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Home , August Natterer, Bruce Cameron (bishop), Calum Worthy, Colin Salmon, Doom Resurrection, Evgeny Afineevsky

May-June 2019

VOL. 34 THE VIDEO REVIEW MAGAZINE FOR LIBRARIES NO. 3

IN THIS ISSUE The Last Resort | Apollo 11 | Birds of Passage | The Dilemma | Hillbilly | Jihadists | Cuban Food Stories | Poetry in America Ent tainment

BAKER & TAYLOR’S SPECIALIZED ENTERTAINMENT TEAM OFFERS ALL THE PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND EXPERTISE TO FULFILL YOUR LIBRARY PATRONS’ NEEDS.

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800-775-2600 x2050 [email protected] www.baker-taylor.com Spotlight Review

The Last Resort show cat who attained feline cult status in her short lifetime), and photo galleries. An HHH1/2 (2018) 70 min. DVD: offbeat portrait of a bygone time and place $29.95 ($349 w/PPR from in America, this is highly recommended. Publisher/Editor: Randy Pitman www.kinolorberedu.com). Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady) Associate Editor: Jazza Williams-Wood DRA. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). Editorial Assistant: Christopher Pitman Closed captioned. A fine companion Graphic Designer: Carol Kaufman Inspired by a 1970s to The Last Resort photography-docu- Marketing Director: Anne Williams is Next Year Jerusalem mentary project (that (VL-1/15). Reviewer was tragically interrupted by murder), film- Tom Keogh wrote Contributing Writers makers Dennis Scholl and Kareem Tabsch that filmmaker David revisit the bygone days of Miami and South Gaynes’s “lovely doc- Sean Axmaker, Reviewer, Beach, FL, as major retirement havens, prin- umentary…follows Seattle Times, Turner Classic Movies Online, cipally for elderly Jews (many of whom were members of a sometimes-invisible Parallax View Holocaust refugees). In an environment that population—senior citizens in nursing was dominated by the elderly, two young Kathleen C. Fennessy, Reviewer, homes—who do something extraor- The Stranger and energetic professional shutterbugs— dinary. Proving that there are no age Gary Monroe and Andy Sweet—captured barriers to adventures and new expe- Susan Granger, SSG Syndicate sympathetic character portraits of the aged riences, a group of seniors at a U.S. Donald Liebenson, Reviewer, residents and their fluorescent-kitsch envi- retirement home makes a long trek to Entertainment Weekly, .com ronment, before changing times (including along with a handful of nursing Stephen Rees, Librarian, formerly with an enormous influx of Cuban refugees), staff, where they visit historic sites, Bucks Co. Free Library, Levittown, PA mortality, and crime ultimately altered the are entertained by schoolchildren, social landscape. In addition to that story, drink wine and converse with locals, Frank Swietek, Associate Professor of History, University of Dallas, TX The Last Resort also tells the tale of Sweet’s and go floating in the buoyant waters shocking death in 1982 and the subsequent of the salty Dead Sea…. Serving up a loss and eventual recovery of his incredible solid reminder that people in their Additional Contributors: photo archive. Extras include a Q&A with 80s and 90s deserve better than to be the directors, deleted scenes (one with Pu- warehoused and forgotten, this [is an] Sue-Ellen Beauregard litzer-winning interviewee Edna Buchanan, inspirational film.” Charles Cassady an ace Miami crime reporter/author, talking about favorite cases), Tabsch’s 2014 short Phil Hall documentary Cherry Pop (about a million- Tom Keogh aire Fort Lauderdale couple’s pampered Cover Photo: Andy Sweet Lisa Martincik Trudie Root TABLE OF CONTENTS Michael Sandlin

Video Newsbriefs 6 Health & Fitness 52 Books Into Movies 8 Food & Spirits 52 Video Librarian (ISSN: 0887-6851) is pub- Mixed Media 10 Sports, Games & Recreation 52 lished bi-monthly by Video Librarian, 9479 Bayshore Dr. NW, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA Video Movies 16 The Arts 54 98383. Subscriptions: $64 for one year in the ; $69 (US) in (includes TV on Video 41 History & Current Events 56 GST); $86 elsewhere. Address all correspon- dence to Video Librarian, 9479 Bayshore Key to Star Ratings 43 Travel & Geography 58 Dr. NW, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98383. Periodicals Postage Paid at Silverdale, WA Video Reviews 43 Biography 58 and at additional mailing offices.POST - MASTER: Send address changes to Video Children’s 43 Series Update 60 Librarian, 9479 Bayshore Dr. NW, Suite 203, Silverdale, WA 98383. Copyright © 2019 by Psychology & Self-Help 44 Japanese 61 Randy Pitman. All rights reserved. Telephone/Fax/E-mail Religion & Philosophy 44 Distributor Addresses 64 Subscriptions: (800) 692-2270 Social & Political Issues 46 Title Index 65 Editorial: (360) 626-1259 Advertising: (800) 265-7965 Language Arts 50 Advertiser Directory 65 Fax: (360) 626-1260 E-mail: [email protected] Law & Crime 50 Final Frame 66 Web: www.videolibrarian.com Nature, Math & Science 50

MAY/JUNE 2019 3 VIDEO LIBRARIAN WOOLLY MAMMOTHS, CYBORG SYMBIOTIC EARTH THE RETURN OF THE HERO “CAPTIVATING!” “LOTS OF SAUCY —Telerama INTRIGUE!” Explores the life and —The List ideas of scientific rebel Set in 1809 France, this Lynn Margulis who chal- delightful screwball farce lenged entrenched theo- stars Mélanie Laurent ries of male-dominated (Inglorious Basterds) science. Margulis’ vision and Jean Dujardin (The offers bold insights into Artist) in a hilarious tale health, society, and na- filled with lies, deceit, ture, and inspires creative and romance! approaches to our press- ing environmental and “Full to the brim social crises. with Gallic charm!” “RECOMMENDED! —VICE The Ideas of the late biologist Lynn Margulis are ground- breaking, even breathtaking in their boldness.” —Educational Media Reviews Online

SYMBIOTIC EARTH RETURN OF THE HERO A film by John Feldman • From Bullfrog • An Icarus Films Release A film by Laurent Tirard • From Distrib Films • An Icarus Films Release 2018 • 147 min • Color • SDH Captioned • Not Rated • Spanish subtitle option 2018 • 90 min • Color • in French w/English subtitles • Not Rated UPC # 1-94874-50032-9 • SRP: $24.98 UPC # 8-54565-00275-3 • SRP: $26.98 AVAILABLE NOW! AVAILABLE MAY 14 IMPULSO GENESIS 2.0 “ONE OF SPAIN’S “FASCINATING!” FINEST FLAMENCO —The Times DANCERS!” On the remote New — (UK) Siberian Islands in the Arctic Ocean, hunt- The spectacular avant- ers search for tusks of garde choreography of extinct mammoths. One flamenco dancer Rocío day, they discover a sur- Molina has electrified prisingly well-preserved audiences around the mammoth carcass. world. Her extravagant, Werner Hertzog meets mesmerizing and mostly Jurassic Park in this real- improvised pieces com- life thriller that explores bine traditional flamenco the dawning of unprec- with modern-dance, edented scientific change. avant-garde theatrics, ob- jects, paint, and eclectic “The woolly mammoth tusk music compositions. is just the tip of the iceberg in “Ms. Molina is one of the this haunting excavation.” greatest flamenco dancers — Reporter I have seen, but to say that is not enough.” —

IMPULSO • A film by Emilio Belmonte GENESIS 2.0 From The KimStim Collection • An Icarus Films Release A film by Christian Frei and Maxim Arbugaev • A Kimstim Films Release 2017 • 87 min • Color • in Spanish w/English subtitles • Not Rated 2018 • 112 min • Color • in English & Russian w/English subtitles • Not Rated UPC # 6-98452-21433-7 • $29.95 UPC # 6-98452-21453-5 • SRP: $29.95 AVAILABLE NOW! AVAILABLE MAY 28

