Greetings! And Welcome to the Singapore French Film Festival Review and News Update. 

     This year for 2010,  many of the movies were carefully selected to reflect France's Past, Present and Future thought life. And of course, its creative direction and inner spirit also plays an important role in shaping what France can be for a better tomorrow.

So now I am pleased to present my personal reviews as well as official synopsis of all of the Films that had been screen, but wait it doesn't stop here! If you do missed it, you can look up on Google search engine, you can email us, look-up at our face book at NCC or National Critics Choice to obtain filming schedules or purchase their product.

Once again, Enjoy!

And See you soon in 2011 - Singapore French Film Festival 

SPECIAL INTRODUCTION AND INTERVIEW WITH FILM MAKER & DIRECTOR

MR. OLIVIER BOHLER by

robin stienberg

Left: Mr. Olivier Bohler and Right Mr. Raphael Millet founders of Nocturnes Productions.

As part of Tribute to Film Director Jean - Pierre Melville films, Singapore French Film Festival is honored to have Film Maker and Director Mr. Olivier Bohler a very warm welcome to Singapore. 

Background

Born in Marseilles (France) in 1972, Olivier Bohler completed his Phd thesis on Jean-Pierre Melville in 2000. He also has written numerous articles for book and magazines about various aspects of the history of french cinema. 

Since 2005, Olivier has been writing scripts for films and TV series in France. In 2007, he co-founded Nocturnes Productions with Raphael Millet. 

Code Name: Melville is his first full length documentary. Olivier is currently working on a documentary about Jean-Luc Godard's relationship to modern and contemporary art. 

 The Interview

Q: How did you first started to have a plan to be a film director? 

Ans: It started from my young age for the love of movies and television, I think it was perhaps age of 8 years old. But its a very long ago. 

And I told my parents about it and they were very supportive. There were no objections to my dreams. And I think I am blessed to have a family support that's very understanding. In France its a fifty fifty approach for parents approval of their children going into a film making industry. 

Q. How did you managed to accomplished your dream of what you are doing right now and what advise would you give to those who wants to be a film maker? 

Ans: I started working in a television industry right after my university, and since I don't have any experience - I decided to work on my experience this way by been employed in the industry although its not close but close enough.  And through that, I met friends from all sorts of departments, working with them and learning from them.  That took quite some time in fact and its  a great learning experience for me. 

I also decided that if I want to make it work, I will not depend on others to finance my production or invest. I will save as much money as I can from my job as well and find right partners that shares the same vision and able to get along like friends.  I have seen too many times where productions never take off or failed because of relationships and money. So I realize that a  good working relationship is key in having not just a good start, but to have a lasting and solid fundamental work ethics in a organization.

My influence that deter me to ensure in making the film work as well as the organization was Jacqure Langman. I admire his work truly because he wants to make sure it is true and perfect, not 100% but at least its done tastefully.  

I have no regrets now at where I am, I am now making another film on Pierre Schoemdoerjjer, a contemporary art history that is little known, will be tentatively release in Spring 2011.

I want to encourage every young or old persons not to give up their hopes in making a movie, really.

Q: Do you have any impressions of Singapore?

 Ans: Yes, I do - its amazing the kind of diversity this Island State has especially the food. The Cusine has inspired me, perhaps a new perspective on attitudes towards food in Singapore. I wish I could bring Singapore to France! We have so much great wine! I might think about making a movie in Singapore and who knows the kind of good it brings for everybody.

LE DOULO - THE FINGER MAN 

In French with English subtitles 

Director: Jean-Pierre Melville 

France, 1962, 108 mins

Burglar Maurice Faugel has just finished his prison sentence. He murders Gilbert Vanovre and steals the loot of  break in. He is also preparing a house breaking, and his girlfriend Silien brings him the needed equipment. But Silien is a police informer. The police appear and he tries to run but the police shoot at him and he is wounded. He loses consciousness and awakes in his friend Jean's apartment.

He believes that his friend Silien told the police about his plans. Silien is question by the police about the murder of Gilbert and the robbery before the police collect Maurice from a bar where he is reading a newspaper report about his girlfriend, Therese's death.

