When in New York, we often take advantage of the wide range of films being shown. This visit is no exception as we’ve managed to get to three movies this week, at least one of which won’t be shown at home.
Set in New York and Beijing, The Farewell is a touching story about an extended Chinese family’s long goodbye to their matriarch. Granddaughter Billi is extremely close to her grandmother, Nai Nai, and somewhat removed from her parents, particularly her mother. Struggling to jumpstart her career and seeming to have few friends, Billi is devastated when she learns of Nai Nai’s cancer diagnosis and upset that no one wants to tell her that. Billi surprises the family in Beijing where they have gone ostensibly just to celebrate a cousin’s wedding.
I enjoyed this movie both for its portrayal of Chinese culture, particularly the meals, and for the loving and supportive relationship between Billi and her grandmother. Poignant with flashes of humor. (~JWFarrington)
Released in 1976, Mr. Klein by Joseph Losey, was playing at the Film Forum. It is compelling and powerful, ending with a punch to the gut. Art collector and bon vivant, Robert Klein lives the high life in German-occupied France. The year is 1942 and he goes about his comfortable life mostly oblivious to the hardship around him. He haggles over the price he’s willing to pay for a painting offered by a Jew in desperate straits. But, when someone assumes he’s also Jewish and he learns that there is another Robert Klein, he goes to great lengths to try to correct that false assumption and to ferret out the other Klein.
What grabs the viewer is that the French authorities are actively collaborating with the Nazis and rounding up their own people and transporting them. When freedom is slowly chiseled away, one risks not paying enough attention until it’s too late. Relevant given today’s fraught political climate. (~JWFarrington)
This much anticipated film opened yesterday and we were there in the morning for the first showing! If you’ve been in Downton/Crawley family withdrawal these past four years, then prepare to be entertained. The entire cast of favorites is present. Everyone from Lady Edith and Lady Mary and their parents and spouses; Tom Branson, looking more handsome than ever; the always outspoken Daisy; stalwart Mrs. Patmore, dedicated Mr. and Mrs. Bates; and elder statesman Mr. Carson, just waiting to be asked to participate. Couple that with the quips and barbs traded by the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) and Isobel Crawley (Penelope Wilton), add in the excitable Mr. Molesley, and be a part of planning for a visit from the king and queen, and you have lots of good fun.
The house is featured more than in the TV series and there are expansive scenes of the grounds and all the preparations for the royal visit. Is it a great film? No, but if you’re a fan, then it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! And there are enough loose ends to make a sequel. (~JWFarrington)
Note: Text ©JWFarrington.