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY NEW THIS SPRING! MANIFESTOS, SYMBIOSIS & MORE! IMAGINARY FEASTS AND MINA’S RECIPE BOOK DONNA HARAWAY: STORYTELLING FOR EARTHLY SURVIVAL “BREATHTAKING!” “EXQUISITE!” —Telerama —DOXA 2017 Explores how in Nazi A playful and engaging concentration camps, exploration of the life, Soviet gulags, and influences and ideas of Japanese prison camps, Donna Haraway (author starving prisoners shared of The Cyborg Mani- and recorded favorite festo). Known for her meals and recipes. By ground-breaking work examining these objects on gender, cyborgs, of survival, the film animals and post-colo- shows quiet acts of nialism, Haraway is a incredible resistance. passionate and discursive storyteller. INSPIRED BY THE NEW YORK TIMES STORY “An ode to this “HELL’S OWN COOK- thinker’s expansive BOOK” AND THE mind and life.” BOOK “IN MEMORY’S —VICE KITCHEN”

TWO FILMS BY ANNE GEORGET • An Icarus Films Release DONNA HARAWAY: STORY TELLING FOR EARTHLY SURVIVAL IMAGINARY FEASTS: 2017 • 70 min • Color • in French and English w/English subtitles • Not Rated A film by Fabrizio Terranova • An Icarus Films Release MINA’S RECIPE BOOK: 2017 • 45 min • Color • in German and English w/English subtitles • Not Rated 2017 • 81 min • Color • in English and French w/English subtitles • Not Rated • Closed Captioned UPC # 8-54565-00263-0 • SRP: $29.98 UPC # 8-54565-00261-6 • SRP: $29.98 AVAILABLE NOW! AVAILABLE NOW! IN THE INTENSE NOW BAUHAUS SPIRIT: 100 YEARS OF BAUHAUS “SPELLBINDING!” “INSPIRING!” — Sun-Times —Neues Deutschland Made following the Describes the fascinat- discovery of amateur ing story of Bauhaus as footage shot in China in a statement, but also the 1966 during the Cultural failure and renewal of Revolution, IN THE a social . It tells INTENSE NOW of artists, scientists and speaks to the fleeting architects today, and nature of moments of how their challenges great intensity. might relate to Bauhaus. This story unfolds while “A rich, immersive asking questions still relevant today: How do contemplation… we want to live, where remarkable and do we want to go? deeply felt.” “A briskly paced, fasci- — nating overview of the movement and its aims.” —SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN 2019 MARKS THE CENTENNIAL OF THE BAUHAUS MOVEMENT!

IN THE INTENSE NOW BAUHAUS SPIRIT: 100 YEARS OF BAUHAUS A film by João Moreira Salles • An Icarus Films Release A film by Niels Bolbrinker and Thomas Tielsch • An Icarus Films Release 2017 • 127 min • Color and B&W • in Portuguese w/English subtitles • Not Rated 2018 • 90 min • Color • in German and English and French w/English subtitles • Not Rated UPC # 8-54565-00235-7 • $29.98 UPC # 8-54565-00270-8 • SRP: $26.98 AVAILABLE NOW! AVAILABLE MAY 7

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY http://HomeVideo.IcarusFilms.com [email protected] • (800) 876-1710 Video Newsbriefs

“Wildland” Firefi ghters Doc and the shrewd PRESENTED BY dancing instruc- Newly Available from FilmRise tor in whom he FilmRise has just released Alex Jablon- more than meets ski and Kahlil Hudson’s feature-length his match, with documentary Wildland (DVD: $19.95, beloved songs by Blu-ray: $24.95), which aired on PBS’s Dorothy Fields Independent Lens series in an abbre- and Jerome Kern, viated version. Telling the story of a including the 20-man wildland fi refi ghting crew as Oscar-winning TRANSFORMING AMERICA’S they struggle with fear, loyalty, love, classic “The Way You Look Tonight.” ELECTRIC GRID and defeat over the course of a single Coming June 18 is French iconoclast season, the fi lm was shot in Grants Pass, auteur Bruno Dumont’s exploration of From substations to gas stations, OR, a sleepy mountain town that has the human condition in his fi rst two boardrooms to military bases — seen better days. Viewers watch men fi lms, 1997’s La vie de Jésus and 1999’s CURRENT REVOLUTION tells the story going through job interviews to become L’humanité (DVD: $29.95 each; Blu-ray: of America’s energy industry on the wildland firefighters, many with bad $39.95 each). Arriving June 25 is a 4K luck and tough stories, but all coming restoration and Blu-ray debut of John brink of massive change. Whether it to the hard work of wildland fi refi ghting Cameron Mitchell’s 2001 trailblazing fails, prevails or adapts, the outcome for their own reasons. Some need to queer rock musical Hedwig and the An- will profoundly affect us all. prove themselves, or desire adventure, gry Inch (DVD: 2 discs, $29.95; Blu-ray: while others have external pressures—a $39.95), following Hedwig (Mitchell), 2018 | 37 mins | SDH subtitles tough job market, a recent run-in with who undergoes a traumatic personal the law, or a lingering drug habit. John transformation in order to emigrate Banner is a 46-year-old rookie who is to the U.S. and reinvents herself as an looking for liberation from his past and “internationally ignored” but divinely www.greenplanetfilms.org a way to be present for his young family, talented rock diva. Also slated for June 415-377-5471 while Charlie and Aidan are 23-year- 25 is Sergei Bondarchuk’s Oscar-win- old Bible college dropouts who see a ning 1966-67 epic War and Peace (DVD: [email protected] chance to redefine themselves. What 3 discs, $39.95; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $49.95), emerges is a portrait of a small group of an awe-inspiring adaptation of Tolstoy’s working-class men, their exterior world, classic novel, appearing in a major new their interior lives, and the fi re that they restoration. face when the crew is dispatched to the largest blaze in the country, where they will make a stand and engage in a hectic “What is Democracy?” fi nal battle. Documentary Coming May 14 from Zeitgeist Films “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Coming at a moment of profound Ingmar Bergman Film political and social crisis, What is Finding Inclusion and Community in the Scariest of Places Democracy? (DVD: $29.95) is slated for Trilogy, and More from release on May 14 from Zeitgeist Films. Criterion Collection in June Director Astra Taylor’s idiosyncratic On June 4, Criterion’s yearlong cel- philosophical journey takes viewers ebration of releases commemorating from ancient Athens’ groundbreaking Ingmar Bergman’s centennial draws to a experiment in self-government to cap- close with a Blu-ray edition of the Swed- italism’s roots in medieval Italy; from modern-day Greece grappling with Family of Fear shares ish master’s chamber dramas exploring the story of a group of faith and alienation, A Film Trilogy by fi nancial collapse and a mounting refu- people brought together Ingmar Bergman (Blu-ray: 3 discs, $99.95), gee crisis to the United States reckoning by their love of haunted with its racist past and the growing gap houses. They come to which includes 1961’s Through a Glass scare people. Some come Darkly and the 1963 fi lmsWinter Light between rich and poor. Celebrated theo- from broken homes, are and The Silence. Collaborating with the rists Silvia Federici, Cornel West, Wendy bullied in school, have distinguished cinematographer Sven Brown, and Angela Davis are joined depression, loneliness Nykvist, the series includes searing by trauma surgeons, activists, factory and other concerns. But in the Arx Mortis haunted workers, asylum seekers, former prime house in Killen, Alabama, they found a family. performances from Bergman’s cast of regulars including , ministers, and others in this timely 2018 | 91 mins | SDH subtitles Gunnar Björnstrand, and Max von and urgent fi lm that connects the past Sydow. Slated for June 11 is the Blu-ray and the present, the emotional and the debut of ’s 1936 musical intellectual, and the personal and the romance Swing Time (DVD: $29.95, Blu- political. Bonus features include deleted www.greenplanetfilms.org ray: $39.95), featuring legendary danc- scenes, a Q&A at New York’s Jacob Burns 415-377-5471 ing duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Film Center, and an interview with [email protected] as, respectively, a feckless gambler fi lmmaker Taylor.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 6 MAY/JUNE 2019 RECONSTRUCTION: AMERICA AFTER THE CIVIL WAR Renowned Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. presents New from PBS the definitive history of the transformative years following the American Civil War, when the nation struggled to rebuild itself LES MISÉRABLES amidst profound loss, massive destruction, and revolutionary social In France at a time of civil unrest, this change. is the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict unable to escape his past life. HOMO SPATIUS His future is threatened by his nemesis, Can Homo sapiens evolve into Homo the chilling prison guard Javert, who spatius? For over 50 years now, is determined to bring him to justice. we have been testing our human Starring , , limits in an effort to conquer outer Lily Collins, and . space. Combining adventure and exploration of the human body, Homo Spatius offers unique insights into the physical and psychological effects of space travel on astronauts and measures the impact on medical BOSS: THE BLACK sciences. EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS From filmmaker Stanley Nelson comes a film that examines more HENRY IX: THE LOST than 150 years of African American Investigate the mysterious men and women who, from the disappearance from history of a country’s earliest days, have embodied forgotten Scottish prince — Henry qualities of innovation, risk-taking, Fredrick Stuart, the best king Britain and determination to forge a path to a never had. Not many know his better life— which is at the heart of the name, but Henry started the British American entrepreneurial spirit. Museum and the Royal Collection, and was the first royal prince to back a permanent settlement on American soil in the 17th century.

