Goodbye Solo (2008)

Directed By, Ramin Bahrani.


"Goodbye Solo," is a story about two men, living in two considerably different stages of life, and their remarkable friendship. One man, Solo, is a young goodhearted African immigrant who supports his family by driving a cab, but dreams of traveling the world as a flight attendant. Unaccustomed to the common apathetic nature of American society, Solo strongly believes that people should take care of, and look out for one-another. So, when he encounters William, an elderly man who many would consider to be vile and mean, he reaches out, seeing that there is more to him then meets the eye. Solo sees that William is a man who is hurting, a man who is lonely, a man who is in need of a friend.


This independent film by Ramin Bahrani was released in 2008 at the London Film Festival in the United Kingdom. But more recently it was re released to larger audiences in august of 2009, which makes it a prime candidate for this years Academy Awards. Believe me, it was worthy.


It's actually quite a sad story, because it accurately portrays the apathetic nature of our society, the fact that a character, like Solo is so rare, is dismal in itself . Souleymane Sy Savane, the actor who plays Solo, did a wonderful job in creating a character that anyone, no matter who you are, would love to be around purely because of his good nature. And when he clashes with his foil, William, who is portrayed by actor, Red West, it makes for a brilliant and touching development.


Also the cinematography was done quite well. When a film has great photography and riveting dialouge (portrayed by talented actors), there is no need for anything else, and that is brilliant film, plain and simple. When you can create a riveting and entertaining film without an overwhelming amount of visual effects or mind blowing action sequences, then you might just have a truly great film on your hands. (not to say that films with action or visual effects cannot be great as well).


All in all, inspiring and touching film. Very, very well done. Bravo.

My Rating: FLAMIN'

City of God (2002)

Directed by, Fernando Meirelles &Katia Lund

"Cidade de Deus," as it is originally titled, is a Brazilian film about growing up in the slums in Brazil, and the violence and crime that surrounds it. The true events that take place are shocking, raw, and brutal. 


The story primarily focuses on two young men who are growing up in, "The City Of God," which is the name that has been given to the crime ridden slums in Brazil. One boy, Lil Ze', follows the all too open road towards Crime, with a mind set on becoming the most powerful kingpin to ever run the City of God. He sets the pace for the new generation of young criminals, by killing anyone that gets in his way. The other boy, Rocket, is the narrator of the film. He has his dreams set on becoming a photographer, of escaping the City of God.


The film plays in a Tarantino-esque style, shot in chapters, with characters that have a sickening desensitization to  raw violence. We see an all too real side of the world, that many more fortunate people are completely unaware of. Possibly the most shocking aspect of this film, is the loss of innocence and comfortability with violence that the children in the slums develop at such an early age. One scene in particular, shows a group of young boys, aged from 5-10, walking casually down a dusky alley, bearing firearms and discussing lightheartedly, who their next victims should be. This scene, is just a small example of the disturbing nature of the entire film.


All in all,  City of God, is a heartbreaking film. To assist the viewer in fully understanding the brutality and violent nature of this hell, it holds nothing back, it is a raw and disturbing film, but it is also necessary. If this film doesn't make you grateful of the life you are living, then nothing will. Go rent it, go buy it, go borrow it, whatever it takes see it, this film ranks up top as one of the best of this decade, don't miss out.

My Rating: FLAMIN'