbing but fascinating

[9/10 · 13 February 2002]

I was curious to see this film having spent time in Bucharest several years ago. I never ventured onto the subway but did have occasion to go into the underground....which is necessary in many European cities since the streets are often quite wide and difficult to cross. This is particularly true in Bucharest where everything that the former dictator built-- the buildings, the roads, etc. all appear to be on steroids. Add to this the fact that so many of the nominated documentaries (and foreign films) are never properly distributed here --even in NYC..In any event, this is a very disturbing film; at times difficult to watch and as I recall the film makers received considerable criticism on their decision not to "interfere" with what was taking place --to allow the physical and mental abuse of the children by the older "leaders of the pack" and by the parents who also appear in the film as well as the lethal consumption of lead paint taken by the children to get them high and that clearly was contributing to their deteriation. It was stark, disturbing, very difficult to watch but incredible filmmaking , nonetheless.

Beijing Bicycle (2001)

Good but not great

[7/10 · 12 February 2002]

I liked Beijing Bicycle...but, then again, I am a sucker for most foreign films, particularly Asian films ...but unlike most Chinese films....this one seemed to meander and I guess I kind of compared it to What Time is it Over There, though Taiwainese..but I saw that last week and really found that more cinematic, more interesting and involving. maybe it's a cultural thing, the level of patience, one could call it stubborness and the NY Times reviewer had compared the main character, the bike messenger to the young teacher in "Not One Less" who was also a paragon of determination and quite relentless in her efforts... much like the boy here attempting to recover and re-recover his bike.So, I'm glad I saw it but I feel that way about most foreign films I have seen....

Amores Perros (2000)

a stunning and compelling film

[9/10 · 12 February 2002]

this is what film is about or should be-- involving, compelling and sometimes shocking, but not in a gratitous way -- it is raw at times,but so is life..particularly in a place like Mexico City......glad I finally go to see it ... Kim's Rocks....