JUST FOR KIDS

IT’S TIME FOR SCHOOL! WON’T YOU BE OUR NEIGHBOR? THE KELP FOREST PINKERRIFIC SING-ALONG!

Find these and other educational at Teacher.Shop.PBS.org!

The PBS logo is a registered trademark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used with permission. Books Into Movies

The following fi lms based on books are slated to open during May and June. Movie release dates are subject to change.

Coming in May

A Dog’s Journey (May 17) is author W. Bruce Cameron’s 2012 sequel to his ear- lier 2010 novel A Dog’s Purpose. Directed by Gail Mancuso, the fi lm stars Dennis Quaid, Abby Ryder Fortson, and Josh Gad as the voice of Bailey.

The Sun is Also a Star (May 17) is an adaptation of ’s 2016 romantic drama. Directed by Ry Russo-Young, the YA fi lm stars Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton.

Coming in June

Shaft (June 14) is director Tim Story’s HAVE YOU SEEN THE fresh take on charac- ters from Ernest Tidy- NEW FILMS ON DEMAND? man’s titular 1970 de- tective novel, starring Samuel L. Jackson, u New, user-friendly design/navigation Jessie T. Usher, Regina Hall, Method Man, u Fully responsive and mobile friendly and Richard Roundtree. u Greater customization of the home page Looking Ahead u New, high-interest categories Slated for August is u New featured series pages Artemis Fowl, based on the titular 2001 u Improved search results novel and 2002 fol- low-up Artemis Fowl: u New toggle between dark and light mode The Arctic Incident in Eoin Colfer’s sci-fi fan- u Now uses HTTPS to help protect the tasy series. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the security and privacy of our users adventure fi lm stars Ferdia Shaw, , , and Josh Gad. u And more! Also arriving in Au- gust is Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, based on author Alvin Schwartz and illustra- tor Stephen Gammell’s children’s horror trilo- gy (1981-91). Directed by André Øvredal, the fi lm stars Zoe Margaret Colletti, Austin Abrams, and Gil Bellows.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 8 MAY/JUNE 2019 ACCLAIMED NEW RELEASES One of the most FROM GRASSHOPPER FILM celebrated documentaries of 2018 is now available on Blu-ray and DVD! Bisbee ‘17 A film by Robert Greene “The best film of the year.” — A.O. Scott, The New York Times “A riveting, emotionally galvanizing achievement.” — Justin Chang, Los Angeles Times “An American riff on The Act of Killing; A fascinating and dream-like mosaic about a forgotten American tragedy.” — David Ehrlich, Indiewire

SPECIAL FEATURES: • Audio Commentary by Director Robert Greene • Bisbee ’17 Shorts (36m) • Ghost Towns of Arizona, a short film by Robert Greene (2006, 7m) • Deleted and Extended Scenes (37m) • Theatrical Trailer • Booklet featuring an Oral and Visual History of the Making of Bisbee ’17

CAT: GF019 / DVD UPC: 853294007329 SRP: $29.95 CAT: GF019BD / BLU-RAY UPC: 853294007312 SRP: $34.95 Also from Available 4/23/19 Robert Greene

Kate Plays Christine Chronicle Of Anna Magdalena Bach Towards Mathilde Greene’s Sundance prize- Never before available! The great winner investigates the story On the occasion of its 50th anniver- Claire Denis (High Life, Let the of Christine Chubbuck, a sary, a new digital restoration of Shine In, Beau Travail) offers a Florida newscaster who landmark film by Jean-MarieStraub striking documentary about dance committed a shocking act on and Daniele Huillet and movement. live television in 1974. CAT: GF017 / UPC: 853294007275 CAT: GF016 / UPC: 853294007268 CAT: GF02 / UPC: 853294007008 SRP: $29.95 SRP: $29.95 SRP: $29.95 CAT: GF017BD / UPC: 853294007282 SRP: $34.95

To place orders, please email [email protected] GRASSHOPPERFILM.COM or call 646–586–3060.

