FOREIGN FILMS. “The Monk and the Gun.” / “The Sower.” / “Afterimage.” / “All Things Fair.”

“The Monk and the Gun” (2023, Hulu) a drama co-production between Bhutan, Taiwan, France, the U.S., and Hong Kong. The story follows a young monk in Bhutan in 2006 who is tasked by his master to find two guns to prepare for the country's transition to democracy. 



       How the guns are used to articulate wisdom is sublime and enlightening--that goes beyond weaponry but to our attachments to material acquisitions that we don't really need. 

       Directed, written and co-produced by Pawo Choyning Dorji, this little movie seemed cast by non-actors and ordinary villagers. The script is quite simple and subtle but the universal impact is huge. Definitely a crowd-pleaser. 🎥💻📽


“The Sower” (2017, Plex) France-Belgium historical drama. Set in 1851, this movie takes place in a village where the women have been left on their own after all the men were rounded up in order to prevent an uprising. Based on the short story “L'homme semence” by Violette Ailhaud. 



       The story centers on Violette. Confused, vulnerable, lonely, but defiant. Pauline Burlet channels Violette with her searching eyes and minimalist emotional articulateness. A fascinating, hopeful yet still a sad movie on rural women during war time or civil unrest when men leave, captured or dead. 🎥💻📽


“Afterimage” (2016, Plex) Polish drama. Polish avant-garde artist Wladyslaw Strzeminski struggles to promote his progressive ideas about art while battling his physical limitations and Stalinist tenets.


       This film by respected Polish director Andrzej Wajda (1926-2016) is a controlled narrative with a strong message, delivered by stubborn and principled artist Wladyslaw Strzeminski. Portrayed by Daniel Olbrychski, the handicapped painter is power amidst a dangerous time. No hysterics, no bloated dramatic arias.

       Additional high-dive to young actress Bronislawa Zamachowska, who played Nika, Wladyslaw's daughter. Stern, focused, touching. 🎥💻📽


“All Things Fair” (1995, Tubi) Swedish period drama. It tells the story of a sexual relationship between a teacher and her 15-year-old student in Malmö, Sweden during World War II. 



       This very entertaining and truthful film won several domestic and international awards and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. I could easily relate to the “coming of age” sexuality, my high school years. Ah how we silly boys fantasized about our teacher! 

       But this movie isn't “Porky's” or “American Pie.” This gem has depth, sophistication, and performance wit from leads Johan Widerberg as Stig, and Marika Lagercrantz as Viola, his teacher.

       Apparently, there are other compelling subplots here that needed exploration as well, such as what's the story behind Viola's husband or Stig's brother? Never mind, for over two hours, this feature already articulated the central message behind a youngster's rite of passage. 

       High five to writer/director Bo Widerberg. “All Things Fair” was his final film. He died in 1997, two years after he completed this project. Actor Johan is Bo's son. 🎥💻📽

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