This Way of Life Thomas Burstyn
“What do I do for a living? I live for a living.” So says Peter Karena, the father of the Kiwi family who are the focus of this gorgeous documentary. The Karenas are modern-day cowboys, riding and herding horses and hunting for food. The thing is, cowboys are a dying breed, and the Karenas’ lifestyle is similarly endangered. Peter’s step-dad sells the house out from under them, forcing them to move out. The film follows their struggle to keep a roof over their heads without compromising their lifestyle, which is characterised by an intimate connection with nature. The film reflects that kinship with the land: the sumptuously photographed Ruahine ranges and the Karenas’ horses define this film as much as the people do. But it’s the people that provide the drama, which mostly comes from the conflicted relationship between Peter and his dad. Clearly Peter’s approach to parenting is a response to how he was raised by his bastard stepfather; unlike his dad, Peter gives his kids plenty of room to be their own delightful selves. In fact, Peter and his wife Colleen have really thought about how they want to live and raise their children without sacrificing their integrity, in a way most people don’t do nowadays. In other words, they, like Thoreau, have gone to the woods to live deliberately, and the life they lead, though sometimes painful, is one filled to the brim with love and warmth. As Peter says, “We live a blessed life.” This film makes you believe it.
The Brothers Bloom Rian Johnson
The Brothers Bloom is a fun movie. It’s a caper film about two American brothers whose lives are one big story. They make a living by conning people and running. Seems like fun – but younger brother Bloom (Adrien Brody) has for a long time resented his sibling Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and the control he wields as the brain behind the cons. Bloom wants to break away, but can’t. He agrees to one last con – he will befriend beautiful, wealthy recluse Penelope (Rachel Weisz) and draw her into a real-life adventure story in order to extort millions from her. “Don’t fall in love with her,” Stephen warns. And guess what happens? The film is a lot of fun to watch, and not only because of its quirky humour. All the scenes are gorgeously colourful. The actors really get into their parts: Weisz’s enthusiasm makes her a pleasure to watch, as does Brody’s flair for the dramatic. Even the slower scenes are helped along with quick, clever editing. The background music is folksy and whimsical. The great thing about The Brothers Bloom is that it’s almost never serious. Whenever it seems to turn sombre, it turns out to be a trick. Even the actors are taking the piss out of themselves – it’s a parody of its own genre. Unfortunately, the ending ruins the joke. It’s sad. Despite an effort to return to joviality, you are left rather upset about what’s happened, and with a feeling of being cheated out of a good time.