Kiran Sangvai

La Passion de Dodin Bouffant, also known as The Taste of Things (2023), is a French romance drama directed by Tran Anh Hung, with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes. The story, set in the 19th century, revolves around Dodin Bouffant (Benoit Magimel), a passionate gourmand, and Eugenie (Juliette Binoche), his long-time companion and culinary partner, with whom he has lived for many years without marriage. Dodin frequently hosts gatherings for his friends to indulge in the exquisite dishes he and Eugenie prepare together. Both characters are middle-aged and share a deep passion for creating and experimenting with new recipes. The film delivers a visual feast, especially for food lovers, with its detailed portrayal of culinary artistry. However, after their eventual marriage, Eugenie passes away, leaving Dodin devastated and unable to eat. Overcome with grief, he becomes isolated, but is later encouraged by his friends to find a replacement for Eugenie in the kitchen. This film is a remarkable blend of romance and culinary exploration. While love is a central theme, the film places significant emphasis on cooking techniques and the ethics surrounding gastronomy. With stunning cinematography and a captivating performance by Juliette Binoche, La Passion de Dodin Bouffant is both a visual and sensory delight.

Le Salaire de la peur (The Wages of Fear): 1953 French Adventure Drama, 2h 11m Director: Henri-Georges Clouzot In the remote South American village of Las Piedras, four men—Jo, Mario, Luigi, and Bimba—are trapped by poverty and unemployment. The village is cut off from the rest of the world, with the only way out being an expensive plane ticket they can't afford. When an oil company offers a dangerous but lucrative job transporting highly volatile nitroglycerin over treacherous, uneven roads to extinguish an oil well fire, many desperate men volunteer. However, most back out after realizing the deadly risks, as even the slightest jolt could cause an explosion. Determined to escape their dire circumstances, the four men accept the challenge, knowing the hazards but driven by desperation. As they embark on the perilous journey, they encounter numerous obstacles. Ultimately, one of them manages to successfully deliver the cargo. However, in a tragic twist, as he celebrates his success on the return trip, he loses control of the truck, leading to a fatal accident. Henri-Georges Clouzot masterfully directs this tense and gripping thriller, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats biting their nails. The film focuses heavily on the technical aspects, which play a critical role in its intensity and realism. It is an absolute must-see for lovers of classic cinema.

The Demon (1978) is a Japanese mystery drama directed by Yoshitaro Nomura, running for 1 hour and 50 minutes. The story revolves around Kikuyo, a woman driven to desperation by poverty and her lover Takeshita's lack of support. In her frustration, she visits his printing shop, publicly humiliating him in front of his wife, Oume. After spending the night there, Kikuyo leaves her three children with Takeshita. Oume, furious with her husband, demands that he get rid of the children one by one. Despite being their father, Takeshita struggles with this command, torn between his duty as a parent and his wife's demands. Unable to soothe Oume’s anger, he reluctantly begins to carry out her wishes, filled with internal conflict. After abandoning the two younger children, Takeshita attempts to kill his eldest son, Riichi, but things take an unexpected turn, leaving him defeated. Nomura skillfully brings the tragic characters to life, evoking a deep sense of sorrow. This film holds a unique place in Japanese cinema, making the audience ponder profound moral dilemmas.

I Girasoli (The Sunflower): 1970 Italian War Love Story Director: Vittorio De Sica Duration: 1h 47m Set during World War II, the story follows Giovanna (played by Sophia Loren), a young and beautiful woman deeply in love with Antonio (Marcello Mastroianni). Antonio is drafted to fight on the Russian front, and before his departure, the two marry in order to cherish a few precious days together. As the war drags on, Giovanna holds onto the hope that Antonio will return, dreaming of the life they will start once the conflict is over. However, as the years pass without any word from him, her desperation grows. Trusting her instincts, she sets out for Russia, convinced that Antonio is still alive. After a long and exhausting search, Giovanna eventually finds Antonio, only to discover that he has built a new life. He is now married to a Russian woman and has a daughter. Heartbroken, Giovanna returns to Italy and begins a life with a factory worker. Antonio, haunted by the past, travels to Milan to explain his actions. Despite initially being reluctant, Giovanna agrees to meet him. However, when they finally come face to face, the encounter is awkward and filled with the painful weight of their shared history. The film’s tragic ending bears the signature touch of Vittorio De Sica, reminiscent of his other works. Sophia Loren delivers a stunning performance, captivating the screen with her beauty and emotional depth. Marcello Mastroianni, although struggling to portray a youthful character, still manages to convey the gravity of Antonio’s internal conflict.

