Serge Bosque Reviews

Décolonisations (2020– )

Essential Viewing - Avail in French, German, English, Spanish, Polish & Italian

[10/10 · 13 February 2020]

I most highly recommend these 3 episodes to any adult (not recommended for children because of some archives depict scenes of violence), of any country/origin.

They are currently available on the Arte site until the 5th May 2020 in the following languages/subtitles

• Francais (optional subtitle in French, English, Spanish, Polish and Italian)
• German (optional subtitle in German)

I expect tons of international accolades.

Silent Light (2007)

Stillness speaks (but not to everybody)

[7/10 · 17 December 2007]

This is certainly not a film for everybody and I will be careful in who I recommend this movie to. It is challenging because it is very unsatisfying to the 5 senses we are used to (over)feed. This movie is like meditating, you need to surrender to it, ignore what your mind is telling you about what a movie should be, surrender to the slowness first and then to the lack of almost everything we are normally used to in a movie. There is so little you can chew on, no acting, inhibited emotions, no laughter, even the acclaimed picture is unsatisfying (don't see this movie for that reason). Everything is internal, barely reaching the surface. If you can tune in though, like in a meditation, you will become ultra sensitive, sense the subtle and begin to enjoy. Some scenes may even totally fill your spirit. One word of caution though, if you intend to see this movie in a theatre: it is very likely that some people will become uncomfortable and leave, keep talking, protest etc... which makes it even more difficult to watch it with serenity so renting it as a DVD may be a more suitable option. If you are the kind of person enjoying a walk in the countryside contemplating nature without talking you'll probably enjoy this movie. If you prefer talking or being entertained then chances are that you will not.

Lost in Translation (2003)

What's the hype about?

[3/10 · 16 February 2004]

Before watching Lost in Translation: 8.1 average rating, top 250 #156, 3 stars in the Times and in most papers, 3 Bafta Awards and probably more in the future?

Watching Lost in Translation: zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz bored. I've never seen so many people leaving before the end.

After watching Lost in Translation: Frustrated. Come on.. what's the hype about this movie? Ok, some good acting and 2-3 nice scenes but is that enough to deserve all those acclaims? I think not. I'm totally lost myself to understand the reasons? PR? Would it be different if the name of the director was not Coppola?

I'll check the rating again in 6 months, it has to drop, but if it does (as it does quite strongly for some movies, shame there's no historical chart for that) we'll still wonder what/who made the hype.

Salsa and Love (1999)

Very enjoyable and cheerful with a good soundtrack.

[8/10 · 5 February 2001]

"Salsa (2000)" gives you what it was designed for and what you should expect: Good music, good dancing and good fun.

It is not a pretentious movie at all. The story is simple but not obvious and also contains some interesting moments and twists. The acting is good and the music excellent (Yuri Buenaventura, Sierra Maestra, Ruben Gonzales). The dancing parts are not outstanding but certainly very enjoyable.

It's also a very cheerful and energising movie so it's perfect before going dancing.

Note that this "Salsa (2000)" is much better than "Salsa (1988)", which is boring, predictable and serious ; with some good dance sequences though.

By the way don't miss the delightful "A paradise under the stars" ("Un paraiso bajo las estrellas", CUBA 2000)