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REVIEWS >
Look & Listen
movies
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Fimfárum
Five beloved Czech cautionary fairytales are brought to life
by veteran director Vlasta Pospíšilová in this beguiling
puppet animation anthology. While a pair of these shorts
date back to 1987 and 1991, the five together comprise a
sprightly, eye-catching work that is tied together by a jovial,
live-action storyteller whose face is never seen. |
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Possesion
As two modern literary scholars in London investigate a suspected
affair between two Victorian poets, they become more and
more attracted to each other. Based on A.S. Byatt's novel,
Neil LaBute's film is glossy but uneven; as events of the
past become more interesting, those in the present become
more disjointed.
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Spirited Away
This Golden Bear and Oscar awards winner for Best Animated
Feature is down-the-rabbit-hole storytelling at its best.
Director Miyazaki's unforgettable backdrops and fascinating
creatures recall vintage Disney magic, elevated to a higher
realm of dreamy, worldly mysticism that will appeal to children
of all ages. |
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Secretary
A secretly masochistic young woman, recently released from
hospital, goes to work for an uptight lawyer. Before long,
their relationship takes a decidedly unprofessional turn.
Mordantly funny, startling, erotic, and even almost chastely
romantic, with fine acting by Spader and a phenomenal breakthrough
performance by Gyllenhaal. |
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music
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Smoke City - Flying
Away
The 2001 re-release of this 1997 album is a testament to its
allure, even in the rapidly jaded realm of pop music. Band
members collaborate on the music and lyrics, and many tracks
are arranged to showcase the quirky, sultry vocals of Nina
Miranda. Updated Brazilian influences are felt in nimble, chill-out
vibes and bossa-nova beats. |
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Soundtrack - Kill Bill
As in Tarantino's previous film-music offerings, Kill Bill
features a hodge-podge of old and new, this time rescuing
tracks like Nancy Sinatra's "Bang, Bang" from obscurity,
and shamelessly slipping it in alongside Japan's all-girl
punk-kitsch band the 6.7.8's. You'll be hearing this one
in restaurants for a while. |
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Tzigane - The Violin
of Central Europe
First-prize winner of international competitions like the Zino
Francescatti, the Jacques Thibaud and the Paganini, Laurent
Korcia ranks as one of the most outstanding French violinists
of his generation. With pianist Georges Pludermacher, Korcia
brilliantly interprets Bartok's Hungarian Dances, and other
famous works for violin. |
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Elbow - Cast of Thousands
Grander and more diverse than the Manchester band's 2002 debut,
Elbow's latest album veers from thrusting choral arrangements
and fractured rock refrains to tactile minimalist shards
and bluesy, soul-stirring melodies. Through it all, singer
Guy Garvey still attempts to pry apart the chest of the band
and reveal the heart beating beneath. |
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CDs and DVDs available at www.bontonland.cz
and www.dvdexpress.cz.
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