Keep Calm And...Watch Films From the UK!

This summer I am going on a dream trip to the UK! I am so excited and can’t wait! I will be able to scratch off certain countries and cities on my list of places around the world I want to travel to.

In honour of this upcoming trip...a list of some great films that not only take place in the UK, but are UK produced films.

Trainspotting Directed by Danny Boyle

I remember being 11 (maybe 12) and one of my older sisters sneaking me in to watch this film in theatre. I was probably way too young at the time, and I have watched it multiple times since. Sadly I still have to watch it with the subtitles on, because the Scottish accents are just so think at times and the dialogue to rapid that I don’t want to miss anything.  With a kick ass soundtrack that is still awesome to listen to.

I must also admit that I have to thank this film for its hand in turning me off drugs completely.

Director Danny Boyle has hinted recently that there are talks about a sequel in 2016. That there was always an idea to do this and it would take place 20 years after the first film and loosely inspired by the book Porno that is also the sequel to the Trainspotitng novel by Irvine Welsh. 

We shall see if it happens.

 A link to an article with more details of this possibility. This could be good or really bad.  http://collider.com/trainspotting-2-sequel-danny-boyle/

And, agreeing with the above article, one of the best opening scenes for a film...

Pirate Radio (AKA The Boat that Rocked) Directed by Richard Curtis

Speaking about kick ass soundtracks! Pirate Radio is all about the British music scene in the 1960’s. The BBC had a large amount of control and influence on  mainstream radio offered very little promotion to the rise of pop and rock ‘n’ roll music right in its prime. In response to this neglect, DJ’s and other music lovers, set up gorilla like radio stations on boats outside English boundary waters...hence “pirate radio.” 

This became extremely popular and mainstream broadcaster and government took notice and were not happy. 

It is fun look inside this part of British, pop culture and music history.

Elizabeth Directed by Shekhar Kapur

One of the greatest leaders and characters in history, Elizabeth Tudor (the last Tudor monarch and with famous parents King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn) aka Elizabeth I is shown in a realistic way unlike other portrayals of this famous Queen. We see her shaky rise to the throne and political/religious instability, to becoming known as the “Virgin Queen” and winning the love of her people. The film is filled with the lush visuals, beautiful costumes depicting the Elizabethan fashion and amazing cinematography. Played wonderfully by Cate Blanchett, I am still bitter more than ten years later that Gwyneth Paltrow won best actress over Cate and I still consider it one of the great injustices in Oscar history.

In 2007 there was a sequel of sorts with Elizabeth the Golden Age, where the focus was on an older Queen and the end of her reign.

Fish Tank Directed by Andrea Arnold

A recent trend in the UK film has been the focus on poverty/lower economic status and social issues that link to that and affect everyone.

The film is about a troubled 15 year old Mia, who lives with her mother and younger sister and the fall out within the family (and with Mia personally) that occurs after Mia meets her mother’s newest boyfriend, Conner (played by Michael Fassbender). A difficult film at times to watch but this 2009 Cannes Jury prize winner is worth it.

Sweet Sixteen Directed by Ken Loach

Continuing on the previously mentioned trend is Sweet Sixteen. I actually have to thank a friend of mine who showed me this film. The film takes place in a small Scottish town (again subtitles might be needed) and is a coming of age film about Liam who (along with his friend) come up with ways to make money that are not exactly legal. He does all  of this and buys a trailer so when his mother gets out of prison the day before his 16^th   birthday, he and his mother can live in it. As well as re-establishing a relationship with his estranged more level headed sister and her child, so they can all start fresh and forget the past.

Sadly life doesn't always go the way we want it to.

In the Name of the Father Directed by Jim Sheridan

Did you think that I would do some blog post about UK films and NOT include one with Daniel Day -Lewis in it?

