Chez Zajac
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Firefly/Serenity
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Everything Whedon: Buffy, Angel, Firefly
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Foreign Films
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Mark Zajac's discussions
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001- Kinamand
In this poignant Danish tale, hapless plumber Keld (Bjarne Henriksen) finds his world crumbling when his wife of 25 years (Charlotte Fich) walks out on him. The dejected Keld soon falls into a routine of eating at the neighborhood Chinese grill, where he befriends the owner -- who offers Keld a sizable sum to wed the restaurateur's sister (Vivian Wu) in a marriage of convenience. Will love bloom despite the language barrier and clash of cultures?
002- Zelary
This gorgeously shot World War II drama tells the story of a clash between two different worlds and two different people. Eliska, a nurse in a city hospital, donates her blood to save the life of injured mountain-dweller Joza, and the two form a strong bond. When the resistance group Eliska belongs to is discovered by the Gestapo, she's forced to seek refuge with Joza, leaving her urban life behind and starting anew in the remote mountains.
003- Last Orders
Charismatic butcher Jack Dodds (Michael Caine) orders his lifelong friends to make a special journey in the wake of his death by delivering his ashes to the sea. Joined by Jack's son (Ray Winstone), Lucky (Bob Hoskins), Vic (Tom Courtenay) and Lenny (David Hemmings) travel through the pastoral countryside from pub to pub, revisiting their memories of life after a terrible war. But Jack's wife (Helen Mirren) is on a voyage of her own.
004- No Man's Land
Talk about dynamite concepts. ... During the Bosnian War, two soldiers (a Bosnian and a Serb) find themselves pinned down in a trench, while a wounded grunt lies prone on a land mine that could blow them all to smithereens. The plot seems cadged straight out of Eugene Ionesco's Theatre of the Absurd. Weird thing is, this kind of misfortune of war is endemic to all of them.
005- The Syrian Bride
Eran Riklis's film digs into the Middle East conflict with the tale of a Druze woman who lives with her family in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Her family makes plans for her to marry a Syrian television star from Damascus, but the wedding must take place at the border, and once she marries and crosses into Syria, she'll never be able to return home. Hiyam Abbass and Makram J. Khoury and Clara Khoury star.
006- The Straight Story
When Iowa farmer Alvin Straight's brother, Lyle (Harry Dean Stanton), falls ill, Alvin pledges to go to Lyle's side despite being unable to drive and unwilling to accept help. With a tent to sleep under, a riding lawnmower for transportation and unshakable determination, Alvin (Oscar nominee Richard Farnsworth) sets out to cover the 300 miles to his brother's house in a weeks-long journey of healing and remembrance.
007- Amelie
Impish gamine Amélie (Audrey Tautou) lives alone and works in a café. When she finds a trove of toys hidden for 40 years behind a baseboard in her apartment, she's inspired to repatriate the items, an impulse of generosity that sparks more benevolent acts. A celebration of life, Amélie reminds us of the small wonders that abound around us … if only we paused to look.
008- The Secret Life of Words
After surviving the war in Yugoslavia, taciturn nurse Hanna (Sarah Polley) heads to Ireland for some rest and relaxation. But when she hears about an oil-rig accident off the coast, she agrees to tend heroic burn victim Josef (Tim Robbins). Personalities clash aboard the derrick as Hanna contends with Josef, a Russian soldier (Sverre Anker Ousdal), a lively Spanish chef (Javier Cámara) and other oddballs in this compelling character study.
009- Central Station
Dora (Fernanda Montenegro), who writes letters for illiterate people at Rio de Janeiro's central railroad station, feels compelled to help 9-year-old Josué (Vinicius De Oliveira) locate his estranged father after the child's mother dies in a car accident. As Dora and the boy bond during their journey to Brazil's remote Northeast region, the interplay between them is delightful to watch.
010- Happenstance
It's six degrees of separation with a twist in Happenstance, French director Laurent Firode's first film, starring Amélie's Audrey Tautou. When Irene (Tautou), a hopelessly romantic sales clerk, exchanges glances with a young restaurateur on the Metro, it's love at first sight. But fate keeps them from meeting, and we follow these two through the rest of their day as they continually intersect people who continually intersect each other.
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Profile
- Are you a Netflix member?
- Indubitably!
- Are you a Netflix employee?
- No.
- What is your (Anonymous) Friends Link? (the code on the right side of Invite Friends)
- http://www.netflix.com/BeMyFriend/P63yLIFxOv25hUEHYJk3
- What is your Outward Profile page URL (find yourself on one of your friend's lists, and click back to see yourself)
- http://www.netflix.com/StrangerProfile?prid=267167434&lnkctr=MD...