Le Trou (also known as The Hole), a 1960 French jailbreak thriller directed by Jacques Becker, runs for 2 hours and 11 minutes and is widely regarded as one of the finest films in the jailbreak genre. Based on a true story, the film follows four cellmates awaiting their sentences, who are joined by a new inmate, leading to suspicion and unease within the group. After careful consideration, they decide to include him in their escape plan. Using a meticulously crafted scheme and everyday objects as tools, the group begins their mission to dig a tunnel beneath their cell. However, they face numerous unforeseen obstacles along the way. Just as they near success, the fifth member learns that his wife has dropped all charges against him, complicating the situation and adding a layer of tension. Jacques Becker masterfully controls the film’s pacing, keeping the audience engaged throughout the tense and methodical narrative. The film's depiction of quick thinking and looming dangers makes it an unforgettable watch. A true masterpiece, it deserves high praise for its execution and storytelling.

First Cow (2019), directed by Kelly Reichardt, is a Western drama set in the 19th century. The story follows Otis "Cookie" Figowitz, a quiet and skilled cook traveling with a rough group of fur trappers who constantly berate him for not providing them with adequate food. During their journey, Cookie discovers a Chinese immigrant named King-Lu hiding in the woods, fleeing from Russians. Cookie helps him escape, and the two part ways, only to reunite later in a small town. Their shared dreams of a better life lead them to form a partnership. A wealthy Englishman in the area has imported the first cow in the region, meant as a symbol of luxury. Cookie, with King-Lu's encouragement, sneaks out at night to secretly milk the cow. Using the stolen milk, Cookie bakes delicious cakes, which quickly become popular in the town due to their unique taste. As demand grows, people from all over begin purchasing their cakes, and the pair makes a decent profit. However, their success hinges on continuing to milk the cow undetected. When they attempt one last heist for milk, they are almost caught, leading to a dangerous chase. Forced to flee, they are separated during their escape. After reuniting days later, they realize the town is no longer safe for them. Weakened by hunger and exhaustion, they embark on a difficult journey to find safety. The film culminates in a moment of quiet resignation, as the two men, having reached their limits, lie down in a pit and pass away, their friendship unbroken even in the face of death. First Cow is a powerful meditation on survival, human connection, and the fragile dreams of those on the margins. The film leaves a lasting impression, taking viewers into a different state of mind with its contemplative tone and themes.

"Slow" (2023) is a Lithuanian romance drama directed by Marija Kavtaradze, with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. True to its title, the film unfolds at a leisurely pace. The story centers around Elena, a middle-aged dancer who hires Dovydas, an interpreter, to communicate with her group of deaf students. As they spend more time together, Elena develops romantic feelings for Dovydas. However, her hopes are dashed when she discovers that Dovydas is asexual. Despite her attempts to win him over with her charms and passion, she ultimately realizes that her efforts are futile. In the end, they choose to remain together in a platonic relationship, embracing a deep emotional connection without sexual intimacy. The film poignantly explores the bittersweet reality of being close to someone you care deeply about while grappling with unfulfilled desires. It's a thoughtful and emotionally resonant film, offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. Greta Grinevičiūtė and Kęstutis Cicėnas are quite impressive as Elena and Dovydas.

A Cup Of Coffee And New Shoes On (2023) Genre: Albanian Drama Duration: 1h 39m Director: Gentian Koçi This poignant film tells the true story of Gezim and Agim, identical twins who are both deaf and mute and run a furniture workshop. Anna, who loves Gezim, cares for both brothers and is treated like family by them. Their lives take a tragic turn when Agim starts experiencing blurred vision. Alarmed, Anna and Gezim take him to an ophthalmologist, who diagnoses a genetic condition that will likely to cause Gezim also and he too could lose his sight. As the brothers grapple with the impending blindness that will render them unable to see each other or communicate as they used to, their bond is tested. They struggle together through love, frustration, and fear of their uncertain future. In an effort to help, Anna moves them to an isolated house where they decide to face their challenges together, symbolically marked by a shared cup of coffee and new shoes. The film stars real-life twin brothers Edgar Morais and Rafael Morais as Gezim and Agim, delivering devoted performances, while Drita Kabashi shines as Anna. "A Cup Of Coffee And New Shoes On" is a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and resilience, and is considered a true gem of cinema. The twins continue to live in Tirana.

Touch (2024) is an Icelandic romance drama directed by Baltasar Kormákur. With a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute, the film follows the poignant journey of Kristoffer, an Icelandic chef who sets out to complete an unfinished affair from his youth. In the twilight of his life, he travels from Iceland to London and Hiroshima in search of his old love, Miko, navigating the complexities of the modern world amidst a risky pandemic. Upon reuniting with Miko in Hiroshima, Kristoffer discovers that they have a son, whom they never had the chance to openly acknowledge as theirs. The film delicately weaves together themes of tenderness, Japanese cuisine, haikus, and the enduring pain of the atomic blast. "Touch" is a cinematic experience that resonates with the softness of hearts and offers a profound sense of fulfillment.