Video Librarian_GRASSHOPPER.indd 1 3/28/19 1:52 PM Mixed Media

Mixed Media features new release Rated: E10+). Players join an all-star cast June 16—June 22 information on upcoming video of heroes in this puzzle game that is pre- games and TV series on DVD/Blu-ray, sented like a one-on-one fighting game, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (Ac- as well as notable older titles that are but replaces punching and kicking with tivision, PS4/Switch/XOne: $39.99, Rated: re-priced or new to DVD/Blu-ray. clearing color-matching falling blocks to E10+). This fully-remastered version of inflict damage on opponents. Crash Team Racing features the original game modes, characters, tracks, power-ups, Video Games Hollow Knight (Fan- and weapons, as well as additional karts gamer, PS4/Switch: and tracks. $29.99-$34.99, Rated: Note: Entertainment Software Ratings E10+). In this D a r k June 22—June 29 Board (ESRB) ratings for video games are: E Souls-inspired, hand- (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), drawn, 2D action-RPG, Judgment (Sega, PS4: M (Mature), and RP (Rating Pending). players explore a vast $59.99, Rated: M). From Some titles are not rated until just prior to interconnected world of the makers of the ac- release date. forgotten highways, overgrown wilds, and claimed Yakuza series, ruined cities featuring powerful enemies. this third-person ac- May 12—May 18 tion-RPG finds players Lapis x Labyrinth (NIS America, PS4/ investigating the seedy My Time at Portia ( Tea m17, P S 4/Sw itch/ Switch: $49.99-$59.99, Rated: E10+). This Red Light District of XOne: $29.99-$39.99, Rated: E10+). In 2D dungeon-diving action-RPG sends Kamurocho by stepping into the mind this life-simulation game, players embark players on a high-octane treasure-hunting of private detective Takayuki Yagami and on an open-world adventure where they quest, smashing through hordes of mon- utilizing innovative investigation systems will meet and form relationships while sters and traps to gain riches. to uncover the secrets that lie deep within using game mechanics including crafting, Kamurocho’s corrupt underbelly. farming, resource gathering, exploration, Little Friends Dogs & and more. Cats (Sold Out, Switch: Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden (Max- $49.99, Rated: E). In this imum Games, PS4/Switch/XOne: $39.99, Rage 2 (Bethesda, PS4/ pet-training game, players Rated: M). In this third-person tactical XOne: $59.99, Rated: M). can work with up to three adventure game that combines turn-based In this first-person shoot- pets at once and own as combat with real-time exploration, stealth, er sequel, players take on many as 12 as they get to and strategy, players explore a post-human the role of the last Ranger know their personalities, Earth where humankind has been eradi- of the wasteland after an feed them favorite foods, cated by climate change, nuclear war, and asteroid has annihilated take them for walks, and pandemics. 80% of the Earth’s population, and ruthless compete in the flying disc tournament. bloodthirsty gangs roam the open roads. Our World is Ended (U&I Entertain- TV on DVD/Blu-ray May 19—May 25 ment, PS4/Switch: $59.99, Rated: M). In this visual novel game, players explore a faithful Available Now Atelier Lulua: The Scion of Arland recreation of ’s iconic Asakusa district (Koei Tecmo, PS4/Switch: $59.99, Rated: as they follow a team of game developers The Big C: The Com- T). In this latest entry in the popular trapped between reality and their fictional plete Series (Mill Creek, third-person Atelier RPG series, players worlds. Blu-ray: 6 discs, $69.98). step into the shoes of budding alchemist stars as a Lulua, who dreams of one day surpassing June 2—June 8 schoolteacher who has her famous mother Rorona and becoming cancer in this 2010-13 the most respected alchemist in all of the MotoGP 19 (Maximum Games, PS4/ Showtime-aired dramedy Arland Republic. Switch/XOne: $49.99, Rated: RP). In this series, newly available on racing game, players can pick their favorite high-definition Blu-ray and also featuring Team Sonic Racing official rider in the 2019 Championship Oliver Platt and Gabourey Sidibe. (Sega, PS4/Switch/XOne: and race on 19 different tracks, as well as $39.99, Rated: E). The tackle an in-depth career mode, starting Dirty John (Universal, DVD: 2 discs, latest entry in this pop- as a rookie and climbing up the ladder to $29.98). Based on the true-crime podcast by ular racing series com- the top class. Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Chris- bines the best elements topher Goffard, this 2018-19 first season of of arcade and fast-paced June 9—June 15 the Bravo and co-production stars competitive-style racing, Connie Britton, Eric Bana, Juno Temple, with 15 playable charac- Warhammer: Vermintide 2 (Fatshark, and Julia Garner. ters from across the Sonic PS4/XOne: $49.99, Rated: M). In this Universe. sequel to the critically acclaimed Vermin- Finding Joy (Acorn, DVD: $34.99). After tide, players revisit the fierce first-person a rough breakup, a woman (creator and May 26—June 1 slaughter-fest, here featuring visceral melee star Amy Huberman) becomes famous as a action, set in the apocalyptic end times of network TV vlogger in this 2018 first season Crystal Crisis (Nicalis, Switch: $39.99, the war-ravaged Warhammer world. of the Irish comedy series.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 10 MAY/JUNE 2019 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT CINEMA

TO A MORE PERFECT UNION: U.S. v. WINDSOR 63 minutes, color, $19.95, FRF 917858D ON DVD MAY 28 This is the story of two unlikely heroes, octogenarian Edie Windsor and her attorney, Roberta Kaplan, on their quest for justice. Offended by the government’s refusal to recognize her 40+ year relationship with the love of her life because they were the same sex, Edie decided to sue the United States government – and won. This documentary about her landmark case in the marriage equality movement includes Lillian Faderman, a leading scholar on LGBTQ history, and Evan Wolfson, who first at Lambda Legal and later as founder of Freedom to Marry was of marriage equality in the US and now worldwide. Jeffrey Toobin from CNN and Nina Totenberg of NPR also lend their insights. “This moving documentary establishes both the historical and emotional context for a landmark Supreme Court decision. The film explores the powerful experience of rights pioneer — and vivacious personality — Edie Windsor and her fight to be recognized legally as the wife of her decades-long partner. The film reminds us that there are individual human experiences behind the legal decisions that impact an entire country.” -Los Angeles Times

That Way Madness Guilty Until Proven Lies... Guilty 101 minutes, color, $24.95, FRF 917834D 53 minutes, color, $19.95, FRF 917841D NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD MAY 14 What do you do when your sibling Guilty Until Proven Guilty tells the descends into a mental black hole story of Tim Conerly, a young – falling for a Nigerian email scam African-American male who was and eventually winding up in the arrested for armed robbery in hospital made famous by One New Orleans. After more than Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest? two years in jail, Conerly must choose between pleading guilty Director Sandra Luckow unflinch- and serving five more years for a ingly turns her camera on her own crime he insists he did not commit, family as they try to navigate the or risking up to 198 years in prison broken mental health system in an if he is convicted at trial. effort to save their , whose iPhone video diary reveals an un- Best Documentary, DOC LA, 2018 filtered look at the mind of a man “Exposes the inequities faced with untreated . every day by poor black citizens “If this subject has touched your charged with crimes. This film life even minimally, you ought to should be seen by everyone.” see this movie.” -New York Times -Harry Belafonte Before Homosexuals Montessori: Let the 87 minutes, color, $24.95, FRF 917865D ON DVD JUNE 11 Child Be the Guide 100 minutes, color, $24.95, FRF 917872D John Scagliotti, executive producer ON DVD JUNE 25 of the landmark film Before Stone- wall, here guides us in a wondrous Curious about the Montessori tour of erotic history, poetry and Method, filmmaker Alexandre visual art in his new documentary Mourot sets his camera up in the on same-sex desire – from ancient oldest Montessori school in France times to Victorian crimes. and observes this child-centered educational approach for an entire With dozens of experts he revels school year. The children guide in love spells from ancient him throughout the year, helping Rome, censored chapters of the him to understand the magic of Kamasutra, Native American two- their autonomy and self-esteem. spirit rituals and more. A prequel “A masterpiece in that it captures to Before Stonewall, Before the natural characteristics of the Homosexuals unearths the child...I have never seen a garden of human sexual desire. Montessori video so authentic.” “This is the history lesson we all -David Khan, Executive Director need: the affirmation of same-sex of North American Montessori love that was etched in stone some Teachers’ Association (NAMTA) 2,500 years ago.” -John Scagliotti