In the Name of the Father is taken from the true story of Belfast born Gerry Conlon, a petty thief who is at the wrong place and the wrong time and  is falsely accused of an IRA terrorist bombing and part of the group known as the “Guildford four.” Gerry’s father (who originally sent Gerry to England to set his life straight) gets mixed up and is also accused of being a terrorist. For 15 years the two are in prison and despite the harshness of prison life stand by their innocence and the injustice done to them. Finally, a lawyer, Gareth Peirce, comes across their case and decides to reopen it. Seeing the mistakes done before and taking a new approach to set them free.

Add a soundtrack by U2 that matches the powerful performances.

It is a sad and touching story of a father and son and the horrors of a justice system gone wrong, and of the IRA and the British government. With a gritty look into the past struggles and the memories that still linger today despite delicate peace treaties.

 Hunger Directed by Steve McQueen

In more “films to make us socially aware” there is the first of three collaborations between Michael Fassbender and Steve McQueen (Shame and the upcoming Twelve Years a Slave are the other two).

Hunger, like In the Name of the Father is also based on true events.  The story of Bobby Sands-an Irish Republican activist who goes on a hunger strike in protest of the treatment of Irish inmates by the British guards and England’s refusal to recognize Bobby and other inmates as political prisoners in well known high security Maze prison in Belfast.

The film starts of focusing on two other prisoners before Bobby Sands enters the picture and is graphic in its violence and the harsh environment of the prison. It should also be noted that there is very little dialogue in the film on top of the slow pace, so try and stay with it. There is a great scene and monologue by Fassbender where is he is talking to a Priest who has come to visit him and pleads for him to stop his hunger strike.

It should also be noted that Fassbender’s physical transformation as he withers away is intense and up there with Christian Bale’s transformation for The Machinist.

Other notable films

      Rob Roy

     Ginger and Rosa

     Red Road

    Harry Potter (What? It takes place in England? And filmed in the UK)

   The Tudors (A TV series about one of the most famous kings in England and filmed in Ireland).

   Game of Thrones (I know, I’m obsessed. Westeros and the culture George R.R. Martin has created is obviously inspired by Medieval England and Europe. Also partly filmed in Ireland).

I’m sure there are plenty I have missed, so feel free to recommend some film for me to watch before my trip!  I've already added The Wind That Shakes the Barley. 

Reading List Update: AKA Books That Are or Aren't Films Yet!

I`m sorry for the lack of posts recently (for those that do read this, lol), but life and lack of ideas/imagination and inspiration have plagued me lately.

I thought I would do a bit of an update with some books that I have read recently.

·         

     The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

     The author shows great  talent with her first novel, a bestseller and picked up shortly after its release to be adapted into a film. That is no small feat. 

I found myself engaged and wanting to read on because I was curious as to how it was going to play out and end; how the competition/game would play out between Celia and Marco and affect them and those around them. When I thought I had an idea of what was going to happen next, usually something occurred and I would have to adjust my theories in trying to figure it all out. 

The novel is full of rich details and descriptions of the circus and all the magic that is involved as well as the era, giving the reader what is needed to form the images in their mind. 

Sadly, in a way that is also the one of my minor complaints about the novel. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the details and the descriptions, and it is important for a book like this, but I think the character development of Celia and Marco and their story slightly suffered from it. I just felt that there was just a little too much in describing the circus, the atmosphere and all the acts, all the talk about the competition/circus from the other characters, that developing the story between Celia and Marco got lost a little. I think there should have been a bit more interaction between Celia and Marco. I understand that they were destined to be together and bound before they even met, the whole love at first sight. Maybe I’m too realistic or whatever, but I would have liked more of their development and getting to know one another and the build up before they admit their feelings to one another. And as much as I liked Celia and Marco, I feel that I still don’t know them that well as individuals/characters like I have with other books. 

     This is being adapted into a film as well, and could be visually STUNNING if done right. I'm thinking something along the lines of The Prestige meets Twelfth Night.  Like the novel, the movie might slightly suffer from focusing on the visuals and not the characters, in particular Celia and Marco. 

