J*A*S*M

51st KVIFF - I feel that this film doesn’t provide a more in-depth image of the relationship of Clara with that flat, and as a result, for most of it, instead of understanding her motivations and sympathising with her efforts to preserve the place where she has lived all her life (which would be a relevant motif, if well developed), she ends up looking like a stuck-up neomarxist ecowarrior, pitted against the evil developers under the banner of “nothing will be built here simply because I don’t want it”. Perhaps a deeper knowledge of the realities of Brazil could help.

51st KVIFF - I have several problems with this film, and the first one is that I’m not sure whether it isn’t exploiting a terrible tragedy for an artistic pose, mainly as a result of the recreations, where people (even refugees in some cases) behave in front of the camera as if the camera wasn’t there. But on the other hand, it has an interesting atmosphere and emotional consequences in the end.

51st KVIFF - an unconventional film about a talented boxer, though it’s unconventionality is also very predictable, even banal. A festival without a black and white film wouldn’t be a festival, so we can check that box.

51st KVIFF - it could be radically shortened, which would have helped its cause. The first half, in particular, feels dense at times, but things start to get interesting with the first conflict and the impression improves towards the end.

51st KVIFF - the introduction with the screenwriters and the excellent interpreter were better than the film itself. I like bizarre stuff when it generates emotions, amazement or curiosity, but this one unfortunately only pissed me off.

51st KVIFF - I believed it would be to the last moment before the screening, but no. A masterful circus on wheels.

51st KVIFF - a pleasant surprise in the main competition and a sure candidate to some award. Spanish mystery, just how I like it.

51st KVIFF - the beginning is a little embarrassing, until you get used to that terrible and disjointed mix of Czech and fake Czech accents. But the moment they stop talking and get down to business, it’s quite a trip till the end. I wasn’t expecting anything better, satisfaction.

51st KVIFF - well done by the Turks.

51st KVIFF - good, enough for three stars. A classic European drama like many others.