Tag: HongChau

Wuthering Heights

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Based upon the 1847 novel by Emily Bronte, Wuthering Heights tells the devastating love story of Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie) and Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi). Set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, Cathy and Heathcliff strike up a friendship like no other when Cathy’s father brings him to live with them. As the years go by, the feelings they have for one another grows.

Writer and director Emerald Fennell is known for being provocative and unique. She made quite the splash when she announced she would be adapting such a beloved classic, especially because she wanted to tell it her way. As a result, many people have been left divided over the casting choices and the changes that have been made to the source material. I did read the book, but that was so long ago now that I barely remember it. I had been really looking forward to seeing the film and I have to say that I liked it.

Both Robbie and Elordi were scrutinised for taking on the roles of Cathy and Heathcliff respectively. They were not at all what the majority had in mind for the characters, but I thought they did a good job. Robbie was perfect as the bitchy, possessive Cathy while Elordi was so very handsome and also kind of scary as Heathcliff. I am a fan of both – not only are they absolutely gorgeous, they sizzle as a couple. The romantic relationship between them is not a healthy one whatsoever, but it is so full of passion that I almost didn’t care. Those longing looks and angst filled moments were almost better than when they actually ended up finally giving into their feelings.

The film wouldn’t have been complete without the supporting cast. Hong Chau starred as Nelly Dean, Cathy’s maid and former confidant. Not the nicest of people, you can’t help but feel for her and understand why she does what she does. Shazad Latif portrayed Edgar Linton, the man who Cathy agrees to marry when Heathcliff disappears. I appreciated the fact that Edgar didn’t let Cathy walk all over him and tried to fight for their marriage. The real scene stealer for me though was Alison Oliver who took a star turn as Isabella Linton. She was kind of strange, but so incredibly funny, the whole theatre was cracking up whenever she was on screen.

Though not at all historically accurate, everything about the film was breathtaking. From the cinematography, to the costumes, the intricate set designs and the distinctive soundtrack, it was a feast for the senses. Fennell is nothing if not deliberate with the way in which she approaches her projects; that was evident in Promising Young Women and Saltburn. This was no exception. From the moors, to the Linton estate and the house where Cathy and Heathcliff met and became forever intwined, each were expertly crafted. In addition to being completely in love with Cathy’s entire wardrobe, I also thought the soundtrack choices from Charli XCX worked well.

I think it helps to go into Wuthering Heights separating the book from the film. Because I knew that this was going to be a completely different take on the timeless story, I wanted to be as open minded as possible. This allowed me to enjoy the film a lot more than I thought I would. Despite the changes, I thought it still did a brilliant job at portraying the epic love story between Catherine and Heathcliff, so much so that I was left in tears at the end. That tells me everything I need to know.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Kinds of Kindness

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In Kinds of Kindness, three different stories are played out on screen. The first features a man who tries to make his own choices after having his whole life mapped out for him, the second follows a cop who can’t help but wonder if that is really his wife who has returned after being lost at sea and the third is about a woman who is in search of someone with a special ability.

Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his strange and unusual movies. After watching and loving Poor Things earlier this year, I was looking forward to seeing what he was going to do next. Unfortunately his newest venture didn’t quite hit the same marks that his predecessor did. One day later I’m still scratching my head over what it was that I watched.

What I did like was seeing some familiar faces in the film. Emma Stone, Jesse Plemmons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Hunter Schafer, Mamoudou Athie and Joe Alwyn are the key players here. They each take on a different character throughout the three stories. I thought the performances were well done which is unsurprising with a cast of this calibre. That didn’t mean that any of them were particularly likeable, nor did I want to see any of them succeed.

That’s about where the enjoyment ended for me. As time ticked by (and it did so slowly), I became more confused. There was no correlation between the fables that I could detect and I couldn’t help but wonder what the point was. I think I would have appreciated it more otherwise. Also, it was as if each story just got more strange and convoluted. I like to think I’m open minded, but some of the scenes that unfolded before me have been etched into my mind and not in a good way! It’s like Lanthimos just did it for shock value and not because it added anything to the plot.