·   The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Another book that is being adapted into a film,  naturally,  with director Josh Boone and scriptwriters Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (500 Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now) . The story of two teens, Hazel and Augustus who both have cancer and meet a support group was not exactly what I thought it would be. It was slightly predictable at times but the writing is good and the characters believable that attempts to give a realistic look at a  illness, death and other issues through a teenager’s perspective. Not that I know what it is like to have cancer, but I did have some serious health issues at the same age as Hazel and Augustus and there was an element to them and the story that I related to. I did become invested and although by halfway I did have an idea how it would all end, I was still engrossed and entertained with the read.

No official word yet, but early rumours put Shailene Woodley and Hailee Steinfeld in competition and talks for the female lead of Hazel Lancaster. 

With the right script adaptation, casting and direction, this could be a great film. 

·   The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

    Book one: City of Bones

    Book two: City of Ashes 

    Book three: City of Glass

    Book four: City of Fallen Angels

    Book five: City of Lost Souls

    Book six: City of Heavenly Fire (coming September 2014) 

No judging, but I read this series after I got through a bunch of heavy books and really wanted something fun and light to read. Or as a good friend likes to call it: “literary junk food” that’s good for the soul. There is nothing wrong with that. Simply put, the story of Clary Fray discovering the secret world of Shadowhunters- half human half angels- who fight demons and the like.  Yes, there is a bit of a love triangle between Clary and the bad boy/but not really a bad boy Jace Wayland and her best friend Simon. Without giving much away, the tirangle is solved halfway in the series and not really the main focus. Arguably more in common with Harry Potter than Twilight.   This is a YA (young adult) series, but compared to other book in the same category, and some personal complaints about the writing and plot, it is a fairly solid and fun read overall.  Also, another friend of mine’s father did some set construction on the film adaption of the first book.  If the first film does well (it most likely will) it has the potential to be a big and successful franchise in the same league as The Huger Games and Twilight. Even with six books (with a really tight timeline) that could make it difficult to keep going.

Film Trailer!

    A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons

   Books four and five in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin

   Book one: A Game of Thrones

   Book two: A Clash of Kings

   Book three: A Storm of Swords

   Book four: A Feast for Crows

   Book five: A Dance with Dragons

   Book six: The Winds of Winter (release date TBA)

   Book seven: A Dream of Spring (release date TBA and final book) 

   This series (for those that have not read the books or watched the HBO show) is difficult to summarize and  describe.  It is more than just bunch of crazy people all fighting and killing one another for the Iron Throne of Westeros.

   I admit I am a complete geek when it comes to these books and the show. I have lost hours on the internet reading and discussing theories on how it is all going to go down in the end.

   I applaud those die-hard fans who have stuck with the series since the first novel was written about twenty years ago and have spent an average of three to five years in between novels.

   Season three starts on March 31 and will cover about 2/3 of the third novel in the series, which is mine and the majority of the fan base’s favourite, and considered to be the better written, or one of the better written books so far in the series. I also loved book one and five.   

   And for a little fun... I would never attempt to speed up a writer’s/artists creative process, but, please George..."write like the wind!". I need to know what happens to my beloved Jon Snow.  

On a more serious note: The show does have the potential to run into a serious problem with catching up or maybe even getting ahead of the books-depending how things go. HBO contracted many of the actors for six seasons (unprecedented before) to 2015/2016. That should bring it to the end of adapting book five for the show. Yet, there is no official word on when book 6 will be released, although going with George’s pattern, not to expect anything before the end of 2014.  Book 7...who knows. Many fans (myself included) don't want the show to get ahead of the books, for obvious reasons. Despite show creators and head writers David Benioff and Dan Weiss being told by George R.R. Martin  how it all goes down and to finish the show should he die before he finished the last two novels. 

A neat article with a more detailed look into this potential problem: http://winteriscoming.net/2013/03/what-if-game-of-thrones-overtakes-the-books/                              

P.S. Should the show adapt all seven books (potentially up to summer 2019) it will be the longest running live action television series in history. The Simpsons I believe have that honour for an animated series.                                                                                                                                                

Just like the story, everything is up in the air. 

