'The Air I Breathe' Review

The description of the film (from Wikipedia):"The concept of the film is based on an ancient Chinese proverb that breaks life down into four emotional cornerstones - Happiness (played by Whitaker), Pleasure (Fraser), Sorrow (Gellar) and Love (Bacon). The proverb speaks of these emotions, not as isolated fragments of feelings, but as elements that make up the whole of the human existence. Each of the four main protagonists is based on one of the four emotions; and like the proverb their paths are inextricably linked to each other."
It stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Brendan Fraser, Cecilia Suárez, Clark Gregg, Emile Hirsch, Forest Whitaker, John Cho, Julie Delpy, Kelly Hu, Kevin Bacon and Andy Garcia.

Although, here in Greece most of the reviews were negative, i think that it is a very good movie.Not only because of the concept, but also because of the perfomances, the music, the way that the stories are linked.The movie "slows down" a little in the third segment, but it concludes in an excellent way.A movie definetely worth watching.
Τhe The Air I Breathe will be released January 25th 2008 in the US (limited release) an May 15th in the Netherlands.

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'My Blueberry Nights' Review

Synopsis:"A beautiful young woman on the treacherous road to love�.

"My Blueberry Nights" is the new film from one of the world's most sought-after directors, Wong Kar Wai. It's a magnificent love story starring multi-Grammy award winner Norah Jones in her movie debut along with a "A-list" cast of Academy Award winners and nominees including Jude Law, David Strathairn, Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman.

Norah Jones plays a sensual, alluring young woman who sets out on an unforgettable journey of discovery in pursuit of true love. In heartbreakingly beautiful locations and classic Route 66 atmospheric diners, Wong Kar Wai's captivating heroine encounters a series of enigmatic characters that help her on her quest.

Set against New York's magical cityscape and the stunning vistas of America's legendary Route 66, the celebrated director's first English language picture embraces his signature elegance and originality that made "Happy Together," "In the Mood for Love" and "2046" must-see movies all around the world.

Wong Kar Wai's unique talent and dreamy romantic themes, combined with mythical Americans locations and an awesomely gifted and stylish cast,guarantee that "My Blueberry Nights" will delight and enchant moviegoers everywhere."
(http://www.ropeofsi licon.com/ movie/my_ blueberry_ nights)

To be honest, i have not seen any of the previous movies of Wong Kar Wai.I have heard positive comments about 'In the mood for love, '2046' , but i have not seen any of these movies.Anyway, when i first read about MBN it provoked my interest.When i saw the trailer the expectation was even greater.I finally saw MBN last weekend.

The journey of Elizabeth (Norah Jones) is an existential journey across America, a journey of redemption.An effort to distance herself from the sad reality in NY, an effort of thinking things over.She encounters people who have their own problems.The element that these stories have in common is: when you have something or it is available for you to have it,you may ignore it or take it for granted.When you lose it, you appreciate it, you realize what it meant for you.These encounters are an important part of the movie, of Elizabeth's journey.Important is also the relationship between Elizabeth and Jeremy (Jude Law), the restaurant owner back in NY, with whom she stays in touch through letters that she sends.Wong Kar Wai describes MBN as
"a story of a woman who takes the long route instead of the short one to meet up with the man she loves."

Norah Jones in her first role is very good and the rest of the cast also delivers exceptional perfomances. The music is just stunning (Cat Power's "the Greatest" is a superb song). The cinematography of the movie is also stunning.

My Blueberry Nights is a movie that delivers meaning for thecharacters, that delivers meaning for the audience.Definetely worth watching.

My Blueberry Nights was the opening film for the 2007 Cannes Film
Festival on May 16, 2007.

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