Fifth Film in my 30 Countries: The 15 Film Redux May Challenge.

France

Did not completely know what to expect, but went into this one blind as a fan of Sophie Marceau's work - which seldom, if ever, reaches us in The Netherlands - and was intrigued from the start. I'll keep this one as spoiler free as possible, but it was interesting to see the two actresses, Marceau as well as the almost equally lovely Bellucci, playing off one…

Fourth Film in my 30 Countries: The 15 Film Redux May Challenge.

Italy

I had to make do with the ninety minute version as offered on the UK Blu-ray, but what I get from this is a somewhat unbalanced film that is beautifully shot and features two great performances and an lovely melancholic Morricone score.

It starts out very quaint and coming of age-y (not a word, I know), after which it turns somewhat grim. The people in this film,…

"You've got a strange father, Ben."

A slightly dated drama about a military dad who treats family and squad alike, all have to excel at all they do. Duvall is great as the tough father seemingly incapable of giving his family the love they so clearly need and Michael O'Keefe is extraordinary as his tormented son who strives to reach the almost unattainable goals set by his dad. Keeping the whole family together, sometimes putting herself in harm's way to…