  The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

I will admit that this was one of the most difficult books I have read. Seeing how the novel was written in 1826, the language is dense and not what I am use to and difficult to understand at times.  I was also silly and ignorant when I first started the book. I thought it would be more like the film, but it was not and I was disappointed. The books is more about Duncun and his perspective rather than Hawkeye and Cora, or are more secondary characters.  Having said that, just like when I read my first Tolstoy and Hemingway  I felt a great sense of accomplishment at crossing of another literary classic off the list.

 The Road by Cormac McCarthy

This is not a light, fluff read. It is one of the most dark, depressing and  realistic books I have read. Without giving too much away, don’t expect and hopeful or satisfying end with this one. The story of a father and son, known only as "the man" and "the boy" and their harsh and intense struggle to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic America . I really don't want to say more than that about the book.  The film adaptation (that I watched after reading the book) does a good job with keeping with the spirit and story as well. 

Happy Reading! 

Film Review: Amour

Directed by: Michael Haneke. Stars: Emmanuelle Riva, Jean-Louis Trintignant and Isabelle Huppert. Written by: Michael Haneke. Released: February 2013

The first I heard about Amour was back in May 2012, when it won the Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.  The second time was during TIFF ’12 (not including the buzz about the film) as I was waiting for Anna Karenina to start, one film critic was talking to another who was going to watch it later and was being warned on how “heavy and emotional” the film is.

Heavy and emotional indeed.

I don’t remember that last time I cried during a film, and I do mean cry and not just get choked up.

The story of an elderly married couple and long retired music teachers, Anne and Georges, after Anne suffers from a stroke leaving her partially paralyzed and her health steadily declines. Georges out of utter love and devotion decides to be the one to take care of her. Visits from their daughter and a former student only serve to reaffirm their isolation from modern society.

Outside of the opening scene, the film takes place inside their apartment. I find it refreshing when a film (or play) takes place in one setting and there is a challenge to it as well for those involved. The setting of the small apartment not only works as a metaphor for Anne and George’s isolation, it becomes more cluttered and cramp looking as the film progresses and adds to that feel. Even medical supplies gather as Anne’s health worsens.  I loved how lived in the apartment looked. The books, music, furniture, dishes scattered all around and the objects that are collected throughout life are all there. Even mold in the grout of the bathroom tiles.  In one scene Anne is looking through old photo albums, in a small but crucial detail, the pictures of a young Anne and Georges are (pretty unmistakably) a young Emmanuelle Riva and Jean Louis-Trintignant. Not the first time this has been done, but it is such a lovely detail that helps add an extra layer to the film and story.

The performances and chemistry of Emmanuelle Riva and Jean Louis- Trintignant is all you want and ask for in a film like this. There is a reason after all why the film is titled Amour and if you didn't have that connection then the film would not work.

Emmanuelle Riva deservingly receives an Oscar nomination and should, but tragically won’t win.  Her ability to portray Anne pre and post stroke, the physical and mental and all emotional elements involved is up there with Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot, Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, Geoffrey Rush in Shine or even Leonardo DiCaprio in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to name a few. It is a rich and powerful powerful performance that won't be easily forgotten. 

Equally deserving but sadly overlooked, is the performance of Jean Louis-Trintignant. Although not the stroke victim, it is equally challenging playing a devoted husband turned full time nurse. Georges is not a young man which only adds to his struggle, that wouldn't be easy for anyone at any age to take on. The spectrum of emotions he shows from love, devotion, determination, anger, sadness and frustration, all weigh on him and manifests in his own physical appearance and mental/emotional decline.  My heart broke every time Georges would say “sweetheart” even while feeding mashed up food to his wife or changing her adult diaper. 

Amour is not an easy film to watch. It is heavy and emotionally rollercoaster with powerful performances, and a story that anyone to some degree can relate to. Be prepared for a “heavy” film, but completely worth it in the end. 

L' Amour!

"Love is a fan club with only two fans." — Gore Vidal 

In  honour of this day set aside for love, a list and a celebration of some of the greatest and memorable depictions of love in film.

