film reviews, interviews, features | BRWC

Author: BRWC

  • Luchadoras: Review

    Luchadoras: Review

    By Liam Trump.

    Luchadoras begins with a story. A woman is going about her usual day as she gets on the bus. But something is different about today. Instead of going his usual route, he goes a different way. The woman on the bus gets brutally raped to the point where she feels ashamed of telling her family about the experience. This is the introduction not just to the film, but to the city of Ciudad Juárez.

    A big part of Luchadoras is how women get by in a place generally known for its high murder rate when it comes to women. Instead of working for low pay in a factory, the subjects of this film take on monikers in the pro wrestling community. 

    The main character of the story is Candy. Out of all of the people presented, she has the most going on in her life. Aside from wrestling, she has to get back to her kids who are in America. The whole point of her wrestling is to make enough money to buy a visa so she can get to them. 

    The biggest theme is identity and how that translates into being a woman. As mentioned before, the town of Ciudad Juárez is downright unforgiven to women. It’s said that they basically have to fend for themselves, with no help from authorities.

    What writers Paola Calvo, Patrick Jasim, and Phillip Kaminiak struggle with the most is how the information is paced out. Every person who’s shown in the film has facets of their lives that are begging to get uncovered. This may sound like a good thing, but the sheer amount of people make it difficult for there to be a clear point to it all. Every person in the film gets such a small amount of development that it leads to all of them being underutilized.

    On a more positive note, the camerawork and music are both effectively executed. There are many free-flowing shots that show the disorganized nature of Ciudad Juárez. The music takes on different percussion and string melodies, making sure it never becomes repetitive. With a better color palette, there Luchadoras could’ve had a unique voice past just camerawork and music. 

    Paola Calvo and Patrick Jasim’s Luchadoras sadly fails at creating an engaging story. The stylistic elements do little to elevate a fractured story that doesn’t have a clear drive. The message of feminism is completely appropriate, but it only comes in at the end. 

  • Underrated Disney Films

    Underrated Disney Films

    Underrated Disney Films.  By Sarah Buddery.

    Everyone has their favourite Disney films, and with an extensive back catalogue of beloved animated classics to choose from, there certainly isn’t a shortage of options!

    For over 80 years, Disney have been delighting audiences with their charming tales of princesses, adorable animated critters, and offering the perfect escape into worlds of fantasy, imagination, and wonder!

    With the majority of the 58 ‘Walt Disney Animation Studios’ classics readily available on Disney+, it is the perfect time to delve deeper into the canon to discover perhaps some of the lesser seen and lesser appreciated films, tucked alongside your existing favourites.

    They may be less well known than some of their counterparts, perhaps weren’t as well received by critics, or were maybe just a little misunderstood upon their release but have subsequently found an audience much later on.

    Whatever it may be, these films all have something unique and interesting to offer, and who knows, by the end of this list you may just have a new favourite or at the very least, an extensive watchlist of new classics to discover for the first time!

    10. The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

    Some people might argue whether this film could be considered as “underrated” as it is pretty universally well liked, but it finds a place in this list as I’m not sure everyone appreciates just how great this film really is!

    Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year (or 21st depending on what country you’re in), there’ve been some really great pieces written celebrating this Disney classic, particularly focusing on the insane stories of it’s somewhat tumultuous production history. The fact this film even exists is a miracle, and the fact it exists in all of it’s rebellious, anarchic and distinctly anti-Disney form, is even more miraculous!

    Packed with memorable lines, more visual gags than you could shake a llama at, and an insane energy throughout, Emperor’s New Groove packs so much into its 78(!) minute runtime and not a single second is wasted. Truly one of the very best!

    9. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)

    The 1970s and 1980s were a slightly tumultuous period of Disney and they faced a lack of direction and clear leadership, following the death of Walt Disney in 1966. Nestled towards the tail end of the 1970s however is this delightful anthology collection of shorts featuring the beloved inhabitants of the hundred acre wood.

