paul-allaer

As "Love + War" (2025 release; 95 min.) opens, it is "February 19, 2022", 5 days before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. We follow Lynsey Addario, an American war photographer, as Kyiv is starting to get under attack. We then go back in time as we learn about Addario's roots and upbringing. When the New York Times offered her the opportunity to cover the Ukraine conflict, she comments "I jumped at the opportunity. This is what I do." At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: I must admit I was not familiar with Lynsey Addario at all before watching this. But I am very familiar with the works of co-directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, who won a Best Documentary Oscar for "Free Solo", among many other recognitions. I will watch any movie from these veteran documentarians. Here they follow/embed with Lynsey Addario, whom we come to know as a fierce and fearless "conflict photographer" (as she calls herself), but remarkably is also a wife and mother of two boys. Along the way we learn of the sexism that Addario has encountered, how journalists are now being targeted, and how she compartmentalizes being a mother with being a war photographer. The Ukraine invasion by Russia, including war crimes committed by Russia, get more exposure than any other aspect. I was blown away by the entire documentary, to be honest.

"Love + War" premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival to immediate and general critical acclaim. This documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and there is amply reason form that. After a brief US theatrical run in October, the movie is now streaming on Hulu, where I caught it last night. If you are interested in understanding the extraordinary life and times of a veteran war photographer, or you are simply a fan of the earlier works of co-directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Jay Kelly" (2025 release; 133 min.) opens, we are on a film set where mega-film star Jay Kelly films the last scene. Afterward, the entire production set celebrates. Upon getting home, Kelly is seen arguing with his youngest daughter who just graduated from high school. She tells him that she is going backpacking in France and Italy with some friends. Kelly suggests that he join them but she rejects the idea. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie...

Couple of comments: this is the latest from director Noah Baumbach ("Mistress America", "Frances Ha"). Here he brings the fictional tale of film star Jay Kelly, whose story seems in many parts amazingly similar to that of George Clooney. For good measure, Clooney plays that role as he reflects on a 35 year Hollywood career. Adam Sandler, a regular in Baumbach's films, stars as Kelly's longtime manager (and friend?). Laura Dern is another in Kelly's entourage. This movie is definitely a Hollywood insider movie. "All my memories are movies", reflects Kelly. There are some poignant moments in the movie for sure, but I couldn't help wonder that it somehow all feels so familiar, all a little bit too easy. Dare I say predictable? Then again, who will want to root against George Clooney?

"Jay Kelly" premiered at the Venice film festival in August. The movie had a very brief and limited theatrical run last month, and it started streaming on Netflix this weekend. "Jay Kelly" is currently rated 78% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are a fan of George Clooney or Adam Sandler, or you like the earlier films of Noah Baumbach, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

As "Left-Handed Girl" (2025 release from Taiwan; 109 min) opens, we are introduced to a woman and her two daughters, including a 5 yo who is left-handed. They are all returning to Taipei. The mom is struggling to make ends meet. The oldest daughter is finding her own way. And the 5 yo ends up getting shifted between t=her mom and sister's place and the grandparents on her mom's side... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is directed and co-written by Taiwanese-American Shih-Ching Tsou. I admit knowing nothing about her. More notably, the movie is edited, co-written and co-produced by Sean Baker ("The Florida Project"). Together, they bring a slice of the daily life in Taipei. More correctly, it is a slice of the nightly life in Taipei, as much of the movie plays out at night. It's like getting a tip of Taipei's veil lifted. As for the actual story line, there really isn't much of one. Life is playing out in all of its ordinary-ness. The no-name cast is terrific, in particular the two daughters.

"Left-Handed Girl" premiered at this year's Cannes film festival to immediate acclaim, causing a bidding war for the film's distribution rights, eventually won by Netflix. After a very brief US theatrical release last month, the movie is now streaming in Netflix, where I saw it last night. The movie is currently rated 99% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood to fins out what the day-to-day life is like in Taipei, I'd reqadily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.