Sono Tuki Ga Michiru Made (Iri, JAPAN)

Sono Tuki Ga Michiru Made / Until The Moon Waxes, 2007
Japanese with English Subtitles

This film tells the story of Ayumi, an unassuming lesbian college student who comes to Tokyo. When she heads for the local lesbian area of Tokyo, it is clear to her host that she is definitely a lesbian. With just 60 minutes altogether, the director, Iri, creates a rich and fascinating story. The self discovery of Ayumi becomes the self discovery of the audience because of the intimate interaction between the characters, candid dialogue, and the emotional undercurrent that glues the film together. At times, it becomes impossible to distinguish whether the film is a documentary or a narrative; whether the characters are real or fictitious.

Rating: 3 stars out of five.

Quemar las Naves (Francisco Franco-Alba, MEXICO)

Quemar las Naves / Burn the Bridges, 2007 Mexico
Spanish with English Subtitles

This film follows the life of Helena (Irene Azuela) and Sebastian (Ángel Onésimo Nevárez), who are teenagers dealing with the painful reality of facing the last few weeks of their mother’s life. Their mother (played by great actress Claudette Maille) is dying of cancer. But the story doesn’t end there, the way the siblings deal with this tormenting experience is what makes the film. While Helena brackets her life in the presence of her mother, falling for her brother, Sebastian is distracted by a bad boy named Juan (Bernardo Benitez). In the meantime, there is the protector Ismael (Ramón Valdes) who is in love with both Helena and Sebastian.

With a crazy multi-plot, coupled with an amazing soundtrack and the beautiful town of Zacatecas, this film becomes intoxicatingly addictive. The lead actors give memorable performances. The director’s delicate balance of tradition and modern life in current day Mexico makes for not just plausible feast but an enjoyable one. It is a shame that such a great film did not garner the widespread attention that it so deserves!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.