To purchase, please contact John Bione at 800.229.8575 x13 or [email protected] For Non-Theatrical/Institutional PPR, contact Marc Mauceri at 212.243.0600 x20 or [email protected] The High Chaparral: Victoria: The Complete Third Season kar, aired stateside on Masterpiece Mystery! Season Three (Shout! (PBS, DVD: 3 discs, $49.99; Blu-ray: 3 discs, Factory, DVD: 6 discs, $59.99). Aired stateside on PBS’s Master- May 14 $34.99). The titular Ar- piece, this 2019 third season of the period izona Territory ranch is drama follows Queen Victoria (Jenna The Lone Ranger: Seasons 1 & 2 the setting for this 1969- Coleman) through events including the (Universal, DVD: 12 discs, $26.98). Clay- 70 third season of the Great Exhibition of 1851 and welcoming ton Moore stars as the titular masked series that in- new children. crime-fighter in this compilation of the cludes guest appearances 1949-51 first and second seasons of the by Malachi Throne, Chief Dan George, Jim The Wayans Bros.: The Complete classic Western series. Davis, and Noah Beery Jr. Fifth Season (Warner, DVD: 3 discs, $29.99). Shawn and Marlon Wayans star No Offence: Series I Married Joan: Classic TV Collection in this 1998-99 fifth and final season of 3 (Acorn, DVD: 2 discs, #5 (VCI, DVD: $19.95). Joan Davis is back the Harlem-set sitcom that also features $49.99). Detective Inspec- as the scatterbrained wife of a judge in guest appearances by Gary Coleman, Chip tor Vivienne Deering (Jo- this fifth compilation of episodes from the Fields, and Kym Whitley. anna Scanlan) and her 1952-55 sitcom that also stars Jim Backus. squad are embroiled in May 7 scandals surrounding a Last of the Summer Wine: Vintage mayoral election in this 2009 (BBC, DVD: 2 discs, $34.98). Russ Agatha Raisin: Series 2018 third season of the Abbot arrives as retired milkman Hobbo in Two (Acorn, DVD: 3 discs, crime-drama series from . this compilation of episodes from the 2009 $39.99). Based on the nov- 30th season of the senior citizen sitcom. els by M.C. Beaton, Ash- Power: The Complete Fifth Season ley Jensen stars as the (, DVD: 3 discs, $34.98). Drug Mrs. Wilson (PBS, DVD: $29.99). Aired former PR exec turned lord and nightclub owner Ghost (Omari on PBS’s Masterpiece, this 1960s-set 2018 Cotswolds crime-solver in Hardwick) responds to the loss of his miniseries stars as her real-life this 2018-19 second sea- daughter with revenge in this 2018 fifth grandmother in a twisty dramatization of son that includes “Agatha season that also stars Joseph Sikora, Lela secrets and lies concerning romance with Raisin and the Wizard of Evesham,” “Ag- Loren, Naturi Naughton, and executive a former MI6 officer. atha Raisin and the Fairies of Fryfam,” and producer 50 Cent. “Agatha Raisin and the Curious .” My Brilliant Friend: The Complete May 21 First Season (HBO, DVD: 2 discs, $49.99). Better Call Saul: Season Four (, Based on pseudonymous novelist Elena DVD: 3 discs, $35.99; Blu-ray: 3 discs, 13 Reasons Why: Season 2 (Paramount, Ferrante’s “Neapolitan” quartet, this 2018 $45.99). This 2018 fourth season of the DVD: 4 discs, $39.98). Following the tragic HBO-aired first season of the Italian-Amer- Breaking Bad spin-off features guest appear- death from the previous season, this 2018 ican series following a troubled long-term ances by Ed Begley Jr., Michael McKean, sophomore run of the teen mystery series friendship stars Gaia Girace and Margher- and Ann Cusack. introduces new characters with Jake Weber, ita Mazzucco. Meredith Monroe, and Kelli O’Hara. Bonanza: The Official Ninth Season, Project Blue Book: Season 1 (Lionsgate, Volume 1 and Bonanza: The Official Call the Midwife: Season Eight (BBC, DVD: 2 discs, $24.99; Blu-ray: 2 discs, Ninth Season, Volume 2 (Paramount, DVD: 3 discs, $39.99). Midwife nuns help $29.99). Produced by the History channel, DVD: 4/5 discs, $45.98 each). These 1967- ’s mothers through birth and other this drama series focusing on Air Force 68 compilations following the escapades dramas in this 2019 eighth season of the UFO investigations stars Aidan Gillen, of the Cartwright family on the Ponderosa period series that also includes the 2018 Michael Malarkey, Laura Mennell, and ranch feature guest appearances by Mi- Christmas special. Ksenia Solo. chael Murphy, Kim Hunter, Noah Beery Jr., and Jan-Michael Vincent. Les Misérables (PBS, Ray Donovan: Season Six (Paramount, DVD: 2 discs, $39.99; DVD: 4 discs, $39.98). Professional fixer Liar: Season One Blu-ray: 2 discs, $49.99). Ray Donovan (Liev Schreiber) reinvents (BBC, DVD: 2 discs, Aired on Masterpiece, this himself in the Big Apple in this 2018-19 $24.98). Co-produced by 2018-19 BBC-produced sixth season of the Showtime crime drama ITV and Sundance, this miniseries adaptation of series that also features Jon Voight. 2017 thriller series cen- Victor Hugo’s iconic 1862 tering on a romantic date French historical novel Shameless: The Com- gone wrong stars Joanne stars Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily plete Ninth Season (War- Froggatt, Ioan Gruffudd, Collins, and Olivia Colman. ner, DVD: 4 discs, $29.98, and Zoë Tapper. Blu-ray: 4 discs, $39.99). The Public Defender: The Official First This compilation features : The Complete Third Season (ClassicFlix, DVD: 3 discs, $39.99). the 2018-19 ninth season Season (PBS, DVD: 2 discs, $34.99). The Reed Hadley stars as the titular attorney of the Showtime-aired remains of a teen who disappeared on for the poor in this first season compila- ensemble dramedy, with New Year’s 1999 is at the center of this tion from the 1954-55 legal drama that guest stars including Dan 2018 third season of the ITV crime drama includes guest appearances by Lauria, Katey Sagal, and Courteney Cox. starring and Sanjeev Bhas- and .

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 12 MAY/JUNE 2019

May 28 Tom Clancy’s Jack the novels by Edward Ryan: Season One (Par- St. Aubyn, this 2018 five- Blood (Acorn, DVD or Blu-ray: 2 discs, amount, DVD: 3 discs, part miniseries centers $39.99). A respectable Irish doctor (Adrian $29.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, on the life and career of Dunbar) is not absolved of the supposedly $39.99). Based on the tit- the titular English up- accidental death of his wife when his ular character by Tom perclassman (Benedict daughter (Carolina Main) begins to inves- Clancy, this 2018 first Cumberbatch). tigate in this 2018 debut season of the Irish season of the Amazon crime thriller. Prime thriller series stars John Krasinski, Suits: Season Eight (Universal, DVD: Abbie Cornish, and Wendell Pierce. 4 discs, $39.98). Katherine Heigl joins Captain Marleau, Volume 1 and Cap- the cast in this 2018-19 eighth season of tain Marleau, Volume 2 (MHz, DVD: 3 June 11 the law firm drama that also discs, $39.95 each). Succinct and thorough features Gabriel Macht, Dulé Hill, and detective Captain Marleau (Corinne Ma- I Am the Night (Warner, DVD: 2 discs, Amanda Schull. siero) covers her steely demeanor with a $29.99; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $39.99). Inspired façade of eccentricity in these compilations by a true crime story with a connection to Will & Grace—The Revival: Season from the French crime-drama series. the “Black Dahlia” murders, this 2019 TNT- Two (Universal, DVD: 2 discs, $29.98). This aired limited series stars Chris Pine, India 2018-19 sophomore season reboot of the Outlander: Season Eisley, Jefferson Mays, Connie Nielsen, and 1998-2006 sitcom with returning stars Eric Four (Sony, DVD: 5 Golden Brooks. McCormack and Debra Messing features discs, $45.99; Blu-ray: 5 guest appearances by Alec Baldwin, Minnie discs, $55.99). Based on Magnum P.I.: Season 1 (Paramount, Driver, and Jon Cryer. the novel series by Diana DVD: 6 discs, $49.99). Jay Hernandez stars Gabaldon, this 2018-19 as Hawaii private investigator Thomas June 25 fourth season of the his- Magnum in this 2018-19 first season of the torical time travel show contemporary reboot series, also starring Manhunt: Season 1 (Acorn, DVD or Blu- stars Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Maria Perdita Weeks and Zachary Knighton. ray: $34.99). This Acorn TV original series Doyle Kennedy, and Sophie Skelton. based on a real-life English-Romani serial Waterfront TV Series, Collection 2 killer stars Martin Clunes, Stephen Wight, : The Complete Twenty-Sec- (VCI, DVD: $19.95). A tugboat captain Katie Lyons, and Steffan Rhodri. ond Season (Paramount, DVD: 2 discs, (Preston Foster) and his family catch $29.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $39.99). Matt Stone criminals in the Los Angeles Harbor in this Marcella: Season Two (Acorn, DVD: 2 and ’s cash cow continues to second compilation of episodes from the discs, $49.99). Anna Friel stars as Detective dribble out puerile milk in this 2018 22nd 1954-55 Emmy-nominated series. Sergeant Marcella Backland in this 2018 season that includes “A Boy and a ,” sophomore season of episodes from the “The Problem with a Poo,” and a two-part June 18 ITV-aired Scandinavian noir series. Amazon strike spoof. Killing Eve: Season Two (BBC, DVD: Looking Ahead Velvet: Seasons 1-4 (MHz, DVD: 4/5 2 discs, $24.98; Blu-ray: 2 discs, $29.98). discs, $39.95 each). The fictional Galerías Starting right after the events of the first Slated for July is the Velvet fashion house and the shocking season finale, this 2019 second season of debut season of Vidago relationship between a business heir and a the drama series based on the Codename Palace, the fifth season seamstress are at the center of this 2014-16 Villanelle novellas stars Jodie Comer and of Gotham, the sixth sea- Spanish drama series, with each of the four Golden Globe-winner . son of Endeavour, the seasons newly available separately. seventh season of Dr. K’s Last of the Summer Exotic Animal E.R., and June 4 Wine: Vintage 2010 the 12th season of Mur- (BBC, DVD: $34.98). doch Mysteries. Delicious: Series 3 (Acorn, DVD: $34.99). The cask has finally run Former rivals (Dawn French, Emilia Fox) dry with this 31st and find their tenuous truce threatened by an final 2010 season of the Re-priced or New to DVD/Blu-ray attractive restaurateur in this 2018-19 third long-running Britcom season of the Sky 1 drama series. series starring Russ Abbot, The Dr. Andrew Weil Collection (Kino Burt Kwouk, and Brian Murphy. Lorber, DVD: 2 discs, $34.95). Alternative Kills: Series 1 medicine celebrity doctor Andrew Weil (Acorn, DVD or Blu-ray: Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume is showcased in this compilation that in- 2 discs, $39.99). Hugo XI (Shout! Factory, DVD: 4 discs, $44.99). cludes 8 Weeks to Optimum Health (VL-5/97 Spear, Sharon Small, This 11th volume from the cult series HHH1/2), Spontaneous Healing (VL-1/97 Bailey Patrick, and Tori spoofing B-movies includesRing of Terror, HHH1/2), Eating Well for Optimum Health Allen-Martin star in this Indestructible Man, Tormented, and Horrors (VL-9/00 HHH), Dr. Andrew Weil’s Healthy 2019 crime-drama series of Spider Island. Aging (VL-7/06 HHH), and Dr. Andrew Weil’s that includes “The Poli- Guide to Eating Well. Extras include Q&As, tician’s Son,” “Stag Night,” “Blood Lines,” Patrick Melrose (Acorn, DVD or archival and new interviews with Weil, and “Sex Games,” and “Connected.” Blu-ray: 2 discs, $39.99). Adapted from bonus featurettes.

