The
Spanish Apartment (L'auberge espagnole)
Release
date: 2002
Running time: 122 minutes
Language: French with English and Spanish subtitles
A French
film, but not what you would expect. There is an array of languages
represented through the introduction of characters from all over
Europe. There are subtitles available in Spanish and English as well as
a lot of English speaking, for those who need a little familiarity. The
film follows a French boy from Paris through his year living in
Barcelona and the people he meets along the way. He ends up living with
a very diverse group of people, each having their own special influence
on him. He learns about himself, as well as the world. In the end, he
discovers what he gets out of his year in Spain is not what he
expected. The story line is modern and familiar, one that any
college-aged student can relate to. The situations are funny and
interesting and make following along, even in the French parts,
very easy to do.
(Michael J. Rourke)
Other
Recommended Films --
Downfall (Der Untergang)
Release
date: 2005
Language: German with English subtitles
Running Time: 155 Minutes
The film begins with the end of WWII and the demise of Nazi Germany. All
of the film is shown from the Nazi viewpoint, with detailed accounts of
Hitler and those closest to him, from his wife, to his secretary, to
high
ranking SS officials. The majority of the film takes place in the
bunkers
of Berlin. Not much is mentioned of the ethnic cleansing of Jews,
but
rather Hitler’s military decisions and the occurrences that led to his
suicide. This film is rated R for strong violence and disturbing
images,
as is expected in any war movie. It was interesting to see a WWII
viewpoint from the eyes of the Nazis, and for that reason I highly
recommend this movie. Overall I would rate it 9 out of 10.
Frida
Release date:
2002
Language: English
Running Time:
123 Minutes
Rated: R (For
Sexuality/Nudity and Language)
This film tells
the life story of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo, played by
Salma
Hayek. Beginning in her teenage years, her life would drastically
change after a
tragic accident. Through a slow recovery she finds peace in
her true
passion, painting. Then, through her relationship with the
promiscuous
muralist, Diego Rivera, Frida’s dream of becoming an artist
would become a
reality. This film has its ups and downs and may be a bit
slow at times,
but Frida’s life story requires every minute. This movie
can and should
be enjoyed by everyone.
Apocalypto
Directed by Mel
Gibson
Release date:
2006
Running time:
139 minutes
Language: Mayan
with subtitles available in English, French, and Spanish.
What begins with
comedic dialog quickly gives way to graphic action.
Although not the
story line one would expect with regards to the decline of
The Mayan
civilization, Apocalypto does not disappoint. It tells the story
of one Mayan
village, particularly one man, Jaguar Paw, and the gruesome
journey to be
sacrificed to the gods. Certainly not for the
weak-stomached,
this films battle scenes and depictions of human sacrifice
offer detailed
visuals with good special effects. Overall, I would give this
movie 4 stars,
although it is
not intended for all audiences.