Wandar Reviews

Vibrator (2003)

emotional character study of a mentally unstable woman

[10/10 · 27 September 2011]

A beautifully emotional, character driven film! Don't let the title or the seemingly porn-like plot fool you; this is not an overly erotic film. It is about the internal struggles of two lonely people who make a connection based on the need for physical closeness and acceptance. Though most likely just a cell phone reference lost in translation, I like to think the title refers to their use of each other. Though not deceitful nor malicious and perhaps even unknown to their conscious minds, they were only seeking self-gratification. This film deserves all its 21 awards plus more. Shinobu Terajima's role of Rei is the best portrayal of a mentally unstable young woman! The spoken stream of consciousness entwined with short written blurbs was a brilliant representation of her conscious narration in contrast to the uncontrollable thoughts in her head. It's refreshing that this disturbed character wasn't defined by a uniquely tragic past. The flashbacks aid in giving us a glimpse inside her mind, but we get few hints as to the cause of her angst. I think this lack of understanding is what the character herself feels. In the beginning she states, "I don't know why. No one ever hit me." and in the end, "I lust after the hand that knew violence." Perhaps it would be easier to accept herself and her problems if there were an obvious reason for them. This story unravels perfectly from its quirky beginning through its emotional climax to its absolutely flawless ending. It isn't contrived or glorified. The characters aren't changed by a magical epiphany nor will they live happily ever after. It's obvious the character Rei is not miraculously cured because she still buys the wine, gin, and ice cream that she went to the store for in the beginning. The difference is her attitude, her whistle signifying the transmission is over but not to worry. Her life may still be in shambles but she'll survive because, now that she knows someone else can accept her despite her neuroses, she's hopeful that she may be able to accept herself as something good.

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006)

Beautifully Weird

[27 September 2011]

A biography told from the inside out. Instead of a fact-based story told through specific events, this movie attempts to put you inside the artist's mind. It is plain weird, but it works beautifully. It's a film of a curious woman who struggles to fit into society's expectations of ignorance and conformity. She is drawn to oddities and embraces the "freaks" of society. What's not to admire about someone who shows unbiased acceptance of others? It is a theme that is still very relevant today as society continues to shun members based on race, social class, sexual orientation, etc. If you are a typical automaton, this film might be too strange for you. On the other hand, if you've ever wondered what it would be like to lead an atypical life, if you ever found yourself curious about something different then here it is.

Turtles Can Fly (2004)

A modern classic that all should see!

[10/10 · 27 September 2011]

What a uniquely poignant story done with inspiring film-making! This is the first movie filmed in Iraq since Saddam Hussein took over in 1979. You need to understand that all the children in this film are real refugees, many of whom are disfigured. No Hollywood child actor, even with the best special effects, could successfully recreate the scene where one boy pretends his dangling stump of a leg is a machine gun. Also, the cast created the sets themselves with only limited local resources. This all helps give a more personal, realism to the movie which has a documentary-like feel. The story focuses on the lives of a group of refugee children living along the Iraqi-Turkish border right before the American invasion in 2003. Though overall their situation is terribly depressing, the story is told in a somewhat uplifting manner. There are beautiful moments of hope and tragic moments of utter despair. I enjoyed this movie even more the second time as I was able to recognize some symbolic references and understand more of the subtleties of the plot. The first time through I was just getting to know the characters. The second time through I was better able to empathize with the internal struggles of each child. The star of the film for me was not the leading boys but the young girl, Avaz Latif, who plays the solemn Agrin, a girl torn between the responsibility she feels towards her armless brother and her struggle to cope with the constant reminder of the horrors of her past. This is definitely a movie that grabs hold of your emotions and doesn't easily let go, a modern classic that all should see.

Stay (I) (2005)

As meaningful as a dream; yet similarly undefinable.

[10/10 · 27 September 2011]

Absolutely fascinating! Stay, my new all time favorite movie , is so beautiful and brilliant it moves me beyond words. This writer and director have a better understanding of the creation, maintenance, purpose, and interpretation of dreams than any scientist ever has, and probably ever will. This film succeeds in creating a realistic dreamscape (oxymoron fully intended) through mesmerizing camera work, hypnotizing transitions, haunting music, amazing actors, mysterious imagery, time paradoxes, psychic predictions, reanimated dead, etc. Yet this isn't just good movie making; it's great storytelling as well because this dreamscape is the story. The terrific ending didn't leave me confused about the plot, but rather just pondering the director's choices. Why were Sam's pants getting shorter? Why a silver balloon and a piano? Twins and triplets? Lesbian Hamlet? Dog bite? Why is it that these interesting movies never have director commentary? This is one to watch over and over.