#98: Departures (おくりびと)(2008)
As I was watching Departures, I had thought about calling it Six Feet Under, Japanese Style. Really, though, the only thing in common is the business of after death. This film doesn't have the high-strung drama, and only tries to tell a quiet story of a man trying to reconcile with his past. Along the way, there's plenty of humor to ease us in watching someone working as an (specialized) undertaker, with many endearing supporting characters. There are conflicts, but probably only one or two instances where a character even raises his or her voice. The serene tone, mixed with somewhat dark and morbid humor, plus a great soundtrack makes this a truly wonderful film. I'd say this is as perfect as a conventional drama gets.
#101: The Baader Meinhof Complex (Der Baader Meinhof Komplex)(2008)
The Baader Meinhof Complex (Der Baader Meinhof Komplex) left me feeling very unpleasant afterward. Is this the "complex" the filmmakers try to achieve? If so, they've certainly succeeded in depicting a nightmarish era and the absurdity of it all when the Baader-Meinhof group terrorized the entire world. The movie is pretty much plot-driven and hyper-fast-paced -- as it'd better be, since it covers nearly 20 years in history. There are scenes after scenes of violence and chaos, but very little on character studies. In fact, with the exception of four or five lead characters, it's difficult to follow supporting characters. For example, Alexandra Maria Lara pretty much shows up, only to be gunned down a couple of scenes later. It is one well-executed and produced movie, but, man, slow down and keep the scope smaller, please.
#30: Revanche (2008)
The most difficult one to review/comment on is Revanche. It's a contemplative movie that tells its story not through the plot details nor the characters, but via emotions elicited through them. Through love, sex, death, aging, adultery, and wood-chopping, what does it all add up? It's a demanding film and rightfully be called arthouse not targeted at every audience. It worked for me, feeling content and satisfied after viewing.
Did I feel that Departures is worthy of its win for Best Foreign Language Film? Well, first of all, huzzah to the Academy in nominating five very different movies -- even if I'm not entirely enthusiastic about Baader. While I don't necessarily think Departures is better than The Class, Revanche, or Waltz, there is nothing wrong in picking a film as flawless as it is, even if the scope seems a little "small."
