A Film A Day: Denmark

Ida (2013)

Cast

Agata Trzebuchowska, Agata Kulesza, Joanna Kulig Dawid Ogrodnik, Adam Szyszkowski, Jerzy Trela

Plot

Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska), a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland, is on the verge of taking her vows when she discovers a dark family secret dating back to the years of the Nazi occupation.

Opinion

Despite its length - 82 minutes only -, Ida is an extremely well made and deep film, that describes female psychology. Paweł Pawlikowski made an extraordinary intimate drama, exploring the contradictions of faith and lay life, but also the tragic legacies of anti-Semitism.

The choice of shooting in black and white and using a 1.37:1 aspect ratio give more credibility to the story.

The film is beautifully photographed by Łukasz Żal and Ryszard Lenczewski; the lyrical score by Kristian Eidnes Andersen is great.

The acting is outstanding. Agata Trzebuchowska plays Anna/Ida with such innocence and she speaks even when she is quiet. Agata Kulesza plays aunt Wanda incredibly, and most of the time she communicates through her facial expressions and body movements.

Quotes

Wanda: Do you have sinful thoughts sometimes?

Anna: Yes.

Wanda: About carnal love?

Anna: No.

Wanda: That's a shame. You should try... Otherwise what sort of sacrifice are these vows of yours.

Rating

9.0/10

Only God Forgives (2013)

Cast
Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm, Tom Burke, Rhatha Phongam, Gordon Brown, Byron Gibson, Sahajak Boonthanakit, Charlie Ruedpokanon, Joe Cummings, Oak Keerati, Kovit Wattanakul, Danai Thiendgham, Nophand Boonyai, Teerawat Mulvilai, Wittchutta Watjanarat

Plot
Julian (Ryan Gosling) is an American expatriate who runs, along with his brother, a muay thai club in Bangkok, Thailand, that is front for a drug smuggling operation.

After his brother Billy (Tom Burke) raped and killed an under-age prostitute, Lieutenant Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm) allows the girl's father, Choi Yan Lee (Kovit Wattanakul), to beat Billy, but he Chois goes too far and ends up killing him.

Julian's mother, Crystal (Kristin Scott Thomas) moves to Bangkok determined to do justice in her way.

Opinion
Refn said, "I find it thrilling to do things that make people either love or hate you". I am one of those who love him. Only God Forgives is a brilliant artistic work, every single frame is needed, as in Drive.

The scenography is spectacular, from the furniture through clothes and lights. Everything is added to perfection.

The music of Cliff Martinez is hypnotic and perfectly blends with the movements of the camera.

I'm glad Ryan Gosling starring in this film. He's great in Julian's role, and I believe this could be the start of a brilliant bromance - I can say it, right? - between Gosling and Refn.

Quotes
Remember, girls, no matter what happens... keep your eyes closed. And you men... take a good look.

Rating
8.0/10

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