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 14 MAY/JUNE 2019 VL_Ad_0519_VisionVideo 3/19/19 8:12 AM Page 1

To the Ends of the Earth Heavens to Betsy 2 She Has a Name More than any other human being, the Author Betsy Simon finally finds career Jason, a lawyer, poses as a john to build a Apostle Paul was responsible for bringing success when her new novel, Heavens to legal case against the ruthless pimp who is Christianity to the western world. This drama Betsy, is published. It tells the story of a trafficking girls into . He meets focuses on Paul’s remarkable visit to the young woman who is transported to an Number 18, a girl forced to work as a Greek city of Philipi. It is believed that it was alternate universe where all the prayers she prostitute in a busy Bangkok bar, only to in Philipi that Paul first preached the gospel ever prayed are answered all at once. Betsy discover her testimony is key to proving his on European soil. The film depicts the risks her career and her credibility when she case. Can he convince her to risk her life to contrast between pagan culture and Paul’s claims that the events portrayed in the book testify for the sake of justice? She Has A Name new Christian teaching and recounts how he actually happened to her. A heartfelt follow- explores the global corruption that allows for formed a small band of followers in the city up to Heavens to Betsy. Drama, 111 minutes. human sex trafficking across borders and for that would soon become an established #501823D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01823 2 criminals to thrive off of this industry. Drama, church. Drama, 45 minutes. 107 minutes. #501827D, $12.99, UPC 7 27985 01827 0 #501831D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01831 7

Alaska Missionaries Hope Has a Name Grace and Gravity Alaska Missionaries is a six-episode reality In urban America, the bush of Africa, the war John Palmer, an American Christian on a series about a team of intrepid missionaries zone of the Congo, and in closed nations work assignment in the UK, stumbles across who run the Suicide Prevention Summer there are women who are living outside their Chris Arnold, a suicidal British atheist who is Camp at Camp Nahshii on the upper Yukon own cultures, society, and comfort level to about to leap from a bridge. John’s attempts River in central Alaska. Follow these care for orphans, build schools, liberate to share his faith and talk the man down are dedicated people as they give their all to addicts, feed the poor, and love the broken. fiercely rejected by Chris, a quick-witted Brit make a difference in the lives of hurting These ordinary women are reaching into who knows the Bible better than his young people, even as the missionaries face hopeless situations of people and creating Christian counterpart does. Grace and Gravity their own challenges in America’s last hope. Hope Has a Name takes you on a mixes quirky humor and riveting drama to frontier. Documentary, 168 minutes total. candid and intimate journey into their raise challenging questions about faith, #501838D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01838 6 worlds and lives. Documentary, 107 minutes. friendship. Drama, 80 minutes. #501820D, $19.99, UPC 7 27985 01820 1 #501615D, $14.99, UPC 7 27985 01615 3 NOTE: All titles above include English subtitles except Hope Has a Name Vision Video OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: PO Box 540 Worcester, PA 19490 If, for any reason, a product does not meet your expectations, 1-800-523-0226 • 610-584-3500 return it to us, and we will exchange it or give you a refund. Fax: 610-584-6643 All DVDs are guaranteed against any defects. Available from E-mail: [email protected] Baker and Taylor, Midwest Tape, or directly from Vision Video. Web: www.VisionVideo.com Video Movies