Therese has been found in her car at the bottom of a quarry. Silien is released and goes to meet his ex-girlfriend Fabienne. With Fabienne;s help, Silien frames someone else for the murder and robbery, leaving Maurice in the clear. Maurice is release from prison and discovers that is was Therese who told the police about the robbery and Silien and Jean who killed her. 

Maurice reveals that he killed Gilbert because Gilbert killed his girlfriend four years ago to keep her quiet. Silien returns home but at once Silien has left, Maurice remembers that he hired a man to kill Silien because he thought he had betrayed him and chases after him. 

Though Maurice and Silien's actions, the film explores just how deeply qualities such as friendship and loyalty run.

Les Enfants De Timpelbach - Trouble at Timpetill

In French with English Subtitles

Rating: PG

Director: Nicolas Bary

France, 2008, 95 mins

About the Movie:

Welcome to Timpelbach, a small, serene vilage. Well, not really that serene...Indeed for several weeks, the children have been playing multiple practical jokes and nasty tricks. The victims are, of course, the other children..but also,

and most of all the parents. Overwrought, they decide to leave the village for what they think will only be one day. But nothing happens as planned: on the way back, they were taken prisoner by a group of soldiers.

In Timpelbach, the news of a village without parents makes Oscar and his gang of thugs happy! But that isn't the case of a few daredevils who decide to side with Manfred and Marianne to regain control of the village.

OCEANS - In French with English Subtitles

Rating: PG - Some disturbing scenes

Directors: Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud

France, 2009, 103 mins

About the Movie: 

Oceans is an ecological drama/documentary, filmed throughout the globe. Devoting over 70 trips to 50 places and 4 years it captures more than 100 species. Jacques Perrin presents a tale of the mysterious ocean and the living with the latest cinematographic equipment, capable of taking miraculous images. The film penetrates the mysterious and fascinating marine world like never before.

The Critics Review: 

Highly admirable view of the ocean floor and the ability to understand the flow of nature for over four years is a feat itself.

Rating: 5 Star

Rock 'n' Roll....Of Corse!

In French with English subtitles 

Rating: NC16

Directors: Lionel Guedj and Stephane Bebert

France, 2009, 90 mins

About the Movie:

Rock 'n' Roll of Corse! charts the musical journey of Henri Padovani, guitarist, co-founder of "The Police" with Stewart Copeland. The young 24 year old Corsican arrived in London in December 1976. Actor and witness of a period when the alternative and revolutionary trend, the punk movement, arose this self taught guitar player went through the 80's like a meteorite falling from nowhere. 

From "The Police" he founded with Stewart Copeland in January 77, until his reunion on stage thirty six years later in front of 80,000 people, from The Clash to the Sex Pistols, from The Who to The Pretenders, from REM he signed up to Zucchero whom he manages, with everyone, Henri shared a little bit of music and alot of their lives.

This documentary features rare footages of "The Police" as well as interviews with band's members and other stars. 

The Critics Review: 

This is one documentary that every musician must not miss this rare experience. It makes you wonder if the reality of been a musician is truly worth living for a life time. So questions will be answered. 

Rating: 4 Star

Movie Festival Reviews and Information

 The Extraordinary Adventures of

Adele Blanc-Sec

In French with English Subtitles 

Director: Luc Besson

France: 2010. 105 mins

About the Movie: 

The Film takes place before The Great War in Paris 1912. A 136 million year old pterodactyl egg within the museum of natural history hatches and wreaks havoc on the citizens of Paris. And it's up to Adele Blanc-Sec to investigate and stop it. Adele has been on a quest to find a doctor to save her little twin sister. She must save a crazy expert who has brought the pterodactyl to life, so he can bring an Egyptian mummy back to life, and it can in turn use ancient magic to revive her sister, who has been dead or in a coma for four years following the bizarre tennis accident. 

This is a comic imbroglio adapted from the 1970's graphic novels of Jacques Tardi and brought to the screen by Luc Besson.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec is featured at the 26th Singapore French Film Festival courtesy of The Cathay Organization. 

The Critics Review:

The entire movie is excellent, but only if you can appreciate its climax towards following and witnessing the story. It may seem unfair to place a quick judgment if boredom wold be a word to use - but in any case Luc Besson the director has a clever announcement for a sequel. 

