"Shun Li and the Poet"

I was attracted to this movie because it was set in Venice. I was looking forward to beautiful scenes of one of my favorite cities in the world. But alas, it takes place in one of the grittier fishing villages in the lagoon. That aside, this is a wonderful yet subtle movie. It centers around a Chinese immigrant who works in a bar to pay off her debt to immigrate to Italy and raise enough money to be reunited with her young son. She befriends an older Yugoslavian immigrant and the story is about their relationship. The movie is slow moving and there isn't much drama except when some of the locals turn on her because they feel she's just a gold-digger. A very moving little film.
4 1/2 stars out of 5.

"The Matchmaker'

Perhaps the best way to describe this film is "A Jewish Fellini" movie. It takes place in the Jewish city of Hebron in the late 60s. A young kid, from a Romanian Jewish family, who survived the Holocaust, is hired by a family friend who is a Matchmaker. It turns out that he's an old acquaintance of his father's. The young kid has the task of being the "spy-guy." Along the way, his best friend's cousin moves in for the summer. She's beautiful and of course he's smitten with her. The movie is an amazing showcase of wonderful characters, plot twists, and great cinematography. It's a movie that you lose yourself in over two hours, but I wish went on forever.
4.5 out of 5

"Copenhagen"

A very subtle gem of an indie movie. At first, I doubted I could make it through the whole movie. The main character was a self-centered. obnoxious asshole. He's on a trip vagabonding around Europe with a childhood friend and his friend's girlfriend, determined to bang every good-looking girl he sets eyes on. They end up in Copenhagen where his grandfather lived, and he attempts to track him down. Along the way, he meets up with a 14-year old Danish girl who wants to help him locate his family. They strike up a friendship, and I'll let it go at that. There's absolutely no sex, but she ends up transforming his outlook on life. It's a charming move and the young actress, Fredrikke Dahl Hansen is truly amazing. Check this one out. And if you don't like it, I'll give you a refund.

4.5 out of 5 stars

"Le Chef"

Three star chef, Alexandre Lagarde is confronted by the corporate owner of his restaurant who has big plans to fire him and completely redo his restaurant. Problem is, he can't do it unless he loses one of his Michelin stars. Lagarde ends up hiring a protege who not only worships him, but knows just about every one of his signature dishes, to devise a new menu. The plot is somewhat predictable but it's a fun ride getting to the conclusion. About the only negative is a scene that's very silly and slapsticky, but what do you expect? It's French. From the folks who worship Jerry Lewis. It's not food porn, but provides just enough to satisfy a foodie like me. If you in the market for an evening of fun, check this one out.
4.5 stars out of 5

"Least Among Saints".

What a powerful, indie film. It's about a war vet (Iraq?) who comes back and has to  deal with his demons, and a kid next door who's mother ODs. He's determined to help the kid to find his father. One refreshing feature about this movie is everyone looks like real people, not a bunch of Hollywood beauties. This is what Indie films are all about. Great movie.
4.5 stars out of 5

"Perlasca"

I have to admit, I love WWII movies. Especially ones based on true stories. This one is based on the life of Perlasca, an Italian cattle trader who was stuck in Budapest during the war. He risked his life and stood up to the Nazis to try to save a number of Jews. He mouthed off and was arrogant to a number of German commanders. What a great story. He kept quiet about what he had done during the war but was recognized years later. I'm sorry I can't find a decent trailer in English. Trust me, you'll love this movie.
4.5 stars out of 5.

"Inventing the Abbotts"

Another gem that slipped under the radar somehow. This is a feel good movie when you just need that sort of thing. Two brothers, a young Joaquin Phoenix and Billy Crudup, and raised by a single mom in a small town in Illinois in the 1950s. They're in love with three rich sisters, who's father (Will Patton) wants them to have nothing to do with the lads. Everything about this movie is perfect, the sets and costumes, storyline, and the acting. It's simply a delightful, romantic little film.

5 stars out of 5