According to me anyway...

I have to start with one of my first memories of seeing love on film. Aladidn is also the first movie I remember seeing in a theatre. One of the cutest scenes  is Aladdin talking about Jasmine to Genie.

Who doesn't want someone gushing and getting all flustered and excited when their beauty is being described. 

Here we go! To get things started...Young/First love. 

Romeo and Juliet

Not my favourite Shakespeare play, but I obviously cannot write about love and film without the most famous example of first love/young love and its all consuming nature. How unforgettable it is and becomes part of us. Even if doesn't last.

Romeo & Juliet (1996)

I was OBSESSED with this movie when came out...seriously. I had the soundtrack on repeat and majority of the lines memorized. I quickly bought a copy of the play (I still have it) and pictured myself as Juliet...yeah I’ll admit to it...and most other girls did too.

Director Baz Luhrmann originally wanted Natalie Portman as Juliet, but she and her parents did not feel comfortable with her at 15 doing a love scene with an older actor. Although Juliet is 14 in the play.

This was also my first experience of a celebrity crush. The first shot of a then 22 year old Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo gave me goosebumps. It still makes my pre-teen heart all a flutter. AND THEN HE SPEAKS SHAKESPEARE!! 

I also would have given anything to be on the other side of that fish tank!

A shout out to the also awesome 1968 Franco Zeffirelli film. Olivia Hussey is a gorgeous Juliet.           

                                      

And later this year (October in the UK, not sure about N.A.) we will be getting a new adaptation of the classic story, with Douglass Booth and Hailey Steinfeld in the titled roles, along with an impressive supporting cast (such as Paul Giamatti as Friar Lawrence.)   

Moonrise Kingdome (2012)

“What kind of bird are YOU?”

How could you watch this film and NOT route for Sam and Suzy! Two pre-teens that attempt to find solace and acceptance in their lives through each other as they feel the world close in around them. They connect right away and  understand each other as no one else can. Although they are children, the two seem to have a maturity that is lacking in the adults in their lives. The sweetness along with the awkwardness of first love with first time actors Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward is so richly depicted and fits perfectly with director Wes Anderson’s style.

And the symbolism of Suzy “getting her ears pierced” by Sam is just priceless.

In the end Suzy sums up the film and puts it simply as only a child can: “We just want to be together. What’s so wrong what that?” 

Let the Right One In (2008)

Director Tomas Alfredson’s adaptation of Let the Right One In came out the same year as Twilight and it got lost in the hoopla, also based on a book but it stands apart and delves deeper than your average vampire/ horror film.

Set in the bleak winter nights of Stockholm, Sweden adds an appropriate atmosphere and tone for a horror film, but also helps the viewer to feel as cold and isolated as the characters.

The heart of the film is the relationship between Oskar, who is bullied at school, and his new neighbour Eli, who happens to be a vampire and eternally twelve years old. They give each other companionship, comfort and safety, but more importantly, a sense of normalcy and love.  We even get a sense of the parent’s perspective (Eli’s ‘father’) along with the burden and sacrifice a parent is willing to make for their child.

Through this relationship the story explores the dilemma of being a child forever, the innocence and guilt despite possessing the fierceness and power of a vampire. The dark thoughts that come with being bullied and feeling helpless and alone. 

It is a coming of age film without a real resolution or a tremendous sense of hope at the end.  The audience is left unsure of Oskar and Eli’s future and what it holds for them. After all is said and done, they are left with only each other.

Sidenote: Check out the 2010 Hollywood remake Let Me In. Good in its own way and keeps with the spirit of the original, if a slightly unnecessary remake. 

The Princess Bride (1987)

Yes! This is completely cheesy and ridiculous, but don’t tell me that the heart and point of the film isn't a love story; a story about Buttercup and her “farm-boy” (aka Wesley.)

Despite being separated and the trials they both go through, they each never give up the belief that they will be reunited. In the end it is a fairly tale and they live happily ever after.