- A Small Set Of My Favorite Movies
- Cyrano de Bergerac, Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Love Actually, Les Poupées Russes (Russian Dolls), Emma, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, While You Were Sleeping, The Professional, When Harry Met Sally, The Princess Bride, Edward Scissor Hands, Forest Gump, Green Card, The African Queen, The Bride, Disney's Beauty And The Beast, The Boy Who Could Fly
- What I Snack on in Movie Theaters
- I try not to snack between meals.
- About Me:
- My favorite stories are romances in which the central couple earn the right to fall in love. I prefer character-driven stories, rather than plot-driven stories. I will only give a movie five stars if I would consider endorsing it for all time on my gravestone. I am a professional science nerd.
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How like you to describe your move to a great job as "very lucky". Despite not having actually met you in person, I am certain luck had nothing to do with it. You are shameless in your continual assertion of modest abilities. I've not seen anything in our correspondence to support such claims. Just come out with it and declare your brilliance and drop these ridiculous claims to ordinariness!
Donna
PS Yes, that was a little tongue-in-cheek, but only a very little.
I took your advice and paced myself reading your short story: quickly the first time and slower immediately after, but it would have to much longer to last until you're back on line again. I want to read it a third time before commenting, except for this--your description of the female coworker was very sensitive Not to bash your sex, but such insight is surprising coming from a man.
In fact, it is curious that you are nearly as adept at protecting an actor's physical modesty, as you are at piercing their private motivations. Must be all that Austin that was read to you at such an early age. Granted film motivations are meant to be revealed, but as your story suggests, your observations are not limited to film. Which is why I find your writing so enjoyable.
But what I want to ask now, knowing full well that you will not be reading this for perhaps quite some time and will not respond for probably even longer, is whether your job transfer is something you are excited about? Relocating is difficult and I wish you a uneventful and easy move.
If you don't mind, I'll continue writing without expectation of an answer. When you are free again you can respond to what you want or we can start anew with a film. Your description of Sweet Land left me excited to see it. Sounds very much like Under the Sun.
Donna
Have a lovely week in Toronto.
Sorry if I’m beating a dead horse, but honestly, even if only for your own satisfaction, you should continue writing snippets such as these and keep them together somewhere safe. It may be that a new generation will feel a kinship to your Nana and Baba, seeing and loving them through your eyes. You have a tremendous gift, Mark.
I hope you didn’t think I was suggesting your emotional response to films is in any way lacking. It’s patently obvious that you are very attuned to the emotional nuance of a story. I was only commenting on your wonderful ability to analytically describe the reasons why a film hits or misses. You haven’t seen Gone Baby Gone, but if you do I would like to pick your mind about the characters and whether the actors did them credit. Although the story centers on child abuse, it is handled so that I don’t think there would be any negative repercussions to the child actors involved. Reading the NF reviews, I think it successfully questions the moral obligations of both a society and individual.
I organize a book sale for our public library and am currently in the thick of getting ready for the next one. Lots of fun to do, but quite a lot of work, too. My free time, if I can’t coerce my kids to hang at home and can’t baby-sit my delightful grandbaby, is spent catching up on fun reading and watching as many movies as possible before school starts again. Hancock was mindless fun. Wanted had some cool moments, but also quite a few ridiculous ones. Fido is a tongue-in-cheek loving tribute to the 50’s with great men’s ties, and A Boy and His Dog was surprisingly good, though quite different. I’ve also added The Jane Austin Book Club from your review.
Have a good week!
Donna
p.s. What a lovely quote; it puts a nice ending to Lars.
It was presumptuous, perhaps, to make the suggestion, but strong feelings are a gold mine of writing opportunity and it is clear that you hold close some lively and dear memories. She actually fainted! What a rich description, more telling than the cut of her gown or height of her heels. I wonder if it is in your writing that your Nana's genes bubble forth and flourish.
Yes, I know Tully was not in Kansas, but listening to the wind rustle the wheat and watching those long empty shots of flowing fields made for a perfect portrayal of a Kansas farm. This time it was me who found myself remembering long days at my grandparents doing nothing at all but seeing. I'd forgotten how beautiful it was. The plot was good too, a real plus.
I agree the wife's about-face defied creditability in Laurel Canyon. I don't know why our percentage similar is so low since our tastes seem more likely to agree than not--it most be disagreeing views on the lesser films. I have several NF friends with very high percent comparisons, but as I look at their likes and dislikes it is apparent our tastes are quite dissimilar. Who knows how this system really works?
When you mention the particulars of a film, I can't stop myself from trying to remember and then question my rating. I am a natural-born tinkerer and reevaluating comes as easily as breathing! As long as the motivation for a character's actions are sound, I'm more of a subjective how-it-feels kind of person, which feeds nicely into my tinkering tendencies. I enjoy your take on the films we discuss because of your methodical approach. I suppose that's the scientist in you.
I'm hoping the wind cooperates tomorrow so that I can ride my bike to the mall and watch something exciting, or good, or even interesting. The visitor will be playing at our art center theatre this weekend and I'm hopeful that it will be all of the above. With luck I'll catch it later this week.
