(500) Days of Summer

500 Days of Summer International Trailer from Rosie de Belgeonne on Vimeo.

My favourite film of the year! This romantic comedy has it all without any Hollywood cliches to be found, perfectly defying all genre conventions yet still captivating. This is not a love story, but a story of modern romance: the courtship of Gen Y's. Words like 'commitment', 'love', 'divorce' are feared by Gen Y and this romantic confusion is explored beautifully in this sweet, quirky film.

My hat goes off to Joseph Gordon Levitt for his heart-warming performance. Hasn't he grown up since 3rd Rock From The Sun? Zooey Deschanel is equally adorable and delivers a lovely performance, with style.

Watch this film for the soundtrack alone. It perfectly compliments the narrative and pace, whilst keeping this non-love story upbeat and fun. With its un-conventional ending, the soundtrack works brilliantly to transform it into a happy one.

The directors style is fresh and absorbing, with an array of visual delicacies but I won't spoil them here. I loved this film so much and think all other Gen Y's will adore it as well. See it for yourself!

Share|

Write The Future

Nike Write The Future from Wieden + Kennedy London on Vimeo.

Okay, so you've probably already seen this incredible World Cup TV spot for Nike. If you haven't, where have you been hiding? Produced by the award-winning advertising agency in London, Wieden + Kennedy, this commercial captures the spirit of this international event, the World Cup. The world will stand still: all eyes will be on our TVs, Twitter, blogs, live feeds, so we don't miss a single moment of the excitement.

If you don't have World Cup fever yet... then watch this!

Share|

Mementos

MOMENTOS from Nuno Rocha on Vimeo.

Wow! Only one word can describe this short film: Powerful. A beautiful story about a lost father, a lost soul, and the kindness in people's hearts. Nuno Rocha has created a touching film using a wonderful colour palette that brings to life this man's world; cold, bleak and alone. Incredibly well filmed with a very real performance from leading actor, Rui Penna.

This short was produced for LG Portugal to symbolise, in a unique way, their brand motto: Life's good. A six minute film you cannot miss.

Share|

Flora

A much more unique approach to a perfume TVC, this commercial was a finalist at the 2009 Cannes Lion advertising awards. I love it and so wanted to share it!

Don't forget you can leave your comments :o)

The Young Victoria

I do love biopics and this film was no exception. The element of truth (albeit it sometimes a loose tracing of truth) fascinates me and I find it easier to connect with these films, remembering that these people were real and ordinary once upon a time.

The Young Victoria was a fascinating film, exploring the life and early years of Queen Victoria who reigned as Queen of England from 1837 til 1901. Victoria was crowned as Queen at the very young age of 18. This film establishes her transition from childhood into life as Queen: a lonely child eager to fulfill her destiny so that she can make a difference in her life and the lives of others. Secluded from the world during her childhood she soon finds a friend and soulmate in Albert. This film is their love story.

Emily Blunt was regal in her performance as Victoria; confident, determined and stubborn. However, her youth was not convincing. Perhaps though I'm wrong and this portrayal - void of childhood mischievousness - is an accurate representation of the young woman who grew up in seclusion. Emily Blunt is however wonderful and engaging in her role as Victoria. Yet Rupert Friend steals the show as Albert. And so he should; a powerful force in this film and a powerful force in Victoria's life.

Without a doubt the design of the film is superb and without fault. Costumes and locations are gorgeous and set the scene perfectly, transporting you back in time into a royal world.

If you are intrigued in English history then you are sure to love this film. However I'm not sure it will have a significant response from those who already know the story of Victoria and Albert; it's lacking deep exploration of the characters and insight into the wonderful Queen she became and her relevance. At it's core its a simple love story with beautiful design and strong performances.

The Last Station

An adaptation of Tolstoy's biography, this film is at its core an exploration of love. Set during Tolstoy's last mission in life to promote educational reform, the film sadly seems to fall short in providing any depth and insight into his great work. However, the film's strength lies in the story of his relationship with his wife; a love story that is often overlooked in history. Their love is complicated and testing, and it is Tolstoy's dedication to his work that drives the story of their relationship.

Helen Mirren steals this film with her spellbinding performance. Her performance is powerful and her character is raw and vulnerable, giving us a very honest insight into the person that was Tolstoy's wife Sophia. Every second that she is on the screen you're absorbed. She is violent, mad, jealous, passionate. A simply amazing performance and makes this film worth the watch.

In the end I believe this film was in fact intended to be a journey of love and not an account of Tolstoy's work alone, just as the filmmakers have chosen to open the film with his famous quote from War and Peace: "Everything that I know, I know only because I love...".

Wonderful performances and a wonderful love story full of tears and laughter. A must see.

Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.

Directed by: Arev Manoukian
Cinematographer: Arev Manoukian

This short film is mesmerising. A fusion of old Hollywood glamour and modern technology, this film is much like a piece of art. It tells the story of two strangers who for a fleeting moment catch each others eyes. In that one fleeting moment they are captivated. Originating from one of Arev's daydreams, without a single word spoken and accompanied by excellent sound design, this film is brilliant.

Be sure to also watch the making of Nuit Blanche below.

Making Of Nuit Blanche from Spy Films on Vimeo.