The Best "Little" Films of 2005
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Let us begin by mentioning several of our favorite “little” films that various reviewers did notice: Mad Hot Ballroom, March of the Penguins, Rize, and Crash. All of these had the potential of winning Golden Globe or Oscar statuettes. And even though they can’t all win, they surely deserve your viewing.
Three others which were praised by the critics we also found compelling: Good Night, and Good Luck; Millions; and Grizzly Man. Good Night, and Good Luck is the story of broadcast journalist Edward R. Morrow’s investigations into Senator Joseph McCarthy’s activities in the 1950’s. While David Strathairn is brilliant in his portrayal of Morrow, so too is the use of actual footage of McCarthy rather than having an actor portray him. The effect is chilling, and the questions for today, lingering.
Millions is a tender, hilarious and creative film about the most inspiring 8-year old on film in 2005. Damian, an average little boy shows us what it means to have faith and to act compassionately. Oh yeah, and he talks to the ancient saints of the church. Lastly, we include the strange, devastating, yet beautiful, documentary by Werner Herzog; Grizzly Man (rated R). This is the story of Timothy Treadwell who spent a decade in Alaska living with grizzly bears, before one killed him. Prior to his death Treadwell had filmed and recorded hours of close-up footage of the bears in their natural habitat. Herzog, by editing Treadwell’s film together with new footage of friends, scientists, and locals, provides the viewer a psychological study of someone who found more meaning in nature, animals and his constructed “self” than he did in relating to other humans.
There were still other “small” films that we suspect appeared under most of your radar screens.
Laundry and Tosca, a documentary film investigating what it means for a person of faith to be called to a career in the arts, follows the life of Marcia Whitehead, an ordinary woman with an extraordinary soprano voice. Marcia was called by God to sing opera over 20 years ago. Yet, she has spent most of her life working modest- wage jobs to pay the bills while training on nights and weekends. Recently, she auditioned for one of the world’s top opera coaches. Shocked, he said he had never heard a more beautiful voice. More than a film about opera, Laundry & Tosca explores the questions surrounding “impossible” callings. You can order Farrer’s film at www.FullerSeminaryBookstore.com.
A poignant movie about culture, faith and family is Junebug (rated R). A newly married couple travels to North Carolina. The wife, a Chicago art dealer, is going to close a deal with an eccentric southern artist. The husband, originally from the area, wants to introduce his bride to his country family. The family is in shock and somewhat angry as they were not even invited to the wedding. It seems their son/brother has forgotten his roots. But the simple faith and love of a sister- in-law draws this troubled family together. This film is an authentic slice of southern life in all its humor, anger, joy and pain.
Voces inocentes (Innocent Voices—Rated R) was co-written by Luis Mandoki (Mexican director) and Oscar Orlando Torres, a Salvadorian, whose childhood experience in El Salvador was the basis for the film. Set during the 1980’s in the midst of the country’s civil war, the film shows the devastation to families when young boys were forced to enlist in the army, join the guerrilla forces, or flee to El Norte (the U.S.). We entered a theater full of happily chatting Spanish-speakers to see the film. By the end, all of us were left speechless. This film is a must for those who care about the effects of armed conflict on our children.
39 Pounds of Love documents the journey of Ami Ankilewitz, a 34 year old Israeli animator who weighs only 39 pounds due to a rare form of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In spite of his physical limitations, Ami lives by the motto carpe diem. We follow him as he travels to the USA to fulfill his dreams – both to find the doctor who predicted he would die by age six and to ride a Harley Davidson. The result is an inspirational and humorous account of a remarkable man’s remarkable journey. This film won the 2005 Best Documentary award from the Israeli Academy of Television and Film. You can find out more or order the film at www.39poundsoflove.com.
In 1978 Robert M. Young’s film, Alambrista, won the Golden Camera award (for a first-time director) at Cannes. In 2005 the film was re-released on DVD, with new music and an accompanying book. The film is about a man’s decision to leave his family in Mexico to find work in the U.S. Wanting only to support his family back home, he finds danger, hardship, loss and uncertainty. The film was groundbreaking in its depiction of the Mexican immigrant’s life in America in 1977, and still is an important glimpse into many immigrants’ search for the “American Dream.” You can order the DVD, CD, and book from the University of New Mexico Press at 800-249-7737 or www.unmpress.com.
So there you have them—our best “little” films of 2005. Enjoy!
Cathy Barsotti is an instructor for Centro Hispano de Estudios Teologicos - a Latino Ministry training center in southeast Los Angeles.
Rob Johnston is Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. His books include Useless Beauty (Baker, 2005), Finding God in the Movies (Baker, 2004, co-written with Cathy), Reel Spirituality (Baker, 2000) and Life Is Not Work/Work Is Not Life; Simple Reminders for Finding Balance in a 24/7 World (Wildcat Canyon, 2001). Their reviews can also be seen in The Covenant Companion.