Filmfetish Friday: The Guard, Steam of Life, La Guerre est Déclarée

Sep 23, 2011 | by Anouk | Art, Event

About the author

As a freelance journalist, Anouk (26) usually writes about what other people do or like. In her precious spare time she watches arthouse films. Not a few. A lot, thanks to her trusted Cineville pass. Here she can finally share her film-fetish with the world.

To watch or not to watch? I will tour around Amsterdam’s cinemas and answer this crucial question every Friday. Without mercy, of course. Sucky movies will be slaughtered, cinematographic pearls will be appreciated as such. Or the other way around. After all, good taste is in the eye of the beholder.

The Guard

Oh yeah, this sneak made me very happy. The Guard is about an Irish, politically incorrect policeman in a small town. It all gets a little bit more exciting when the FBI comes along, because of some serious drugs trafficking. Sergeant Gerry Boyle (hilarious ‘Mad-Eye Moody’ Brendan Gleeson) and FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) have to work together. They don’t start on good terms. Boyle says, after seeing the pictures of the (white) drug dealers, “I thought only black lads are drug dealers. And Mexicans.” Just one of his many provocative remarks. Super humorous film, with smart dialogues and a great cast.

Mark October 20th in your agenda, as it is the premiere date!

Steam of Life

There is only one conclusion to be drawn after watching this Finnish film: in Finland, saunas are everywhere and the men using them are not that good looking. Or lucky, because they all seem to have a tragic story to tell. Dead kid, abusive childhood, doing time in the past.. Still, Steam of Life is not a depressing film. It’s actually kind of sweet, all those men telling their stories and showing their emotions. After watching it, you’ll feel extra good about yourself, your own body or the body of your boyfriend. Ok, the military guy doesn’t count, working out is part of his profession.

Watch this film in Cineville’s SMART.

La Guerre est Déclarée

What do you do when your kid has life threatening cancer? Well, some people stay positive and make a film about it, like director Valérie Donzelli. She and her real-life husband (Jérémie Elkaïm) play Romeo and Juliette. A loving couple, that has everything, until their son Adam gets seriously sick. The fact that death is constantly lurking, doesn’t turn La Guerre in a heavy drama feature. The energy flashes from the screen, thanks to fast shots and cool music. Maybe it’s all a little too much, but I can’t say it’s unrealistic, for La Guerra est Déclarée shows the battle Donzelli and Elkaïm really fought.

Watch this film in Cineville’s The Movies.