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I, Tonya ★★★★☆

Synopsis:

Based on the real-life story of Tonya Harding who was a record breaker in the field of figure skating. However, her demeanour and personal life seem not compatible with the social requirements of the sport.

Film Review:

Back when figure skating was extremely popular, Tonya Harding broke the record of landing the first triple axel in the USA, while in competition. I, Tonya is a film based on the life and career of Tonya Harding. A story about a not so ordinary girl who grew up to be either loved or hated, and this is what makes the film quite entertaining.

Tonya grew up to be a robust dynamic woman because of the struggles in her life. An unbreakable spirit to pursue her dreams of becoming the champion she wanted since she was a little girl. Nevertheless, her boorish ways have always been what hindered her from fitting in the socio-political expectations of a female ice skater. However, Tonya made a name for herself and in the film’s interview scenes shows how proud she is of her accomplishments.

On a technical note, while I was watching the film, I could not ignore the seamless editing and brilliant sound effects. It reminded me of the TV series Fargo- a multiple award winner for their excellent and highly acclaimed drama series. The comparison is not because it has a similar winter setting, but rather the sound and impeccable editing which translated into an enticing nonlinear story. It makes the going back and forth an evident strength of the film’s plot. Also, not the least to mention, the whole cast delivering on their acts and gave justice to the people involved. 

Films based on actual stories don’t please the audience quickly, especially when the filmmakers are not able to make it as close to reality as possible. However, when they do, it becomes more than just a film. But a story worth telling.

R 16 Rating

Synopsis: One day, while spending the summer with her great aunt, Mary follows an odd cat into the nearby woods. There she stumbles upon flowers which hold a strange, luminescent power that brings her ordinary broomstick to life - which then, in a heartbeat, whisks her above the clouds and off to a peculiar and secret place. It is here she finds Endor College – a school of magic!

-Madman

Film Review:

Mary, a brave young girl, tries her best to be occupied when she moves to live with her great aunt in a small village. There was apparently nothing to do for a city girl like Mary, who ended up wandering in the woods and finding a unique kind of flower.

Mary and the Witch's flower is a spectacular animation filled with wonders and magic. There is a sense of thrill and fright as the story unfolds. A film suitable for both kids and adults alike, it carries lessons and morals that revolves around friendship and animal cruelty.  The director, Hiromasa Yonebayashi who was also involved in the famous animated films namely The Secret World of Arrietty and Spirited Away did another magnificent job with the visuals. There is that nostalgic atmosphere quite familiar to both Ghibli and Harry Potter fans. However, it remains unique to its vision and style that is different from Ghibli and the latter.

An animated film about witches and magic, entertaining in a gripping way. Despite the bursts of colour and excitement, a presence of melancholy wraps the story and is the primary mood of the film. Nevertheless, it is an enjoyable film with a lot of heart and soul.

Rating: PG

Synopsis:

MAUDIE, based on a true story, is an unlikely romance in which the reclusive Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke) hires a fragile yet determined woman named Maudie (Sally Hawkins) to be his housekeeper. Maudie, bright-eyed but hunched with crippled hands, yearns to be independent, to live away from her protective family and she also yearns, passionately, to create art. Unexpectedly, Everett finds himself falling in love. MAUDIE charts Everett’s efforts to protect himself from being hurt, Maudie’s deep and abiding love for this difficult man and her surprising rise to fame as a folk painter.

Film Review:

A story that genuinely inspires. When physical limitation makes you your best self, it makes you boundless to anything even time. Maudie is a film full of wonder and colour. It is a movie made to see through the eyes of a folk painter who didn't even realise she is an artist. Sally Hawkins beautifully plays as Maud, and she did it with immense justice and respect. You can tell the amount of preparation Sally has done to play as the simple yet exuberant and highly passionate local artist. Who despite her misshapen hands continuous to paint life with bright and cheerful artworks filled with landscapes and animals most touchingly.

The film accomplishes much in storytelling, acting and most especially directing. Aisling Walsh did so well with her cinematic scenes, and I give her high regard for her vision and directing style.

Maudie is a very delightful film to watch, like seeing a movie as if it was a painting, with its soft lighting, bright colours and somewhat magical approach. It may not be the perfectly detailed biography of Maud's life, but it truly gave us a glimpse of how she overcame her struggles and turned her life into a work of art.

Out in NZ: October 19, 2017