Every year, on the eve of the awards ceremony of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, better known as the “Oscars”, the editors of BURO. watch the nominated films with great pleasure. If you also want to stay in the context of the most anticipated film award and find out who will compete for the coveted statuettes, we invite you to join the viewing. We picked 8 movies that are definitely worth paying attention to.
THE BANSHES OF INISHERIN
Irish playwright and director Martin McDonagh is famous for his ability to bring plays to the screen. In the new job, he talks about what would happen if two close friends suddenly became mortal enemies. An emotionally heavy film about a fratricidal war, broken friendships, separation, and bitter loss. The background (literally, the sounds of cannon firing are heard constantly from the shores of Inisherin) to settle things is the fading civil war following the First World War and the Irish War of Independence.
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE AT ONCE
A film that became, let’s not be afraid to say it, the main indie hit of the last year. Directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert use the theme of the multiverse, which has become a favorite of late. On the one hand, the film is similar to Marvel superhero action, but on the other hand, it is not without experimentation, which only independent cinema can afford. One day it turns out that the protagonist Evelyn can travel through parallel universes and access the memories and abilities of other versions of herself. A woman has to face a mysterious evil entity in the midst of complete chaos.
“TAR” / TAR
Todd Field’s film actively encourages reflection on the phenomenon of cancel culture. The subject is extremely relevant and sharp, but what is captivating in this picture is that the director ponders, not leaning anywhere. The plot is intriguing: world famous conductor and composer Lydia Tar, played by the incredible Cate Blanchett, becomes the first female conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In an instant, when one of her former wards commits suicide, Lydia’s impeccable reputation is in jeopardy.
TRIANGLE OF SADNESS
Ruben Östlund’s satirical film that won the 75th Cannes Film Festival is a must-see if you haven’t already. For two and a half hours, the director gracefully criticizes and ridicules double standards, the hypocrisy of the fashion industry (and not only), false values and new ethics. Accurate and cruel jokes, recognizable and textured images, aesthetic shots and a successful cast: it all came together in this cynical comedy.
“ON THE UNCHANGED WESTERN FRONT” / IM WESTEN NICHTS NEUES
Director Edward Berger directed the first German film adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque’s novel of the same name and has already managed to win the BAFTA award in the most prestigious category, for best film. In the picture, World War I is shown through the eyes of young German recruits, who volunteered for the front lines in a coup of patriotic sentiments. The idea is simple, but incredibly relevant: any war brings only horror, death and destruction.
“FABELMANS” / THE FABELMANS
Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical film inspired by the pandemic. In the film, the author frankly and quite painfully admits that due to his parents’ divorce, the cinema has become the only way to talk about his feelings. The Fabelmans provide an incredible opportunity to observe the making of one of the greatest directors of our time, while also reminding you that a childhood hobby can become a great love and life’s work.
“KIT” / THE WHALE
Despite the fact that the film did not receive the main nomination – “Best Picture”, it is impossible to remain silent about it. Darren Aronofsky returned to audiences after a long hiatus with an instructive adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter’s play about an overweight single man who, in one week, tries to right all the wrongs of the past. According to the director, casting for the film took 10 years, and the hardest part was finding someone to play Charlie. As a result, he was played by Brendan Fraser, who has every chance of getting a statuette for the best male role.
“MY SUN” / AFTER THE SUN
A film of piercing memory, a declaration of love to parents, a journey through the back streets of a strange soul, but painfully familiar to all.
Charlotte Wells in her work shows the story of growing up, a difficult relationship for a teenager with a divorced father, the first rebellion, the first love and endless happiness, which we can realize only after decades. The “Best Actor” nomination fell to Paul Mescal, whose work, we are sure, should be actively followed.
The Oscars ceremony will take place on March 12.
