The Insult

       Nominated for best Foreign Film at this year's Academy Awards, this Lebanese film is a terrific and tense drama about how a war of words can easily escalate into something much worse. 

       An exchange of words between Yasser, a Palestinian construction foreman and Tony, a Lebanese Christian, over Tony's broken balcony drain lead to insults that escalate into physical violence, courtroom appearances and National attention.

       Adel Karam plays Tony and Kamel El Basha plays Yasser and both men are excellent. Tony, with his short fuse and pride, stubbornly refuses to back down after Yasser's insult. He demands an apology but Yasser, who, in his quiet dignity, refuses feeling he is the one who should get an apology. In fear since he is the minority refuge, Yasser would prefer to say nothing as their argument ends in a courtroom that does nothing to resolve the issue and only make things worse.

       The war of words that escalates is easily a universal situation but here is heightened by the social, religious and political background in Lebanon.  As the tension mounts, there are surprises and hidden facts revealed.  The complexity of Middle Eastern politics can be difficult for an American audience but this is a film with a message that is both thought provoking and entertaining. It certainly deserves it's Oscar nomination and very possibly a win.

Black Panther

       Culturally significant, this new superhero film sets itself apart from the rest of the Marvel films with its predominately African American cast and director. It also features women in strong key roles. It's an enjoyable stand alone film but definitely reminds it's audience of it's ties to the Marvel Universe (especially in a final post credit scene).

       Racial and sexual politics aside, it's well cast and directed (by Ryan Coogler, who also co-wrote the script) and includes some dazzling special effects. At it's core, the film is a cross between James Bond, Star Wars, and The Lion King. It strives to be important (and it is) but also takes itself far too seriously. It tackles some heavy subjects with too little comic relief. To be fair, there are a few good laughs and a visual gag or two. The armored rhinos were a bit over the top though.

       Chadwick Boseman stars as T'Challa, prince of Wakanda ( a fictional African country) who is also the Black Panther, a living symbol of his people. When his father is killed, he inherits the throne but heavy is the head that wears the crown. He soon finds himself in a fight with Klaue, the man who killed his father and also Erik Killmonger, a challenger for the throne. He must also decide to keep Wakanda's technology hidden or share their knowledge and resources with the rest of the world. Mr. Boseman handles himself aptly in and out of his costume.

           Klaue is played by Andy Serkis, who chews up the scenery and appears to be really enjoying himself. It's probably due in part that he finally has a role that isn't motion capture. Killmonger is played by Michael B. Jordan, who is a formidable villain. Also in major roles are Dania Guria ( Michonne from "The Walking Dead") as Okoye, the leader of the Dora Milaje, T'Challa's all female royal guards and Lupita Nyong'o as Nikia, T'Challa's former lover and Wakanda spy. The large cast also features Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi, Letitia Wright as Shuri, Angela Bassett as Ramonda, Forest Whitaker as Zuri, Winston Duke as M'Baku and Martin Freeman as Everett Ross. In a film striving for authenticity, it's interesting to note that Mr. Freeman who is British plays an American CIA agent. Sterling K. Brown has an important cameo as well. The characters are fully realized played by a very talented ensemble.

            With this film, Marvel once again raises the bar for superhero films. Mr Coogler has brought to life an iconic, comic book Black hero that a culture and community can proudly call their own. And better yet, he stars in a major Hollywood vehicle that should still appeal to a mass audience, regardless of race or sex.

A Fantastic Woman

    Selected as a nominee for Best Foreign film at next month's Oscars, this is a heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting drama from Chile. It is co-written and beautifully directed by Sebastian Lelio. It features a remarkable and yes, fantastic performance by Daniela Vega as Marina, a transgender woman struggling to get her life in order after her lover dies suddenly.

     After a birthday celebration, Orlando (played by Francisco Reyes), thirty years her senior, awakens feeling ill. While waiting for Marina, his illness is complicated by a fall down a flight of stairs. Marina takes him to the hospital but he soon dies, leaving Marina in shock and confusion. Questioned and examined by the police, harassed and ostracized by Orlando's family, Marina's world is further turned upside down.  

     While a fictitious story, there is so much ugly truth here that it only serves to heighten the amazing performance by Ms. Vega. As a transgender woman, one must believe she has dealt with (and may continue to deal with) many of the prejudices and hate faced by Marina in the film.

     What makes it even more compelling is just how universal her story really is. Anyone can relate to the terrible circumstances faced by Marina, made only more complicated for her as a transgender woman. Ms. Vega performance is heartbreaking but her strength shines through the sadness and her raw, honest portrayal borders on magical.