OSCAR WATCH: Parasite

Of all the memorable movie moments of 2019, there's one in particular that I haven't been able to shake. It comes in a climactic scene in Bong Joon-ho's ingenious social satire "Parasite", as class revolt within the narrative comes to ahead in response to a insulting gesture. Though the film pits the %1 against the disadvantaged poor, this scene's power comes from the way it forces middle class audiences to confront our own insensitivities.

Elaborating further on the scene would unfortunately ruin one of the film's key attributes. Indeed, "Parasite" succeeds largely on its suspenseful and utterly unpredictable screenplay. While its premise may seem like a variation of Robin Hood's "stealing from the rich to give to the poor" premise, it reveals much deeper levels as the plot unfolds.

The story surrounds two families, the wealthy Parks and the unemployed Kims. Desperate to find work, they get a lifeline when the son Ki-woo secures a tutoring job for the Parks, through the recommendation of a friend. Ever the opportunist, his arrival at their upscale home quickly sets off a light bulb in his head. Before long, he schemes to get the rest of his family to infiltrate the home by offering various household services. But the Park home harbors secrets which could completely derail their plans.

Bringing new meaning to social hierarchy with its darkly comic take on the "upstairs, downstairs trope", Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" offers an incisive critique of class in South Korea. Much like his previous genre-inflected social satire "Snowpiercer", Bong Joon-ho uses entertaining scenarios to convey his message. As the Kims speedily take advantage of the opportunities presented to them, "Parasite" is crafted with the blistering pacing and brilliant dialogue to match. And through the efforts of a superb ensemble, the personas they embody further emphasize the wide chasm between the classes. As the mother of the Kim clan remarks of her aloof Park counterpart, she is "nice because she's rich."

As the plot twists and turns to thrilling effect, Bong Joon Ho never loses sight of the film's central anti-capitalist themes. Conveyed visually and verbally with the utmost panache, the result is a film which is universally relevant and impactful. It's therefore no surprise that it's receiving serious Oscar consideration for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Production Design and Best International Feature. With its strong social commentary and thrilling storytelling,  "Parasite" is truly one of the year's must-see films.

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REVIEW: Pain and Glory

With a career spanning more than four decades and a filmography that includes such masterworks as "All About My Mother" and "Talk to Her", Spanish director Pedro Almodovar is rightfully one of the most highly regarded auteurs in cinema. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, however, I think "Pain and Glory" could arguably be considered his magnum opus. Supremely artful and poignant, it is a stunning showcase of his unique skills as a filmmaker.

Antonio Banderas stars in this semi-autobiographical drama as Salvador Mallo, a film director in the twilight of his career. Suffering with several ailments, he struggles to reclaim his former glory. As he searches for inspiration, he reflects on the momentous occasions of his life, recalling the good and bad memories which shaped him.

Though the film is only loosely biographical, it's hard not to see its creator in the figure of its protagonist. Indeed, with his ruffled, silvery hair, Banderas is a striking stand in for Almodovar. And with the character's background as a filmmaker whose best work was seemingly behind him, this metatextual context brings a natural empathy to his plight, especially for longtime Almodovar fans similarly hoping for another masterpiece.

It therefore brings me great pleasure to report that Almodovar does indeed deliver another arthouse gem. Working at the top of his game, "Pain and Glory" is a reminder of what makes Almodovar such a distinct storyteller. Every facet of the filmmaking is gorgeously wrought, from the colorful costumes and sets, to the beautiful music.

As can be expected of an Almodovar film, the cast also shines. Once again, he is able to garner tremendous performances from his actors. And in this case, he reunites with two of his favorite muses - Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz. Long known for their sex appeal, Almodovar's script has crafted roles which bring a fresh perspective on their personas. As his character requests of another actor - the equally brilliant Asier Etxeandia - tasked with playing him in a play, Banderas underplays the sentimentality and brings a world-weary gravitas to his afflicted character. Meanwhile, Cruz recalibrates her innate sensuality to portray a fierce mother with all the passion of her signature roles.

The elegant musicality, touching performances and exquisite mise en scene all come together to convey the film's poignant themes. Through flashbacks and present scenarios, "Pain and Glory" embodies the saying "time heals all wounds". Despite the physical and emotional pain he endures, Salvador recognizes that it's all part of the school of life. Ultimately, all we can do is live, learn and continue to love.

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