Arctic HHH older , weave in and out of the kids’ This section features reviews of current and Universal, 98 min., PG-13, clandestine lives, though never for very classic studio, independent, and foreign feature DVD: $22.98, Blu-ray: $29.98 long. Director Christian Duguay embraces In this stark, icy survival the narrative’s urgency, amplifying every films. Each review includes pricing information, emotion, every greeting and goodbye, every as well as running time, rating, subtitling infor- story, Danish actor plays Overgard, act of decency, by upping the stakes. Recom- mation, and street dates for yet-to-be-released a researcher/explorer whose mended. (T. Keogh) titles. Most titles reviewed here are widely tiny plane crashed in a fro- available through most distributors. zen wasteland. The resourceful Overgard’s Becoming Astrid HHH been living in the plane’s cabin for weeks Music Box, 123 min., in Swedish w/English subtitles, not HHHH= Excellent (if not longer), sustained by raw fish pulled from beneath the ice. The viewer first sees rated, DVD: $29.99 HHH= Good him trudging around, digging, scraping, Swedish author Astrid HH grunting, and clearing a series of paths Lindgren (1907-2002) be- = Fair in the snow—which turn out to form a came famous for her chil- H= Poor large black SOS sign in the white tundra, dren’s books, particularly hopefully visible from the sky. In addition, the Pippi Longstocking series, but while Pernille Overgard spends hours manually cranking a Fischer Christensen’s biographical film begins transmitter and signaling for rescue. When a and ends with a framing device showing the Current Films helicopter hovers nearby, he’s ecstatic—until writer answering letters from adoring fans the ferociously howling polar wind causes it in her old age, the majority of the story is set to crash. The only survivor is a badly injured in Astrid’s youth. The spirited, free-thinking Apollo 11 HHH woman (Maria Thelma Smaradottir), who daughter of a farming couple, Astrid is hired Universal, 93 min., G, DVD: Overgard is determined to save. She’s in a as an intern at the local newspaper, where $22.98, Blu-ray: $34.98, May state of shock, so Overgard scavenges a func- the editor, Blomberg (Henrik Rafaelsen), is 14 tional cigarette lighter, camper stove, instant enduring an acrimonious separation from Meticulously assembled ramen, and maps and flares, carrying her to his wife. The two have an affair, and Astrid by director Todd Douglas his makeshift shelter, where he closes a bleed- winds up pregnant, which could not only Miller and a team of ar- ing gash in her belly with a staple gun. Soon, the man’s plans for a divorce but also chivists/editors, this new Overgard realizes that cautiously remaining perhaps send him to jail. Astrid decides to go documentary delves into the details of NASA in his downed plane is futile, so he devises a to to have the baby and then take space exploration, particularly tracing the sled to courageously transport the comatose him to , where he will be brought landmark Apollo 11 mission from launch woman across the vast wilderness, seeking up by a foster mother until Blomberg’s case to splashdown, recapturing the suspense, refuge in a cave or quickly constructed igloo. is settled—after which he can be named as excitement, and drama of Neil Armstrong’s It’s an arduous, perilous trek, during which a the child’s father, and Astrid and Blomberg “giant leap for mankind” a half-century prowling polar bear is a continuous adversary, can marry. When the plans go awry, Astrid ago. Beginning with the crawler-transporter first stealing Overgard’s stash of arctic trout, must make sacrifices to support herself and hauling the massive Saturn V rocket to the and then threatening their lives. Shot in become a single mother to a son who barely Cape Kennedy launch pad, Apollo 11 outlines Iceland, Brazilian-born director Joe Penna’s knows her. This experience, the film suggests, the complicated tasks that the team had to engaging survival drama boasts spectacular helps to explain why the writer exhibited execute in order to succeed in their historic cinematography by Tomas Orn Tomasson. such deep empathy for children in her books. eight-day mission, inspired by John F. Ken- Recommended. (S. Granger) Beautifully shot in lovely locations, Becoming nedy’s rousing 1961 challenge: “I believe that Astrid features a nuanced lead performance this nation should commit itself to achieving A Bag of Marbles HHH by Alba August as a young woman who takes the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a Passion River, 108 min., in on much for love—first of a man, and then man on the Moon—and returning him safely French w/English subtitles, not (especially) for her child. Recommended. to Earth.” Newly incorporated archival ma- rated, DVD: $29.99 (F. Swietek) terial includes scenes of the three astronauts This second French pro- donning their spacesuits, the 500 men and duction based on the 1973 Birds of Passage one woman (JoAnn Morgan) in Mission Con- autobiographical novel by HHH1/2 trol, and the subsequent 18-day quarantine Joseph Joffo is a stirring, of- Passion River, 125 min., in after the astronauts returned to Earth. As ten heartbreaking story about a Jewish family Spanish w/English subtitles, not Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin move around the separated repeatedly by the imminent threat rated, DVD: $24.95, Blu-ray: lunar surface, they attempt to describe what of capture by Nazis. The bulk of the film $34.95, May 14 they’re seeing and experiencing, so there’s a follows the sometimes harrowing adventures Avian symbolism perme- remarkably effective “you are there” feeling. of two young brothers, Joseph (Dorian Le ates Cristina Gallego and The film utilizes stunning 65mm footage and Clech) and Maurice (Batyste Fleurial), who Ciro Guerra’s drama about the damaging excerpts from 11,000 hours of uncatalogued escape in 1942 at the direction of their impact of outside forces on the indigenous Mission Control audio recordings that were parents and barely make their way to Vichy peoples of , telling a Godfather-like discovered in the National Archives, employ- France, where life is temporarily bustling. As saga about the drug trade’s destruction of ing split-screens and countdown clocks, all set things change, Joseph and Maurice adapt to the traditional culture of the Wayuu, a group to Matt Morton’s background score. Marking reinvent themselves over and over, always that inhabits the arid Guajira Peninsula Apollo 11’s 50th anniversary, this immer- making sure they have a cover story to stand in the country’s north. In order to secure sive cinematic achievement is an excellent by doggedly—even when a villainous Ger- the dowry he needs to win the hand of the companion to Damien Chazelle’s First Man, man commander tries forcing them to admit beautiful Zaida (Natalia Reyes), the daughter the 2018 Armstrong bio-pic, starring Ryan they are Jews. Throughout their travels, the of local matriarch Ursula (Carmiña Martinez), Gosling. Recommended. (S. Granger) boys’ beloved father and mother, as well as Raphayet (José Acosta) goes into business as

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 16 MAY/JUNE 2019 NEW RELEASES FROM Award-Winning Cinema Since 2002

ICEMAN (AVAILABLE 5/21) More than 5,300 years ago, the leader of a Neolithic clan sets out for revenge when his wife and son are savagely murdered. Inspired by the scientific facts revealed by the mummified remains of Ötzi, “the Iceman.” History, Anthropology, European studies DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 UPC: 859686006840

SARA STEIN - FROM BERLIN TO TEL AVIV: THE COMPLETE SERIES (AVAILABLE 6/4) Features four films on 2 DVDs! The complete crime stories of Sara Stein (Katharina Lorenz), a police investigator working in both Berlin and Israel, who has the knack for solving highly sensitive criminal cases. German, Jewish studies DVD only: $39.95 / PPR: $200 ea. DRL: $499 ea. / PPR + DRL: $599 ea. UPC: 850003924199

ALL YOU EVER WISHED FOR (AVAILABLE 6/4) Directed by the Oscar-winning screenwriter of , a romantic tale of a bungled kidnapping, a magical cottage and a gypsy love spell. Starring Golden Globe and Emmy winner Darren Criss (The Assassination of Gianni Versace). English Language, Romance DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 UPC: 850003924076

BOSCH: THE GARDEN OF DREAMS (AVAILABLE 5/14) “The Garden of Earthly Delights” is the most famous work of Hieronymus Bosch. This intriguing documentary looks to answer centuries-old questions about the painter and the painting, as well as its enormous influence. Documentary, Art, History, European studies DVD only: $24.95 / PPR: $200 DRL: $499 / PPR + DRL: $599 UPC: 850003924182

INDIVIDUAL TITLES AVAILABLE WITH PPR AND DRL. TO ORDER OR LEARN MORE, contact Maxwell Wolkin [email protected] • 212.941.7744 x211 • filmmovement.com/educational