“My Wesley will come for me”

Benny & Joon (1993)

“And I would walk 500 hundred miles, and I would walk 500 hundred more. Just to be the man, who walked a thousand miles to fall down at your door.”

Okay, that is not an actual line from the film, but the soundtrack...still.

Everyone is deserving of love, and before Silver Linings Playbook made mental illness fun and quirky there was Sam, a shy, awkward and simple guy, with a gift for re-enacting Buster Keaton’s signature physical comedy. Joon is suffering from a mental/emotional illness and has a artistic and creative side. They meet and find a way of communicating, understanding and taking care of one another in a way that her over protective brother Benny has trouble understanding and accepting. The film is also about the love between a brother and a sister who must let go of their past in order to move on to a healthy future.

*sigh* Johnny Deep in his prime before Jack Sparrow and Disney got to him.

Jane Eyre (2010)

I’m one of the few that prefers Jane Eyre over Pride and Prejudice (not that I don’t like Pride and Prejudice.) I like the darker tone and angst (hence my bias to the 2010 adaptation) that is part of the story. Although this is more a story about Jane Eyre and her life, the romance is what tends to be remembered the most.

I like my male characters brooding, wounded and mysterious with an egotistical side as well, so I’ll take Mr. Rochester over Mr. Darcy any day.

And yes, I'm fully aware he lies. 

I love the chemistry and intensity between Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender as seen in this clip, after Jane saves Rochester from a fire in his room. 

 Casablanca (1942)

The story of Rick and Ilsa and how they can’t be together is a classic. The memory of their brief time in Paris before the war keeps them going yet torments them at the same time, in particular Rick. He manages to bury his feelings for Ilsa (with drink) until one day “of all the gin joints” she walks in with her husband Victor, a key figure in the war and wanted by the Nazi’s.  Rick ironically is also their only hope to escape.

Personal happiness collides with the greater good. As the famous saying goes, “if you love someone, set them free.”

I also love the way Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman.) look at one another throughout the film. 

Legends of the Fall (1994)

I’m not going to lie that one of the reasons I love the name Tristan (played buy a young Brad Pitt)  is because of this movie. 

It is a sweeping epic of a film that spans years and focuses on the lives of three brothers, Alfred, Tristan, and Samuel Ludlow. They are all different yet fall for Susannah who is originally engaged to Samuel. War, death, prohibition, politics and family ties are all explored in this melodrama.  The romance between the troubled Tristan and Susannah is a huge focus and the push and pull between them and the repercussions. It may be a little over the top with the drama of the Ludlow family, but you can’t help but get all wrapped up in it.  

                                           

Love Story (1970)

It says it right there in the title. This is more for my mother, who has told me numerous times this is one of her favourite movies and still hums the famous theme song to this day. I’m sure many women of her generation feel the same as well. She even wore black turtle necks and long dark hair-a la Ali MacGraw.

 They story about Jenny Cavilleri and Oliver Barrett IV is your classic story of class and ethnic backgrounds colliding, and follows their life together in what is considered one of the great tear tearjerkers.

Bring kleenex and remember that “love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

City of Lights (1931)

If you have never watched a Charlie Chaplin film (shame on you!) this is a good one to start with. Not as comedic as Modern Times or The Gold Rush for example, but you get a sense of Chaplin’s style and his famous Tramp character.

It is a sweet story of how the Tramp is mistaken by a blind girl for a millionaire (the Tramp’s friend.) A romance starts between the two and when her rent is due, and an opportunity for an operation to cure her blindness comes up, he sets out to find the money and a series of unfortunate events unfold. Does he come up with the money and how will see react if she finds out he’s not a millionaire?

Only one way to find out is to watch. It is a very sweet story.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

I don’t care that this involves two gay men, in the end it is a heartbreaking love story done with an honest and brave attempt to be sincere by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger; with better chemistry and realism than any Jennifer Aniston or Kate Hudson romantic-comedy. The tragedy comes from personal fears, insecurities and societal pressure/expectations and ignorance of the time that result with  Jack and Ennis unable to be together beyond one summer and a few stolen moments throughout the years.   