Overall, Kinds of Kindness is one of those films that will certainly divide audiences. I wanted to like it so much, but I think it just went way over my head. At least the cast were great and the cinematography worked so there were some silver linings.

Rating: ♥️♥️.5

The Whale

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Based on the play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Darren Aronfsky comes the theatrical adaption of The Whale. Starring Brendan Fraser as Charlie, the story follows a reclusive and morbidly obese English teacher who is coming to the end of his life. His last wish is to reconnect with his estranged daughter for one last chance of redemption.

As the last award nominated film that I was interested in, I couldn’t believe my luck when I had the chance to see it ahead of its initial release. It may seem simple; at times I was reminded of the fact that it was originally a play due to its solo location and small cast of characters, but I appreciated the fact that it was more intimate that way and of course, it helped with the difficult subject matter.

The story was pretty awful. I found it hard to watch at times, but I also couldn’t help but resonate with Charlie and his loneliness. Although that may have been self inflicted, it didn’t make it any less upsetting. I felt his embarrassment and I wish I could have mended his broken heart. At the end of the day, though, it seemed as if his mind was made up.

If Brendan Fraser does not win Oscar for this role, then I don’t know anymore. He put everything he could into Charlie and it moved me to tears. I just sat there at the end of the film in utter disbelief at what I had watched. There were also some brilliant performances by the supporting cast. Hong Chau as Charlie’s friend Liz, Ty Simpkins as missionary Thomas, Samantha Morton as Charlie’s ex Mary and Sadie Sink as Charlie’s daughter Ellie gave it their all.

Overall, The Whale is a film that everybody should watch. It will make you uncomfortable, it will make you cry and it will make you think. While it may not be super strong in its plot, it more than makes up for it in its performances.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

The Menu

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Welcome to Hawthorne.

The most exclusive restaurant around, only a select few are chosen to come and dine. On this particular occasion are couple Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) as well as food critic Lilian (Janet McTeer) and her editor Ted (Paul Adelstein), wealthy couple Richard (Reed Birney) and Anne (Judith Light), movie star George (John Leguizamo) and his assistant Felicity (Aimee Carrero) and business partners Soren (Arturo Castro), Dave (Mark St. Cyr) and Bryce (Rob Yang). What starts off as an evening of excitement soon takes a dramatic turn. It will be a night none of them will ever forget.

Where do I even begin with The Menu?

My expectations for this were sky high. At this point in time, it’s safe to say that I will gobble up everything and anything that Anya Taylor-Joy touches. She always chooses roles that are not what you’d expect and I love that about her. In such a large ensemble, she held her own and was mesmerizing the whole time. But the real stand out was, unsurprisingly, Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). His performance was unlike anything I had ever seen before. At some moments he was terrifying while others charming and I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to hate him or love him. All I knew was that I was completely enthralled with everything he said or did. Another stand out was Elsa (Hong Chau). I’d never seen her before, but she was such a great addition.

I liked how the movie started off as one thing and became something else entirely as it went on. The way in which it was broken down into various sections – the amuse bouche, first course, second course etc – was absolutely genius. Neither parts were too short nor too long and each was integral to the progression of the story. Naturally as it continued, it only grew more and more insane.

Although I’d gone into the cinema having just eaten dinner, my stomach grumbled as each meal was presented to the guests. Some items I had never seen or heard of before and they looked amazing. One of my hobbies is to visit new restaurants and try exotic foods, so this was right up my alley. Just don’t be comparing me to Tyler please.

With all this said, The Menu has become one of my favorites of the year. The comedy, insanity and mouth watering dishes was something I never knew I needed in my life. The way in which it perfectly encapsulated our society and the way we obsess over things was spot on. I will be thinking about and singing this movie’s praises for a very long time.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