Rating 4 Star 

District 13: Ultimatum

In French with English Subtitles 

Rating: NC-16 - Violence

Director: Patrick Alessandrin

About the Movie:

Captain Damien Tomaso is framed at home with three kilograms of heroine after successful mission against the drug lords. The drugs were planted by the police in his kitchen and he is arrested. Meanwhile a group of teenagers film the action of dirty agents led by Roland from the security agency executing policeman in their car with the corpses in the 13th District to blame the gangs and begin a civil war. 

Behind these events, the corrupt chief of the security agency Walter Gassman had received a huge amount as a kickback from the constructor Harriburton who wishes to construct buildings in the poor area and uses the situation to force the President of France to authorize destruction of five towers.

The teenager with the film is hunted down by the police but he delivers the memory card to Leito. 

Damien calls him from the precinct asking for help. The friends team up with five dangerous bosses to gather evidences to prove to the president that Gassman has provoked the conflict in their district.

District 13: Ultimatum is featured at the 26th Singapore French Film Festival courtesy of MVP Entertainment Pte Ltd. 

The Critics Review: 

This is a high octane content, you would not regret it but this is not Hollywood flick. Full of great stunts and action that you should pay close attention. 

Rating: 4 Star

Bob Le Flambeur - Bob the Gambler

In French and English with English Subtitles

Black and White

Director: Jean-Pierre Melville

France: 1956, 98 mins

About the Movie: 

In Paris's Montmarte district, everyone knows Bob, a middle age, well dressed complusive gambler. He's generous, moralistic, drives a two toned convertible coupe, lives in a swank apartment, and has respect of the police. But he's on a losing streak, and even when he hits it big at the track, he loses at the Deauville Casino. He hears through a friend that the Deauville Casino holds undreamed-of quantities of cash, vulnerable in the early morning hours. 

Bob develops a complicated scheme to steal it, bringing in a tough but naive young protege and an ace safecracker into his scheme, along with a few other underworld characters.

The Critics Review: 

Marvelous! A plot that never seems for Bob's character to surprise you. If you ever thought that stealing is easy, try gambling plans.

Rating: 3.5 star

Comme Les Autres (Baby Love)

In French with English Subtitles 

Rating: R21 - Mature Theme

Director: Vincent Garenq

France : 2008 - 90 mins

About the Movie: 

Manu, a gay pediatrician in his forties, would be perfectly happy if he could adopt a child and bring him or her up with his partner, Philippe, a lawyer. However, Philippe is pleased with his present life and the last thing he wishes for is the invasive presence of a wailing brat. Unable to come to a compromise, the two lovers part. Through heart broken, Manu focuses on finding a surrogate mother who would be willing to carry his child. Fina, a beautiful illegal immigrant from Colombia might do the job for him in exchange for a marriage of convenience.

The Critics Review: 

Life can be complicated, as ridiculous as it may be. This direction is so cleverly well acted out that I cannot focus how bad the movie is!

Rating: 3.5 star

KHAMSA 

In French with English subtitles

Rating: M18 - Sexual scenes and coarse language

Director: Karim Dridi

France, 2008, 110mins

About the Movie: 

Khamsa is the story of a half Gypsy, half Arab street kid, Marco, 11 years old whi is also otherwise known as Khamsa. He comes back to his camp after an umpteenth runaway. He gets the name "Khamsa" from the Hand of Fatima necklace he wears around his neck - his only keepsake from his Algerian mother who has passed away. As a member of not just one, but two despised ethnic groups, Marco occupies probably one of the lowest social rungs in French Society. 

He re-bonds with his long time friends and cousins. They plunge into the fragile world of thefts, scams and violence. They make money out of the financial system. Marco and his friends are not protected by the police. They do not go to school. They dream of dog fights and burning caravans. 

Le Cercle Rouge - The Red Circle

In French with English Subtitles

Director: Jean - Pierre Melville

France, 1970 - 140mins

About the Movie: 

Corey is a cool, aristocratic thief, release from prison on the same days that Vogel, a murderer, escapes from the custody of the patient Mattei, a cat-loving police superintendent. Corey robs Rico, his mob boss, then enlists Vogel and an ex-police sharpshooter, Jansen, in a jewel heist. While Corey is harried by the vengeful Rico, Mattei pressures Santi, a nightclub owner and pimp, to help him trap thieves. Over all hangs the judgement of the police director, that every man is guilty.

