Binged this one. Totally worth it.
1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 5
3) Strength of the directing: 5
4) Strength of the acting: 5
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 5
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Total scores out of 50: 50
It got me at Annette Bening.
1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 4
3) Strength of the directing: 4
4) Strength of the acting: 4
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 4
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Total scores out of 50: 46
Powerful feminist piece reminiscent of Italian Neorealism. A “behind-the-scenes” film of several women who want to attend a soccer game in Iran but only men are allowed to attend. The women, many of which are disguised as men, are put into a holding pen for the game and this story is about them during the qualifying match.
I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that the women are not named. It’s Panahi’s nod to the culture not allowing women to have their own identity.
1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 5
3) Strength of the directing: 5
4) Strength of the acting: 5
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 5
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Score: 50/50
As I conclude my Italian Cinema series, I want to celebrate 2 films that are a direct result of Italian Neo Realism. Both of which come from the Iranian New Wave (a form of neo realism).
“The Mirror” is a story of a little girl trying to get home. If you haven’t seen it, it is one of the most charming films I’ve seen. It’s important to watch the entire movie.
The director, Jafar Panahi, said that the film was meant to show how “reality and the imagination are intertwined, they are very similar”. -Wiki page
1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 5
3) Strength of the directing: 5
4) Strength of the acting: 5
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 5
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Score: 50/50
Anna Magnani portrays Pina with one of the most powerful scenes in cinematic history.
1) Where is it on following the Bechdel Test: 5
2) Strength of the writing: 5
3) Strength of the directing: 5
4) Strength of the acting: 5
5) Strength of the cinematography: 5
6) Strength of the editing: 5
7) Strength of the sound design: 5
8) Strength of the production design: 5
9) Did I enjoy it? 5
10) Would I recommend it? 5
Score: 50/50
Ashley Pacini 