Year: 2016

“Year of the Monkey” (February 8–January 27, 2017)—Anything Can Happen !

Written by diana on February 6, 2016. Posted in Lunar New Year. 1 Comment on “Year of the Monkey” (February 8–January 27, 2017)—Anything Can Happen !

Happy New Year –Chinese Style! Although the Chinese New Year 2016 doesn’t officially begin until February 8, many people start thinking of the animal sign on the first of the New Year. [And much of Asia, including Japan, does not wait until February 8. Many now celebrate during the first two weeks of January.] As the Year of the...

“Carol”—A Salty Portrayal

Written by diana on January 29, 2016. Posted in movie reviews. 3 Comments on “Carol”—A Salty Portrayal

The Academy-Award nominated film, “Carol”, starring Cate Blanchett in the title role and Rooney Mara as Therese, a department store “shop girl” deals with a lesbian romance set against the closeted and intolerant era of 1950s America. First titled “The Price of Salt” (and retitled “Carol” in 1990) , the novel was...

“Short Term 12” —Fostering Care

Written by diana on January 20, 2016. Posted in movie reviews. 3 Comments on “Short Term 12” —Fostering Care

In this 2013 film debut by Destin Cretton, we see Grace (Brie Larson) as a counselor in a group home for “at-risk” youth,–Short Term 12— a facility for “transitioning” out adolescents into the world. Grace is a beautiful, extremely vulnerable case worker who relates to everyone in the Short Term 12 residence. She...

“Spotlight” –Illuminating Corruption and Cover-up

Written by diana on January 10, 2016. Posted in movie reviews. 1 Comment on “Spotlight” –Illuminating Corruption and Cover-up

In this Academy Award-nominated film, Spotlight (on my Top Ten Films for 2015) reveals the 2002 exposé into the Catholic Church’s cover-up of child molestation and rape by priests taking place over two decades. Unflinching in its focus, “Spotlight” underscores a subtle outrage and sense of resignation about the power of institutions. We watch as...

“Bridge of Spies”—Channeling the Cold War

Written by diana on January 4, 2016. Posted in movie reviews. 4 Comments on “Bridge of Spies”—Channeling the Cold War

The second collaboration between Steven Spielberg and Joel and Ethan Coen, who co-wrote the script with Matt Charman, “Bridge of Spies” lands a place in my “Top 10 Films of 2015” list. In this historical drama, “Bridge of Spies” takes place during the heat of the Cold War—1957–Tom Hanks stars as the American attorney, James...