2013 Acting Handpicks by Chin

Time of the year again for my acting handpicks, so I'm posting this entry now before the awards are handed at tomorrow's Golden Globes. Here are last year's actors that definitely made a huge impression on me for their performance/s on screen.

ACTOR

Upon the idea of doing my "most hardworking" handpick it is hard to imagine any one worthy of this title other than this English actor. In spite not being a fan of his, it is indisputable that the guy has been working nonstop for years and he's been - for quite sometime - in everyone's radar. 2013 is a good year for Cumberbatch. He appeared in 5 full-length films, 1 short-film, a documentary narration, including a lead role in the critically acclaimed HBO TV series "Parade's End". Phew! 

Runner up: Matthew McConaughey

I'm giving this one to Tom Hanks not because he is one of my favorite actors (I love Leo Di Caprio, too) but his performance for Captain Phillips moves me like an earthquake. We are used to seeing him in dramatic roles or characters in "survival-of-the-fittest" mode, but this time around, this guy with the 2 OSCAR's under his belt got pushed and shoved around by two Somalis and played as the helpless victim. He didn't even need to put on a prosthetic to prove himself. As the movie progresses his acting just got better and better, even to the very end. 

Runner up: Leonardo Di Caprio (The Wolf of Wall Street)

So it all comes down into a tie. It is hard to choose between these two completely different performances and if I did it would feel like cheating. I haven't seen the full length film of Dallas Buyers Club but by the looks of it Jared Leto's take on a transgender, his transformation and weight loss, is already a winner in itself. And let's not forget the Somali in Captain Phillips. Barkhad Abdi's performance there is as memorable as Hanks and he was able to hold his own, he is the mean guy and yet he was also able to capture our sympathies. Whoever wins between the two of them would be good news for me. 

ACTRESS

Wasikowska is the go-to actress for everything. For sure, she gets offered all the plum roles first before it lands on another actress' backyard. She may not enjoy the same fame as Jennifer Lawrence, but her acting is far more wiser than anybody else her age. Two of her films this year were screened at the TIFF, making her a true festival sweetheart. She played the role of an emerging psychopath for the English language directorial debut of Park Chan-wook, trekked across the Australian desert, acted alongside Tilda Swinton, and tried her hand on comedy co-starring Jesse Eisenberg. If that's not enough, she also did her first foray as a director for a segment in the movie The Turning. 

Runner up: Rooney Mara

If there is a more deserving actress to win this year's honors I am going all the way for Cate Blanchett. Her role in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine is a stretch from most of the female characters from last year's array of films. She is a woman so used to the extravagant life that when the shit rains on her parade her only option to survive is to live a life of pretense and lie. The way she falls apart and try to keep a straight face is polarizing. Either you'll feel sorry or annoyed by the way she continuously act high and mighty to those around her even though she has got nobody and nothing. 

Runner up: Adele Exarchopolous (Blue is the Warmest Colour)

This is like a hands-down - no questions asked - choice for me, right on the get go after seeing this movie. I am rooting for Lupita both on-screen and off-screen. I think she is a true revelation. Every time the whip hits her back, I bleed for her. And when she tries to convince Solomon to kill her, I feel for her. This is pure acting, no smokes and mirrors, no flashy performances for grandiosity. She is the best among the bunch. 

Runner up: Lea Seydoux  (Blue is the Warmest Colour)

The Race - 2014 Best Foreign Language Film

76 countries made it to the shortlist for next year's OSCAR's Best Foreign Language Film. To read the complete list visit -- http://insidemovies.ew.com/2013/10/07/oscars-academy-foreign-language-film-shortlist/

My top 10 early prediction or handpicks goes to the following films -- selected solely according to their track record at the moment (film trailer, festival performance, critical reviews and viewers reception). Please take note that these films are ranked in no particular order:

