top rounded corners
pad
  • Increase font size
  • Decrease font size
  • Default font size
pad
Seach Sponsored by Road Runner
pad
Democratic National Convention
Review: 'The Year My Parents Went on Vacation' Print E-mail
Written by Terry Hunter - thunter@kgmb9.com   
June 14, 2008 04:51 PM

 
Nowadays, the new owners of Consolidated Theatres are consistently showing independent and foreign films at the Kahala Mall Theatres.

One of them, "The Visitor," is the best feature film in town. Another one,"Young @ Heart" is a terrific documentary about a group of very old people who sing rock and roll.

But I can only give a mixed review to a Brazilian film called "The Year My Parents Went on Vacation." I liked the story but not the style.

The film is a nostalgic look back at the boyhood of its director during a time when he was abandoned by his parents and didn't understand why. The year is 1970. An unseen dictator has forced the boy's activist parents to flee; no one knows where. But the grandfather he's supposed to stay with has died suddenly on the very day his parents depart. So an elderly, not very sympathetic neighbor is forced to take care of him.

I liked the set-up and the young actor in the lead role. But I was frustrated by the self conscious creativity of the filmmaker, Cao Hamburger. He overuses close ups, and he constantly brings in the sound of one shot into the shot before it to soften the transition. Once or twice would be fine. But after that.... For me the style of this movie keeps calling attention to itself, so that instead of being swept up in the story and the emotions, I kept being reminded that I was watching a movie in which every plot point was exaggerated and every scene seemed like something I've already seen in some other foreign film.

What I liked was the relationship between a neighbor girl and the young boy. And I appreciated the boy's fascination with soccer and the fact that during the time span of the film, Pele was playing for his country in the world cup.

But even the cheering of the crowds during games seemed more theatrical than real.

You may well enjoy this movie more than I did; most people do.


Digg!Reddit!Del.icio.us!Google!Facebook!Slashdot!Technorati!StumbleUpon!Newsvine!Furl!Fark!Yahoo!Ma.gnolia!
Last Updated ( June 22, 2008 09:58 AM )
 
Democratic National Convention
KGMB9 Developing News - Powered by Zippy's
Sunrise on KGMB9 - Powered by Sunny Side Up

Saltimbanco

Saltimbanco

Made in Hawaii

Made in Hawaii Giveaway

9 Online - Morning

Subscribe to receive 9 Online

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner!

9 Online - Afternoon

Subscribe to receive 9 Online

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner!

DTV Countdown


New on Sunrise

Living Lei Chic
Living Lei Chic
Every Thursday Morning

Grace Lee and special 'Lei Chic' Correspondent Alyson Helwagen start 'Living Lei Chic' as they reveal some of Hawaii's undiscovered fashion, shopping, dining and beauty trends!

Wake Up With Us

KGMB9 Feature

The Genius of Aging
The Genius of Aging:
One Hour Special
Watch Online Now

Join KGMB9's Kim Gennaula and world-renowned geriatrician Dr. Bill Thomas as we explore a 'new old age' in Hawaii in this hour long special.

Learn More

Campaign 2008

Take A Stand
Take a Stand
KGMB9 Initiative

KGMB9 challenges you to 'Take a Stand' this election year by registering to vote, being informed and casting a ballot.

Find out more

Severe Weather Special

Eye on the Sky
Eye on the Sky

With the Hurricane Season underway, KGMB9's weather team took a close look at what lies ahead for you this summer.

See What's in Store

KGMB9 Sports

Pre-Season NFL Football
Up Next:
Houston Texans @
Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles @
New England Patriots

All month long in August, KGMB9 presents NFL 2008 Pre-Season Football! Watch all of the action in nine pre-season games you'll only see here on KGMB9.

See the Schedule

bottom rounded corners