Foreign and Indie Films on DVD by Film Movement
During the holiday season, I tend to purchase more DVDs than at any other time during the year. We love to purchase new ones for the family to watch and we love to buy them to give as gifts. This year, we found a great online store called Film Movement who sells Foreign and Indie Films at a price we can all afford.
Info About the Company: Film Movement is a full-service North American distributor of critically acclaimed award-winning independent and foreign films. Film Movement has released films from 25 countries and six continents, including top prize winners from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, Tribeca and many other prestigious film festivals. Through partnerships with theaters, TV networks, wholesalers, retailers, institutions, and a first of its kind subscription service, Film Movement is able to get the films it distributes the audience they deserve.
When looking for unique films and DVDs to give this year as gifts, this is definitely the store you need to check out. They have a great “Film of the Month” Club and you can purchased boxed gift sets too! The company sent us 2 screener copies of two films to review for all of you and here is what we thought about them.
First up, the film called “Mine” which is directed by Geralyn Pezanoski and produced by Erin Essenmacher.
DVD Synopsis: Hailed as “absorbing,” “a must see” and “the best movie at SXSW,” MINE is a documentary about the essential bond between humans and animals, set against the backdrop of one of the worst natural disasters in modern U.S. history: Hurricane Katrina. This gripping, character-driven story follows New Orleans residents as they attempt the daunting task of trying to reunite with their pets who have been adopted by families all over the country, and chronicles the custody battles that arise when two families love the same pet. Who determines the fate of the animals, and the people, involved? A compelling meditation on race, class and the power of compassion, MINE examines how we treat animals as an extension of how we view and treat each other.
Our Thoughts: I remember watching on TV the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and all of the other “bad” things that went on during that time. As an animal lover and animal activist, I was really intrigued by this film. Hubby and I sat down to watch it together and from start to finish, we were glued! It was a real eye-opener to to us and a great documentary on how people interact with one another and how people view their animals and the animals of others.
Next up, the foreign film called “Alamar” which is directed by Pedro González-Rubio.
DVD Synopsis: Jorge has only a few weeks with his five-year-old son Natan before he leaves to live with his mother in Rome. Intent on teaching Natan about their Mayan heritage, Jorge takes him to the pristine Chinchorro reef, and eases him into the rhythms of a fisherman’s life. As the bond between father and son grows stronger, Natan learns to live in harmony with life above and below the surface of the sea.
My Thoughts: My husband didn’t watch this film with me because he doesn’t understand the Spanish language. This film is in Spanish but it does have English subtitles. Since I am bilingual, I got to watch it all by myself on one lazy afternoon. This movie is a “coming of age” story about a developing relationship between a father and son. Usually I shy away from these types of films because I find them too sappy for my liking. However, this one was nicely done and very entertaining. It would be a great film for families with older children to watch together or for adults.
Well there you have it. My thoughts on the 2 films that I got to review. It is always refreshing to sit down and watch some quality movies that are not easily found elsewhere. I get tired of watching the same old stuff, so it’s nice to have a DVD resource like the Film Movement.
You can head on over to their web site to learn more about them and all of the wonderful Foreign and Indie Films that they have to offer. Happy Shopping!
Disclaimer: Shelly has personally reviewed the product listed above. Shelly has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Shelly did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. Thanks!