1. Wadjda - Saudi Arabia, Directed by Haifaa al-Mansour | Trailer

2. La grande bellezza - Italy, Directed by Paolo Sorrentino | Trailer

3. The Past - Iran, Directed by Asghar Farhadi | Trailer

4. The Hunt - Denmark, Directed by Thomas Vinterberg | Trailer

5. Transit - Philippines, Directed by Hannah Espia | Trailer

6. The Grandmaster - Hong Kong, Directed by Wong Kar-Wai | Trailer

7. Ilo Ilo - Singapore, Directed by Anthony Chen | Trailer

8. The Missing Picture - Cambodia, Directed by Rithy Panh | Trailer

9. The Rocket - Australia, Directed by Kim Mordaunt | Trailer

10. Metro Manila - United Kingdom, Directed by Sean Ellis | Trailer

So far, most of my handpicks are coming from Asia. Way to go! I am optimistic that the award will go to one of these titles. The only thing wrong in the shortlist is the absence of the obvious strong front runner "Blue is the Warmest Color" from France and Japan's "Like Father, Like Son". Both are winners from the recent Cannes Film Festival, unfortunately mishandled by their countries, jeopardizing their strong chances to take home the golden guy.

For my country's official entry, the force seems strong on Hannah Espia's Cinemalaya winning drama about the flight of Filipino contract workers in Israel and the deportation of their Israeli-born, Hebrew speaking children. Kudos to their excellent cinematography, writing and editing. I think the chances are high for the Philippines to receive their first nomination (or win) at this elusive award giving body. However, I'm not trying to be unpatriotic, but I would like to see Saudi's film entry 'Wadjda' by Haifaa al-Mansour to win at next year's OSCAR race for Best Foreign Language Film.

I'll be keeping up-to-date tabs about the nomination process, the final selection and winner for this particular category. Through the years, this is the only section at the OSCAR's that truly mattered to me.

Bicycle Thieves - Clip

I've seen this film last year and I could feel a sense of pity for this man after he lost his bike -- a must-have item for his job. In a moment of desperation he decided to stole somebody else's bicycle only to be caught red-handed by the unforgiving mobbed of Romans. What a cruel twist of fate indeed. His son, who idolizes him, cried and pleaded to the policeman and the owner to cut his father loose. One of the most ironic films I've seen in my lifetime. Imagine, after running on foot to chase the thief all over the city, hungry, and jobless, he was shamed instantly for doing the same deed, while his thief is out there rejoicing. De Sica sure knows how to stab you upfront with the bitterness of reality.

MUBI: My Top 10 Auteurs

Just updated my list of favorite auteurs. Here is my top 10 for this year; the below 20 are not ranked in order though. For the first time in years it consisted of different nationalities: Alfred Hitchcock (British), Wong Kar-wai (Taiwanese), Woody Allen/PT Anderson/Billy Wilder (American), Michael Haneke (Austrian), Kieslowkski (Polish), Jean-Luc Godard (Swiss-French), Hayao Miyazaki (Japanese). For a change there are two Asians who made it on my top 10 bracket (Kurosawa, one step closer and you'll be here soon!). It seems my taste, as I am growing older, leans to somber stories and film making, more conversational and substantial in their context, compared to ten years or five years ago. 

To view the complete list please visit http://mubi.com/users/148116/auteurs

Favorite Sequence: Kill Bill Vol. 2

Tarantino explained brilliantly the analogy and psyche of superheroes for this scene, particularly that of Superman/Clark Kent. In all honesty, this is the only time I've had real appreciation for the so-called "Man of Steel". Of course, QT as always is pure genius here.

Top 10 Films For 2012

After much deliberation, my year-end list (of favorite films) is now up and running. Although not every titles I have chosen here are necessarily considered by critics and moviegoers as part of their top rankings, nevertheless, I've enjoyed watching them. Somehow they were able to surpassed my expectations and had surprised me in the most uncanny manner so I went ahead and go with my feelings and this is how it played out - as you can see it is entirely subjective. It took me a long while before I was able to come up with my top 10 - except for Amour who is my number one on the get-go - there are titles that I haven't seen such as Carax' Holy Motors that I probably should have before I wrote this one, but anyway I am satisfied with the outcome. The list is long overdue so let's get it started now.

Honorable Mentions

Django Unchained - As expected from Tarantino, his script is always exceedingly well-written and ingenious. Although I am a self-confessed fan of his overall ouvre, unfortunately, I have no love for Spaghetti Westerns. 