Have a good fourth.
Donna
p.s. It's not just in Kansas.
I do wonder your opinion on a class discussion of Jesus Christ Superstar. The prof and majority of students felt that Pontius Pilate’s betrayal, as represented in the film, was fueled by jealousy of Christ’s rising fame, and perhaps of Mary’s attentions. I thought the film was sympathetic to his desire to protect the teachings and am curious of your take on his motivations?
Your explanation of Adams’ character in Miss Pettigrew is no doubt right, as it makes perfect sense. While I’ve admired McDormand’s acting for some time, I only became a real fan after Laurel Canyon. Who’d have thought to cast her as an aging rock star? Apparently she can do anything.
It’s been a while since Mrs. Henderson played at the theatres. As I watched the preview I began to recall that my rating was for a light-hearted romp, but there was more to it, wasn’t there? The silliness turned quite serious and sad towards the end. I also remembered just how enjoyable the film had been, which causes me to wonder if my rating is an accurate assessment. I judge three star films as generally competent and forgettable—my reaction to the preview would seem to belie such a rating. Dench was wonderful as was Hoskins (whom I first fell in love with in Hook). Perhaps I should give it another watch.
What is this Twilight? Have you read the books? I know nothing about it except for what I’ve looked up since your note. The director is interesting, but what have you heard? Your comment to my expertise in vampiric themes surprised me because for a moment I thought you were referring to the vampire fiasco I spear headed at our art theatre. Guy Maddin did a film called Dracula: Pages from a Virgin’s Diary (that nearly no one has seen) that had me so excited I went on a campaign blitz to bring it to town. The critics loved it, the film stills were gorgeous, and the idea of a ballet company performing Dracula captivated me. Well, I got it here and I think it still holds the record for the most walkouts in a single night. If you’re ever in the mood for an experimental film that nearly defies description, give it a try. I see that you too are interested in his newest film, My Winnipeg. Thank goodness someone suggested it to the committee because I certainly wasn’t about to.
I’m glad you liked Tully and would have lost the farm had I wagered on your enjoyment of Sin City. I’m anxiously awaiting your thoughts on it. And The Air I Breath--aye or nay?
Hope the sun is shining and the children are happy in Farmington!
Donna
Loved the period feel, the bittersweet final days before the war, and McDormand was wonderful, as always (has she ever not done a great job?), but Adams was a disappointment. She looked appropriate but didn't feel like a good fit for the part. Her franticness seemed forced and disingenuous. Also, I dislike films where the poor helpless female needs a masculine rescue. Annoying as all out!
But not overly, because when Prince Charming showed up, I did sigh with pleasure. I hadn't thought him attractive, but when he spoke, oh so very romantic.
For me, it always comes down to the script. Good looking just isn't enough for good romance. It's why I enjoyed Yes and Cyrano de Bergerac, not the man but the words.
Go Ye Forth and Multiply…Ha ha. That’s as good as the two bits! Revealing? Not at all…just the smallest dribble of a life. We probably reveal more when we list the movies we love. You didn’t think it too crass mentioning whoopee in such a public venue, did you?
You are a seer! I need to write about Jesus Christ Superstar and you have just given me some great ideas; I can’t wait to get started! I promise not to steal anything outright, but if you don’t mind I am certainly going to borrow freely. You would love talking to my ethics teacher. Actually, I would love to listen to a discussion between the two of you, because I think your minds are running on the same track. Turns out he is a big netflix fan and after I’m done with his class, I hope to be able to friend him.
Miss Potter was a lovely, nice film. Why 3 and not 4 stars? I’m not sure, but that nice isn’t enough for four. It was certainly well done, and interesting, and I liked how she disregarded the restraints inherent with the times, and I love Ewan McGregor, but.....it was nice. I’m probably being unfair to the film because I can’t think why it didn’t resonate more with me. But there you go.
Joseph is amazing, but I haven’t seen the film version. The only time I’ve seen it was when our community theater put it on a couple years ago and my daughter (she’s my avatar) was in it. I’ve debated watching the Osmonds do it, but am afraid the experience may dim my rosy remembrances.
Hmm, Lars. I’m resistant to considering the possibility of a flaw in the story line. Her attraction was perfectly obvious to me, since there is little rhyme or reason when love calls. Lars was sensitive and sincere, two extremely attractive attributes. It just was and she heeded the call. Of course, being movie land and all, he was also adorable, in a nerdy kind of way. The question of her being comfortable with his killing off his girlfriend and immediately moving on, well, that is bothersome. I’m going to go with she was abnormally astute and saw it for what it was: his burying of a fantasy world to join her in the real one. I don’t want to think on this one anymore, it’s threatening to spoil my adoration of the film.
And what they hay does Dagmar mean?
Donna
p.s. I already queued searching for debra winger. I remember when it came out we considering bringing it to town and I’ve been curious about it since.
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