Crossing Over Review

Wow. I have truly found my favorite film of 2009. I went to an advanced screening of it last night, and it is still all I can think about. It truly affected me in quite a powerful way.

Yes, this film i am speaking of is Crossing Over. No, it's not about that guy who talks to the dead. ;) Instead, it's a powerful collection of little stories that make up a bigger picture, yes much like that of the amazing Crash. And the theme? Immigration in Los Angeles.

Harrison Ford plays immigration officer Max Brogan. Max is the exact person we all hope to be working on this side of the force. He is compassionate, but still gets the job done. Most of his story is spent trying to right a mistake he may have made early on in this film. He's quest for justice and truth is very admirable. I found myself being quite moved by his character. He brings light in the darkness.

His partner Hamid, played by the always amazing Cliff Curtis, gives a slightly different approach to things, although towards the end, we see his compassionate side as well. His battle with family and doing the right thing is beautifully portrayed.

Ashley Judd as the Immigration Lawyer is also a shed of light amongst all this darkness and sadness.

Her husband, however, is not so much on this quest for righteousness. He, played by Ray Liotta, gives an all new meaning to the word sleazy.

The most tragic of these tales, is most definitely the one involving a Muslim family. It's just brutally wrong what happens to this young 15 year old Islam girl. It will break your heart. Ttruly.

The story of the young Australian actress is not much better. Her desperation soon becomes all too depressing. Her only light comes from a young Jewish man also trying to find his way. He is played with amazing charm by Jim Sturgess. We can't help but love this guy on his trek to stay in this country.

I could press on with the story, but, I think the best way to truly enjoy this amazing film is to go in not knowing a whole lot about it. It will move you, and haunt you. And this is why it is my ultimate top film choice, thus far, in 2009. Wayne Kramer has given us a truly unique gift of cinema. And I absolutely loved every minute of it. I'm hoping to try and catch it again when it opens in limited release this Friday, 27th of February, 2009. I give it a 9/10. This film is rated R.

Happy viewing everyone! =)

Blindness

Fernando Meirelles' Blindness is one of those films that is better if you don't listen to what others are saying, and just let it wash over you. Although I'm going to give my opinion of it, I really think you should watch it for yourself, and make up your own mind. ;) It is not a film for entertainment purposes, but very much a true work of art. It is beautiful on every level, and really should not be overlooked.

Blindness is about an epidemic that seems to be spreading across the world and causing people to become blind (hence the title of the film). When a young man suffering from this new disease, visits an eye doctor (Mark Ruffalo), he then spreads it to him. The disease seems to be carried on to everyone, except for the doctor's wife (Julianne Moore). Soon the stumped government (surprise, surprise), sends the infected to a special 'prison-like' center. From here the film goes on to many other different levels. There's the fact that Julianne Moore is the only who can see when everyone else is going blind, the running out of food problem, and many more deeper meanings that I will let you all discover for yourselves.

Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo give amazing life into their roles. Danny Glover and Gael Garcia Bernal give great performances as well. The whole cast really is outstanding.

It's a film about not taking things for granted, understanding and truly enjoying the little things, and also quite a good look at how undeniably cruel people really can be towards other people. There is also a great sense of love, and needing to belong to some kind of family that I for one find quite comforting.

Overall I think this film is truly brilliant, and was sad to hear it was so overlooked. It really is a true masterpiece. But like any work of art, you have to allow it to truly speak to you.

I give it 9/10. This film is rated R and runs 120 minutes.