Moonrise Kingdom - Wes Anderson has proven once more that he is a one unique egg. The whole concept of this movie is interesting - the children acting like adults and the adults acting like children is fascinating, and the idea that there is someone out there compatible with your 'weirdness' is really romantic. However, it just so happens that there are other films I prefer over this. Tough luck!

Beasts of the Southern Wild - I have to play guilty on this - I am not a fan of "poverty porn or poor-nography" simply because it makes me sad. I live in a third world country and I see poverty on a daily basis so I don't need to be reminded of that - especially on cinema. However, the endearing story and its marvelous acting is something I cannot take away from this movie. 

Films that I still haven't seen that could have made this list:

Rust & Bone, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Pieta, The Sessions, Seven Psychopaths 

2012 Acting Handpicks' By Chin

One year ago since my first acting handpicks' and now we're back in the game. Fortunately, most of my choices last time were right on the spot and were able to clinched the coveted 'golden guy'. The Golden Globes that just wrapped up last Monday may have given us an idea about those films and actors that would fare well for this award season. Naturally, I have my favorites so this list would be subjective at most. My special citation are still included in order to highlight those actor's that worked extra hard by appearing in more than 2 or 3 films to boot. Here they are:

ACTOR

Most Hardworking

Since both actors appeared in a whopping four films last year -- and in terms of likability, I consider myself their ardent supporter/believer having seen every single one of their motion pictures. So in my opinion, it is fair enough for them to share the top spot as the most hardworking actor of 2012. Good job guys!

Joseph Gordon-Levitt
(The Dark Knight Rises, Premium Rush, Looper, Lincoln)

Channing Tatum 

(Haywire, The Vow, 21 Jump Street, Magic Mike)

Best Performance

Daniel Day Lewis for Lincoln

Best Supporting Actor

Leonardo Di Caprio for Django Unchained

ACTRESS

Most Hardworking

Jessica Chastain
Two years in a row and she still leads the pack. May it be in film acting, voice dubbing and theater this actress is passionate about her work and it shows in her versatile resume. 

(Madagascar: Europe's Most Wanted, Lawless, Tar, Zero Dark Thirty, The Heiress)

Best Actress

Jessica Chastain for Zero Dark Thirty

Best Supporting Actress

Anne Hathaway for Les Miserables

Cine Europa 15

The annual Cine Europa Film Festival -- held yearly at the Shang Cineplex, Shangri-la Plaza mall, just started last September 5th  and is expected to close on the 16th. I am not a regular attendee of the said event, because it seems their screening schedule is always at loggerheads with my work or with my pocket. However, if I can indulge, at least one film for the entire festival, I would pick the September 12 date (Wednesday), which would feature the Swedish film "Everlasting Moments" at 1:00pm.

Here is the official poster for the Cine Europa 15:

For complete screening schedule, please visit http://www.thepoc.net/thepoc-features/sosyal/sosyal-news/16874-cine-europa-2012-screening-schedule.html

Favorite Romantic Movies

Movies is my vitamins - and a good love story never fails. Most of these personal favorites do not have the happily-ever-after endings, but nevertheless, there is a certainty that a love unfulfilled would carry on forever. I like romantic films that has the ability to make you laugh and cry, and can make you feel less lonely in the world. A good romantic movie can also transport you back in time, where memories may not always be auspicious, but when you look back -- it makes you overly grateful for the experience to love and be loved. Every hurt, bruises and pain is always "worth it" in the name of love

CLASSIC 

From left to right: An Affair To Remember, Breathless, Roman Holiday, Gone With The Wind,
Breakfast At Tiffany's, Casablanca, Gigi, Reds, His Girl Friday,
Love Story, Doctor Zhivago, Annie Hall

CONTEMPORARY

From left to right: Amelie, Bridget Jones' Diary, The Classic, Reality Bites,
Garden State, Before Sunrise/Sunset, Beginners, Forever,
Great Expectations, Ghost, Pride & Prejudice, The Bridges of Madison County,
Big Fish, When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail, Il Mare

Roger Ebert on "Why I Love Black And White"

I've read an essay by Roger Ebert explaining the importance of black and white cinema. He expounded on its aesthete - that gives a film a distinct quality, and why there are filmmakers who continue to use it despite of the presence of colored pictures. Here is a short excerpt from that essay.