    There’s few people who would be unfamiliar with the antics of honey-loving bear Winnie the Pooh and his pals, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh features some of the best and most well-known of his stories including ‘The Blustery Day’ and ‘The Honey Tree’.

    Whilst generally overshadowed by the later offerings, including 2011’s Winnie the Pooh, there’s an unbridled childhood nostalgia in this 1977 collection, and the charming storybook style animation feels like your bedtime stories being brought to life. One of the most wonderful things about hand-drawn animation is it’s timeless quality, and this is absolutely one of those films, and one which will continue to delight those young and old for generations.

    Select the numbers below for the other films in the list!

    Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

  • What To Expect From The Oscar 2021 Nominations

    What To Expect From The Oscar 2021 Nominations

    What To Expect From The Oscar 2021 Nominations – The Oscar nominations will be two months late this year owing to the pandemic. But after speedy preparations, the Academy will finally announce the nominations on Monday morning in Los Angeles. 

    2020 was a very unusual year with the lockdowns and movie theaters shut to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the Academy adapted to this unusual situation and has made new improvements like granting eligibility to movies released online, provided they were scheduled for theatrical releases in 2020.

    Things are also expected to be better this year. Oscar nominees are much likely to benefit from the Oscar bump at the box office this winter and spring. Also, 2021 will see more than one female director’s work and many extraordinary movies by black filmmakers. 

    The Unexpected Surprises of the Oscar 2021 Awards Nominations

    Devoid of the usual round of parties, premieres, Q&As, and extravagant award ceremonies, academy members have mostly been left to their own devices. Still, we can make some intelligent guesses about the crop of nominees, which could set new records and stoke controversy simultaneously. Here are some of the expectations from various award categories. 

    Best Picture

    Nomadland is an unrelenting entry in the best picture category. The entry has been a frontrunner all season long and has retained first place in round three. The panel expects Nomadland to continue maintaining the lead until Oscar night.

    However, things are not as rosy as they appear for Nomadland. The trial of the Chicago 7 and Minari are rapidly closing the gap. The latter two hint at a closer and tighter competition than previously expected.

    And what’s more? Mank, who has been the nominations leader, is now in fourth place, while Emerald’s Promising Young Woman lurks in the shadows. Let’s wait for the showdown! 

    Best Director

    This year, Chloé Zhao has become the star to watch. She remains the forerunner for Nomadland. She is also the first Asian woman to be nominated for the award. Zhao has four nominations in 2021 including editing, producing, directing, and writing. She also becomes the first woman to earn so many nominations in a single year.

    The other nominee, Emerald Fennell, has been nominated for directing, writing, and producing the Promising Young Woman. She joins Fran Walsh, Sofia Coppola, and Chloé Zhao as the first women to earn three nominations in a single year.

    In the directing field, two filmmakers of Asian descent are expected to feature, including Lee Isaac Chung of Minari. Regina King, though considered the favorite with her One Night in Miami, has not been nominated. 

    Lead Actress

    The frontrunner in this category is the famous Carey Mulligan. She runs neck to neck with Viola Davis. They have both maintained a clear lead from McDormand, who holds the second position. Singers Andra Day and Vanessa Kirby complete the list. But Julia Garner, a two-time Emmy winner, is missing from the list. Other notable omissions include actress Zendaya and Gotham star Nicole Beharie. 

    Supporting Actor

    The supporting actor’s category has seen Judas and the Black Messiah at the top. Daniel Kaluuya has also stirred the awards circuit, while Fred Hampton, featuring as the Messiah in the film, is also on the cards.

    One big surprise to expect in this category is the nomination of LaKeith Stanfield, who was proposed as the film’s lead co-star in his role as Judas. Kaluuya has also co-starred in the Black Panther, a film that has also been nominated for the Oscar Awards. His role as a friend who turned against the hero triggered his nomination as the real-life Black Panther, the betrayed hero. 