I get all sad just remembering what is in Ennis’s closet.

I could go on but this would one LONG list, as I’m sure there are tons that I have missed anyway or have not even seen yet. So here are some other great love stories as depicted on the silver screen.

The English Patient (1996)

The scene when Almsay carries Katherine on the mountain...beautiful!

Walk the Line (2005)

The real Johnny Cash died four months after June Carter Cash. 

Like Water for Chocolate (1992)

Tita unable to be with Pedro due to a family tradition uses food to communicate her feelings. 

Dr. Zhivago (1965)

Set during the Russian revolution and spans the life of Yuri Zhivago and Larrisa. 

Before Sunrise/Before Sunset (1995, 2004) Before Midnight Coming 2013

One of the catalysts that started my dream of spending a year traveling around Europe.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY ALL!

Film Review: End of Watch

Directed by: David Ayer. Stars: Jake Gyllenhall, Michael Pena, America Ferrera, Anna Kendrick. Written by David Ayer. Released: September 2012

I’m fully aware this isn't a new release, but I didn't get the chance to see it when it was in theatres. It received critical and audience buzz during TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) back in September, and I finally watched it now that it has been released for home viewing.

Which reminds me...remember the time during TIFF when I was six feet away from Jake Gyllenhall? 

No? I do.

Okay that was a little mean, I am sorry.

I didn't know much besides the basic plot and was pleasantly surprised by not only how much I enjoyed the film,  but got invested with the characters and the twists and turns the film took as well.

The film follows two LAPD cops (specifically South Central LA) and is shot in and as a (quasi) documentary style. Officer Brian Taylor (Gyllenhaal) is creating his own short documentary film about being a cop for a school project, (an elective while in law school). There is there is whole "film within a film" tone throughout. Unknowingly they make a discovery one day during a routine traffic stop that ends up making them the target for the local Mexican drug cartels.

I don’t want to say more than that about the plot, in my opinion it is best to not know too much about the film and just go for the ride along.

The heart of film and story is the friendship between Brian and Mike. Despite all the cop action, drugs and to a lesser extent, themes about poverty, racism and even immigration, it is a film about friendship that goes beyond being partners on the force. We see how close they are and their lives outside of work. I’m no expert, but it seems a pretty realistic approach and portrayal of what it is like and what it means to be part of the LAPD, or any police force.

The performances and chemistry between Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena stand out the most and the key to making this more than just a regular cop film. You end up invested and care for these characters. They feel like people you may know yourself. It helps with the emotional and climatic ending. Jake Gyllenhaal spent time with LAPD officers and ride alongs as part of his research in developing his character and shaping his performance, and it pays off. He is also credited as one of the producers as well. Michael Pena is just as strong and charismatic and plays well against Gyllenhaal. 

The women behind the men (Anna Kendrick as Janet and Natalie Martinez as Gabby) are small yet 

important roles and make their mark in each scene they are in. I also was impressed with America Ferrera as tough as nails Officer Orozco, a complete different side that showcases her talent with no sign of her Ugly Betty or Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants characters.

Since there is a documentary style to this film, the camera work and editing might take a little bit to get use to, and it may throw some people off. It is a little different and slightly overdone, but I found this mainly at the start of the film and got use to it and didn't notice it as much as I got more engrossed. It has been done before and it is possible  the film would have worked without it or less reliance on the aesthetic, since there are times when it may be difficult to tell exactly what it going on. There is a lot of hand held shots, shaky camera and rapid edited, but it does mellow out.

The settings, sets and shooting on location are also a stand out to this film. 

Again without giving too much away, I felt that there was an unnecessary extra scene right at the end. Although an emotional ending, I feel it would have been even stronger without it. I like my realistic, gut wrenching endings and Hollywood seems to avoid them most of the time. 

The performances and  chemistry is what makes the film work for the most part and worth watching. I appreciate David Ayer's attempt to make End of Watch a different and more realistic cop thriller.