And the OSCAR goes to...

The 84th Academy Awards just wrapped up. Awards were handed and movie history was made for the books. The good news is, my acting bets bagged the Golden Guy. The French silent-film 'The Artist' won 5 awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius. Being a Francophile I'm more than happy for their success. "Hugo" Scorsese's love letter to the cinema also won 5 OSCARs. All in all this year's Academy Awards truly lived up to my expectations and painted a happy smile on my face.

Meryl Streep won her 3rd acting OSCAR for her stellar performance as Britain's PM Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady". With 17 nominations, Streep is the most nominated actor in Academy Award history. Meryl joins the company of Jack Nicholson and Ingrid Bergman for having won 3 acting OSCARs. She is definitely the best in the biz.

French Actor Jean Dujardin received his first acting OSCAR in the silent film "The Artist" as George Valentin, making him the first Frenchman to win an Academy Award. Forget Clooney, Dujardin is the man of the hour. 

Acting legend Christopher Plummer finally won his first (and long overdue) OSCAR for his performance in Mike Mills' independent film "Beginners", making him the oldest actor to win an Academy Award at the age of 82. I grew up watching "The Sound of Music" and I have watched him act in several films that to see him finally get awarded is truly a moment of inspiration. I knew the first time I saw "Beginners" that that movie and his performance is special, and indeed I'm right. A well deserved win! 

Octavia Spencer's portrayal as Minny Jackson - a domestic help - during the early 1960s is both moving and funny that I put her name right away on my acting bets alongside Jean Dujardin and Christopher Plummer. So far, so good, she won every nominations. Let her win remind every one of us that true talent sees or knows no color. 

It is hard not to root for Michel Hazanavicius in spite of Martin Scorsese's presence and excellent film. In the times of 3D (and 4D) technology a man who can think of making a film entirely in black and white and a silent one at that could be considered crazy, but hey, Hazanavicious made it irresistibly luscious and universally renewing. Genius!

Asghar Farhadi received the award for Best Foreign Language Film for "A Separation", the first Iranian movie to do so.

"The Artist" is the big winner of the night! Viva France! 

All photos are copyright property of OSCAR.com 

2011 Acting Handpicks' By Chin

The Academy Awards is just around the corner. But before the OSCARS other award giving bodies such as the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA and the Independent Spirit awards will take in precedence, which, more or less, could give us a hint of what's to come or who's who to receive the coveted Golden Guy. However, in my own cyberworld -- I have made my own version of these accolades and I have named the following actors, actresses that in my opinion, deserves to be recognized for their work.

ACTOR 

Most Hardworking

1. Michael Fassbender (X-Men First Class, Jane Eyre,  A Dangerous Method, Shame)

2. Ryan Gosling (Drive, Crazy Stupid Love, The Ides of March)
3. Daniel Craig (Dreamhouse, Cowboys and Aliens. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Adventures of Tin Tin)

Honorable Mentions:
Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Ryan Reynolds, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, George Clooney, Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans, Jason Bateman, Justin Timberlake, Johnny Depp.

Best Performance – Drama

Brad Pitt for Moneyball and The Tree of Life

Best Performance – Comedy

Jean Dujardin for The Artist

Best Performance – Supporting

Christopher Plummer for Beginners

ACTRESS

Most Hardworking

1. Jessica Chastain (The Tree of Life, The Help, The Debt, Texas Killing Fields, Take Shelter, Coriolanus)

2. Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre, Restless, Albert Nobbs)
3. Olivia Wilde (Cowboys and Aliens, The Change-Up, In Time)

Honorable Mentions:
Emma Stone, Katie Holmes, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Michelle Williams

Best Performance – Drama

Kirsten Dunst for Melancholia

Best Performance – Comedy

Kristen Wiig for Bridesmaids 

Best Performance – Supporting

Octavia Spencer for The Help