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Reviews
Farm Rebellion (2023)
A really good series on a very important topic
This film and story has many facets
+ beautiful filmography
+ a very relevant topic: how to produce food in a sustainable way while combating the effects of climate change
+ some very inspiring guests (sister of Obama, founder of market-kitchen, a chef from Norway ...)
And yes, some of the main characters are not mainstream, and could be seen as "hippy", "naive" ... and also the story of Paula coming to this farm community and following her experience, for me I would have been fine with more of a documentary approach
Still, if you let yourself immerse into the story, there is a lot of inspiration to take out from. And certain elements that are presented show the way to a better farming-world
So my advice watch at least until the 3rd episode (also ok to jump straight to it), before you turn away.
In my view, a really good series on a very important topic.
Andor (2022)
Outstanding storytelling
I did not expect much after watching Disney's spin-offs. Neither Boba Fett, nor Kenobi were worth to watch. And even the Mandalorian never fully convinced me.
This one is different: in an intriguing way it tells the story how the rebellion started to form. It also provides a look behind the people who run the empire: what makes them tick, how do they live ...
Very creative filmmaking and writing: to make from this minor character Andor, a series that provides such a fresh look at the "Star Wars universe". The development of the characters is highly complex: every "good" person has more than one flaw. And even for some of the "bad" people, as viewer you could feel pity and understand what formed them
Very well done and I hope Disney makes more of this kind - can't to watch the next episode!
Have You Seen This Man (2022)
Builds on podcast
The story is pretty fascinating: how a un-exceptional businessman builds a simple loan-fraud.
When the FBI uncovers this crime, and he gets sentenced rather than walking into jail, he disappears. The really bad thing: since they have posted the bail for him, his extended family (wife, Mother, Mother-in-law, uncles ...) lose their homes
This series uses materials from the podcast: the Podcaster is seen and heard, journalists of the podcast run the interviews...
What probably has worked very well for the Podcast, this storyline in the TV-Series feels too abrupt, not easy to follow
Overall nice to watch, but could have been better cut.
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea (2020)
Incredible film-making
I got to see this film because of a recommendation of a friend.
I knew a bit about North Korea and its suppression of people. This brought a new light on those in power and helping to build its military. I was not aware of this society of KFA - Korean Friendship Association
The way the film is made is most unusual. Also the 2 people who became these moles are incredible: already after the first of these kind of meetings I would have died because of a heart attack. However, they continued and continued and continued ...
Highly recommended to watch!
A Living Dog (2019)
Excellent sci-fi-thriller
I had the chance to watch this movie during the Landsberg film-festival "snow dance". It is a low-budget movie which surprises with realistic animations and strong film-music/sounds.
The setting is quickly told: robots and drones have taken over the world and are hunting any living human. Our hero has managed to survive and escaped into a wooden-house in the North. There he meets a female survivor who is trying to fight the robots.
The movie lives from the atmosphere and the beautiful shots. There is little talk since any talk would attract the robots. The relationship between the main actors also remains quite superficial.
Expect a dense atmosphere, with few moments where you can escape from this apocalyptic future by diving into relaxing nature-shots of Finland's' forests and lakes.
Also great screenplay and acting.
(Only the last minutes felt a bit stretched...)