proud_luddite

Based on true events: Mohamedou Ould Slahi (portrayed by Tahar Rahim) is accused of participating in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and he is extradited from his home country of Mauritania and imprisoned in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Legal perspectives are followed including that of Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and her assistant Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) for Slahi's defense; and of Stuart Coach (Benedict Cumberbatch) who is a Marine prosecutor. The film is based on Slahi's autobiography "Guantanamo Diary".

This film has many shocking indictments against the past US presidencies of George W. Bush (a Republican) and Barack Obama (a Democrat). It can be credited for avoiding partisan biases which are common in other forms of public expression in the past few years.

Some scenes would have been more effective if they had been shorter. One was a very difficult torture scene. Another included scenes of witness testimonies that was manipulative with unnecessary background music.

But overall, the film exposes great personal stories of lawyers Hollander and Coach and of course Shali who has an internal strength and resilience that is very rare. And there is a bonus: the inclusion of a legendary Hollywood actress (Foster) who is allowed to appear her actual age. More of this, please.

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Prabha and Anu (Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha) are Malayalam-speaking nurses who share an apartment in Mumbai. The film follows their personal lives as well as those at the hospital where they work including their friend Parvaty (Chhaya Kadam), a cook at the hospital who is having domestic troubles due to invasive wealthy developers.

Intentionally or not, some of this film's sub-stories have resemblances to two classic stories: 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Romeo and Juliet'. Regarding the former: Prabha is very practical and sensible while Anu is fun-loving and occasionally irresponsible to the point where Prabha must bail her out at times. Regarding the latter: Anu has a love connection with a young Muslim man, Shiaz (Hridhu Haroon) - a connection the two must keep secret to avoid disapproval from each of their families (Anu's Hindu family is in the process of arranging a future marriage for her).

Director/writer Payal Kapadia makes great use of the city of Mumbai. Some of the street scenes are very engaging especially when being narrated by unseen residents speaking different Indian languages and expressing their feelings of moving from a small village to the big city. The thrill and the stress of big-city life are equally mentioned. Kapadia's use of sound, lighting, and especially music (using a single instrument) also add a special touch in these scenes.

The film changes direction in its second half when the characters are temporarily in a seaside village. During this segment, Prabha's past comes to the surface in an intriguing way.

The choice of where to end the film is also fascinating as well as pleasant. It seems uneventful while leaving loose ends but this may be the point. It may be reminding viewers that the chance to just pause and chill with others is very under-rated.

Overall, "All We Imagine as Light" succeeds so well in its unique portrayal of daily life, its two hours zipped by very quickly.

RATING: 9 our of 10

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Payal Kapadia

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Based on the fictional novel by Robert Harris (published in 2016): the death of the incumbent pope requires that all cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect a new one.

This film has much intrigue that is enhanced by its musical score, dark lighting, and astute directing by Edward Berger. In particular, the Vatican rituals during the film's beginning are beautifully executed.

The film has various sermons both official and unofficial sometimes with varying results. A powerful one is delivered early in the film by British Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) who is also the Dean of the College of Cardinals. He is responsible for convening the conclave while also being a popular candidate to become pope. In a special scene, Cardinal Lawrence delivers a homily that warns about certainty while also focusing on doubt and faith. The words spoken in the sermon are profound and could be useful in many other situations outside a papal conclave.

Another speech (unofficial) is given by Mexican Cardinal Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz): a relatively young, little-known cardinal working in Afghanistan who arrives at the conclave while it is already in progress. Cardinal Benitez more or less lectures the others on interpreting a recent external event that affects their gathering. While his speech has good intentions, it also seems manipulative and (sorry for the pun) preachy. It includes common, modern-day platitudes.

The story has some dramatic rivalries and exposures of past sins. While these elements sometimes feel soap opera-ish (including the conclusion), they play well overall due to the film's good directing.

The plot twist at the conclusion is striking and seems to fit perfectly in our modern world although it has received many criticisms. The film also ends with a feeling that an invisible character has been present and influential throughout the proceedings - the pope who died in the film's beginning. His arrangements ahead of his death were very meticulous in an organization filled with conflicts regarding tradition vs. Reform.

The film has great performances as well especially by Fiennes who portrays someone with great leadership skills but doesn't care to be a leader. Other notable cast members include those playing rival cardinals: Stanley Tucci (a reformer from the USA); John Lithgow (a moderate from Canada); Lucian Msamati (a conservative from Nigeria); Sergio Castellitto (a traditionalist from Italy); and Diehz (previously mentioned). There is also Isabella Rossellini who plays a wise nun who is the cardinals' housekeeper and caterer. She shines in the few moments she has on screen. The film would have been richer if it had more screen time for this character.

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