    You Too Can Be a Hero

    Nothing brings more surprises this year than the Oscar 2021 Nominations. But you give yourself and the world around you a big surprise. Visit NetEnt top casinos and play a game of your choice. There are lots of online games that can make you rise to stardom. As we wait to celebrate the Oscar winners, we also expect to celebrate you!

    What To Expect From The Oscar 2021 Nominations

  • Claudia Bouza: Interview

    Claudia Bouza: Interview

    Claudia Bouza: Interview. By Eleanor Klein.

    Claudia Bouza is a Spanish actress trained at The Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. Her short film ‘Faces’ won best film at the London Film Festival and also at the Couch film festival in Toronto. With many acting credits under her belt, today we had the opportunity to chat with her. 

    The first thing I do in the morning is… Drink a bottle of Water

    The best beauty advice I ever received was… Workout helps with everything!

    When I’m stressed… I clean everything meticulously

    Favorite time of the day… Breakfast time… I like my morning coffee and to think about my day plans  

    My guilty pleasure is… Late night snacks 

    Sweet or Savoury… Savoury 

    The best advice for looking great in a photo is… Feel confident and it’ll show… 

    One thing I wish people knew about me is… I appreciate when people are honest from the beginning 

    If you looked at my desktop, you’d see… A bunch of photoshoots!

    https://vimeo.com/483978864

    Who Is Fashion Model & Actress Claudia Bouza?

    Claudia Bouza Macia is a professional model and actress, currently based in New York City, NY. She is originally from the colorful and incredibly artistic city of Barcelona, Spain. Her style channels that unique vibrancy and warmth that makes her hometown so special, but she has a look and a creative identity that’s all her own. Quite focused on acting,

    Claudia went to The Lee Strasberg Theatre Film Institute in Manhattan, where she attended the conservatory program and earned her degree after a 2-years program. Her time at the school was incredibly influential for her development as an artist and as an individual in general, and she continues to stay active in the NYC theater community.

    She is currently planning on putting up a production of Jean Genet’s play MAIDS, along with a few school alumni.

  • Da Yie: Review

    Da Yie: Review

    By Liam Trump.

    Anthony Nti’s second short film, Da Yie is a profound look into innocence and bravery. The wonder of that many people experience in their childhood is shown in a genuine way that never feels over the top or unrealistic. The scope is small, but this doesn’t stop the Nti from creating a story that’s anything but meaningless. 

    The story of Da Yie chronicles the day long journey of Prince and Matilda. Their day starts out with Matilda calling Prince to see if he wants to leave his house and join here on the football field. He joins her but when he comes back, his mother is waiting for him. He narrowly escapes her and goes back to Matilda. 

    This leads to them meeting a stranger named Bogah. He takes them all over the town; from a buffet to the beach. He talks of bravery and fighting one’s fears, all things that create a bond between the three of them. They finally drive to a place where they can watch the football games and it seems like their day together is over.

    Things get complicated when Bogah’s real intentions are revealed. He started out as a kind, advice giving stanger, but through the phone calls he has on the car ride to his friends house, it’s obvious that his good nature was just a front to get close to Prince and Matilda.

    The way that Prince and Matilda’s innocence is presented couldn’t’ve been done any better. All of the camera moments mirror the freedom that these children experience and the shaky cam actually works in the scenes it’s used in. The music adds to this and together, the camerawork and music both set up the initial tone of the story.

    Very few things stick out as being inherently bad in Da Yie. The characters sadly don’t have much time to develop and come off as one dimensional. This doesn’t really affect the film too negatively since the characters aren’t the focal point in the first place, but it would be nice if they were more well rounded. 

    In the end, though, Anthony Nti created a short film that harshly looks at how innocence and wonder can act as a gateway for a sinister story to unfold. There’s a clear vision here that naturally progresses the first half to the second without a jarring tonal shift. Overall, Da Yie is a strong second outing for Nti that will show any audience member the dark parts of one’s childhood.