The Wedding Song

In French with English subtitles

Director: Karin Albou 

France, 2008, 100mins

About the Movie: 

Tunisia, 1942, Nour and Myriam, 16 years old, are childhood friends. They share a same house in a modest district where Jews and Muslims live in harmony. Each one desires the life of the other: where Nour regrets not going to school like her friend, Myriam dreams of love. She envies Nour's engagement to her cousin Khaled, kind of a shared fantasy of Prince Charming. 

Unfortunately, Khaled does not find a job. The engagement is prolonged and the prospect of a union slips away. In 1942, the German army enters Tunisia. Following the politics of Vichy, the Nazis place a heavy fine on the Jewish community. Tina, Myriam's mother no longer has the right to work. Cripled by debts, she decideds to marry off her daughter to a rich doctor. 

In one stroke Myriam sees her dreams of love fade away.

Le Petit Nicolas - Little Nicholas

In French with English Subtitles

Rating: PG

Director: Laurent Tirard

France, 2009, 91 mins

About the Movie: 

For Nicholas life is perfect: loving parents, terrifc pals and no desire for anything to change. Then an overheard conversation leads him to believe his mother is pregnant. He imagines the worst: his parents will no longer have time for him. Maybe they'll even abandon him. Something has to be done. 

Nicholas and his gang come up with all kinds of plans - plans that lead them into increasingly crazy adventures...

Le petit Nicolas (Little Nicholas) is a French children's book which started out as a cartoon in Moustique, a weekly Belgian publication. It was published for the first time in 1959. Nicholas is an illustration of an ideal childhood and a nostalgic memory of the 1950's

Les Bureaux De Dieu - God's Offices 

In French with English Subtitles 

Rating: M18 - Mature Theme

Director: Claire Simon

France, 2008, 122 mins

About the Movie: 

Djamila, Ana maria, Zoe and the others; Anne, Marta, Pierre are a group of women struggling with their sexuality. They all meet in "God's offices', or in less metaphysical terms, in the premises of the Family Planning Center. 

The former women are teenage girls who have trouble with their sexual live; the latter are counselors or doctors, who support and help them when families, partners or even the whole society tend to complicate matters. 

They speck openly with the female counselors who wonder if such thin as "sexual freedom: is truly possible. This story specks of the icredible hidden aspects of mundane events.

The Critic Review: 

This is one of amazing documentaries that focus on the urban life in France, especially on the issue of sexual freedom on the 21st century.

Rating: 4.5 star 

L'Heure D' ETE - Summers Hours

In French with English subtitles

Rating: PG 

France, 2008, 103 MINS 

Helene is a fmaily matriarch of a small town who has devoted her life to preserving the legacy of her artist uncle. However while her eldest son, Frederic wants to preserve her home after her passing, she harbors no such illusions as she prepares her legacy. After her death, her children realize what she anticipated as they come to terms with their inheritance's place in their own lives. In the resulting disposition of their mother's assets, treasured heirlooms of a romantic family past drift away even as their changing modern world confronts the value of their memories. 

The Critic Review: 

A very heart warming story about the family trying to realize their own future terms with what they would do after their passing of their mother. Are they really seriously in keeping in touch with the siblings?  What is the outcome of our selfish nature? In the end of the day, the story ends beautifully with nature.

Rating: 5 Star

LE PREMIER VENU - Just Anybody

In French with English Subtitles

Rating: M18 - Sexual references and coarse language

Director: Jacques Doillon

France, 2008, 121 mins

About the Movie: 

A girl in her twenties tries little light and levity to her life that she finds inadequate, futile and lacking in the intensity that she requires. She decides to give her love-not to the most seductive guy, not the most deserving or most admirable one. No, they don't need her. She will give her love just anybody. 

The Critic's Review: 

The direction is intense, and complicated. Sometimes, I got myself lost of where the story is really leading to. 

Rating: 3 star