"and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones
in the name of a disciple
—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.”
Matthew 10:42
It's exasperating here in Belleville when it comes to films. For months on end there are no decent movies at the local cineplex. We rely on the Empire Theatre and Quinte Film Alternative for thought-provoking films. Then, it's Oscar season and we are inundated with the top nominated films. We ended up watching five movies in five days, binge-watching at its finest. They were, in order of viewing:
Lucky
The Shape of Water
Phantom Thread
Five Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri
The Post
All of them were worthwhile, and they were all so different, which makes for great entertainment. Five Billboards is perhaps the most intriguing because it has elicited such strong reaction at both ends of the spectrum. It has a bunch of Oscar nominations and Frances McDormand is powerful as the central character. But it has been criticized for choppy writing, for being tone-deaf about racism in America, and for not offering a whiff of redemption in what is a harsh story. One reviewer describes it as a "hot mess."
I would disagree on the observation about redemption, although this tale of a mother's fierce and unrelenting anger after the violent death of her daughter is challenging. The maligned local sheriff reaches back from the grave to offer solace and understanding to the grieving parent. He also sees the possibilities for the detestable deputy who appears to be hatred embodied.
I give you a spoiler alert at this juncture. Perhaps the most moving scene in the film for me is when a young man who has been savaged by the deputy realizes that the person in the next hospital bed is the man who attacked him. While his emotions are in turmoil he still offers a glass of juice to his incapacitated assailant. It is a moment of grace in a story where there is very little of it.
Have you seen Five Billboards? What did you think? Go see 'em all!
5 comments:
I've only seen The Post out of your five movies, and enjoyed it. I couldn't resist seeing a movie with both Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks(my two favourite actors), not to mention being directed by Speilberg. Hopefully I'll see the other four before too long.
Did you have to go out of town to see these?
All five right here in Belleville, 3 currently at the Galaxy & another at the Empire. You’re unlucky when it comes to Lucky, here and gone.
I am unlucky also in that I have hd a nasty flu bug for 4 wes - going to see The Post today, finally!
It has been a virulent strain, that's for sure. I'm glad you're on the end Judy.
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