FM1_MayJUN_VidLIBr.indd 1 4/11/19 10:36 AM a middleman between a powerful marijuana set in the late 1980s, re- Yuen), an enigmatic rich (like Gats- grower and buyers from Medellin and the U.S. veals how Bumblebee came by) who likes to burn down old greenhouses But the lucrative business brings problems: to Earth and befriended a (for unexplained reasons). Although Jongsu is Raphayet’s partner Moisés (Jhon Narváez) troubled teenage girl. Still constantly invited to hang out with Ben and is an “alijuna”—or outsider—with a volatile mourning the death of Haemi, he is clearly a third wheel. And when temper and an itchy trigger finger, and Zaida’s her mechanic father, feisty Haemi suddenly disappears, Jongsu begins brother Leonídas (Greider Meza) broods over 18-year-old Charlie Watson to obsessively track Ben for some clue to her his loss of leadership in the community. This (Hailee Steinfeld), who loves whereabouts. A snail-paced, cryptic film with combination ultimately proves combustible, repairing automobiles, yearns for a car of her a B-movie plot that is salted with enough ripping apart the clan system that is the own. Spying a faded yellow 1967 Volkswagen quirks to hide its underlying familiar DNA, foundation of Wayuu culture and leading to a Beetle in a Bay Area junkyard, Burning is sure to split audiences. A strong virtual civil war that leaves the region’s indig- Charlie is determined to restore it. While optional purchase. (R. Pitman) enous traditions in tatters and the interlopers she’s tinkering, the car suddenly morphs in control. Birds of Passage conveys a sense of into an enormous alien robot. Terrified at Chef Flynn HHH mystery in its depiction of native custom and first, Charlie soon realizes that she has a new Kino Lorber, 82 min., not rated, belief, while at the same time using familiar badass buddy, and together they enthusias- DVD: $29.99 tropes from gangster melodrama to make tically indulge in merry mischief. But then There’s nothing quite like the unusual milieu accessible. The result nefarious Decepticons Shatter and Dropkick a foodie movie to make one is a distinctive, compelling drama. Highly (Angela Bassett, Justin Theroux) arrive, con- dream of abandoning easy recommended. (F. Swietek) vincing the gullible U.S. military that they dinner recipes plucked from are peaceful visitors who are searching for the Internet (although most Border HHH a dangerous intergalactic traitor. But not ev- of us don’t follow up by becoming artists in Universal, 110 min., in Swedish eryone is fooled: as suspicious Sector 7 Agent the kitchen). Ten-year-old boy Flynn McGar- w/English subtitles, R, Blu-ray: Jack Burns () notes, “They’re called ry, a Studio City wunderkind who got tired $29.98 Decepticons!” In the backstory, Autobot lead- of his busy, single mom’s limited repertoire The title of Ali Abbassi’s er Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) dispatches of meals, practiced cooking skills in his film refers not to national warrior B-127 (Dylan O’Brien) on a scouting bedroom before commandeering, in a big boundaries, but to differ- mission so that other Autobots can relocate way, his home kitchen. The fascinating doc- ences among species. An adaptation of a and protect Earth in the future. But a fiery umentary Chef Flynn serves up a collage-like short story by John Ajvide Lindqvist, the crash-landing and a losing battle with Decep- portrait of young McGarry’s life, with loads protagonist here is Tina (Eva Melander, her ticon Blitzwing (David Sobolov) quickly sends of old home video mixed in with filmmaker face disfigured by prosthetics and a mask), a severely damaged B-127 into hiding—until Cameron Yates’s contemporary footage. View- Swedish customs officer with an amazingly Charlie finds him and dubs him Bumblebee. ers see McGarry grow from babyhood (mixing acute sense of smell that even allows her to Working from a solid coming-of-age script by sugar and spices together in a pot with a detect passengers’ emotional states. She lives Christina Hodson, animator-turned-director wooden spoon), up through the repurposing in a remote cabin deep in the forest, where Travis Knight and his VFX team recapture the of his family’s living room into a gourmet she communes with animals on long walks. inventiveness of Michael Bay’s 2007 action restaurant (with actual gourmands and food Though she has a “significant other”—a shag- franchise original, adding style and senti- critics enjoying dazzling courses), and on to gy guy who raises ferocious show dogs—and ment. Recommended. (S. Granger) eventually creating pop-up restaurants in regularly visits her father in a rest home, she L.A. and at age 14, coping with seems lonely and isolated until she encoun- Burning HH1/2 online trolls, and being recognized from the ters a strange man named Vore (Eero Milo- Well Go USA, 148 min., in cover of the New York Times Magazine. The noff, wearing makeup similar to Melander’s), Korean w/English subtitles, not most compelling moments occur when Mc- whose carry-on bag contains jars of insects, rated, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray/ Garry tests his mettle while cooking in New DVD Combo: $29.99 and whose body—as her colleague discovers York, becoming stressed and self-doubtful, during a strip search—displays very unusual South Korea’s official en- shouting and cursing as hungry customers features. Sorry for having embarrassed him, try for Best Foreign Lan- await dinners that take longer than expected Tina offers Vore the use of her guest house, guage film for the 2019 (even with a full complement of cooks and and the pair develop a close rapport that and a critical pick for many wait-staff on hand). The reality-TV-like dra- eventually reveals the truth about Tina’s top 10 lists, Lee Chang-dong’s Burning is the ma is voyeuristically fun, but the emotional childhood and secrets that Vore has been quintessential slow-burn art film (at a lethar- anchor of Chef Flynn lies in the increasingly keeping, which dovetail with a police inves- gically-paced two-and-a-half hours) that fea- challenging relationship between McGarry tigation into a pedophile ring and a subplot tures a cryptic ending likely to have half the and his filmmaking mother, Meg, as she about Tina’s neighbors and their newborn viewers thinking “wow” and the rest “huh?”. reluctantly abandons her work to become a daughter. Border is an unquestionably pecu- Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, de facto restaurant manager and, for teenaged liar but weirdly satisfying romance that raises with clear references to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Flynn, a parental distraction. Recommended. questions about what it means to be human. The Great Gatsby, the film stars Ah-in Yoo (T. Keogh) Rich in folkloric and quasi-supernatural as Jongsu, a laconic, bland post-collegiate elements, it fascinates and surprises in equal would-be writer (his favorite author is Faulk- HHH measure. Recommended. (F. Swietek) Columbus ner—with no hint of why) who has returned , 104 min., in home to watch over his father’s sort-of farm English & Korean w/English Bumblebee HHH (one cow) while the latter faces charges for subtitles, not rated, DVD: Paramount, 113 min., PG-13, DVD: $30.99, Blu- assault. Jongsu meets and starts up a physical $34.99, Blu-ray: $39.99 ray/DVD Combo: $39.99 relationship with former junior high class- Driven by understated As the Transformers war between the good- mate/neighbor Haemi (Jong-seo Jun), who yet passionate performances guy Autobots and evil Decepticons for the soon takes a trip to Africa and returns with by John Cho and Haley Lu planet Cybertron continues, this origin story, new friend (possibly boyfriend) Ben (Steven Richardson, the stirring drama Columbus is

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 18 MAY/JUNE 2019 NEW RELEASES FROM Award-Winning Cinema Since 2002

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FM1_MayJUN_VidLIBr_ad2.indd 1 4/11/19 10:40 AM the debut feature from mono-named film infidelity. Bongwan (Kwon Still, this should be considered a strong critic Kogonada. Like ’s Paterson, Hae-hyo) is a Seoul book optional purchase. (F. Swietek) this is a film that inextricably links place with publisher whose wife Hae- ideas, and ideas with characters that are in joo (Cho Yun-hee) is aware El Angel HH1/2 a holding pattern. The question is whether that her husband is having Passion River, 115 min., in such a story can find a way to marry the an affair. She tries to interro- Spanish w/English subtitles, not brain and heart, but Columbus pulls it off gate him over breakfast, but rated, DVD: $24.99 movingly. Cho plays Jin, a translator who he is evasive. Bongwan was Carlos Robledo Puch was has arrived in Columbus, IN, because his es- having an affair with his assistant Changsook a baby-faced 19-year-old in tranged father, an internationally renowned (Kim Sae-byuk), but that soured and she quit 1971-72, when he went on a architect, has suffered a stroke while visiting her job. Replacing Changsook is Areum (Kim crime spree in Buenos Aires the city—a mecca of remarkable modernist Min-hee), a sensitive aspiring writer. Unfor- that included 11 murders, as well as numerous buildings—to give a lecture. Jin meets Casey tunately for Areum, her first day on the job robberies, rapes, and kidnappings. After his (Richardson), a high school graduate who is thrown into tumult when Haejoo arrives arrest, Puch was called the “Death Angel” works in a library and has eschewed college at her husband’s office and violently mistakes or “Black Angel” because of the inexplicable ambitions to stay in town and care for her Areum for Changsook. Haejoo’s physical divergence between his good looks and solid mother, a recovering drug addict. Each has assault on the unsuspecting young woman upbringing and his unspeakable actions. Luis a deep well of sadness, and while their age enables Bongwan to lie to his wife that Areum Ortega’s docu-drama can be criticized for difference all but prohibits romantic attach- was a one-time mistress and he will not retain failing to provide much psychological insight ment, they bond as friends over visits to and her as an assistant—which results in Areum into Puch and for romanticizing his story, conversations about Columbus’s architecture, being fired and Changsook being brought but it does boast a charismatic turn from especially buildings that can’t help but evoke back into the office. Hong’s filmmaking style Lorenzo Ferro—who bears a strong physical powerful thoughts and feelings. This coming involves lengthy conversations between the resemblance to the actual killer as a young together of two outwardly different people, characters, non-linear sequences, and dreary man—and striking visuals, with the period who each need understanding as well as a black-and-white cinematography. Optional. settings captured in colorful widescreen jolt to move forward in life, ultimately proves (P. Hall) images. Still, the narrative is thoroughly to be irresistible. Also featuring Parker Posey unpleasant, charting Puch’s from in a small but important part, this is recom- A Dog’s Way Home a high school kid who enjoys breaking into mended. (T. Keogh) HH1/2 houses and stealing motorcycles, to a hard- Sony, 96 min., PG, DVD: ened thief who pulls off heists of guns and Dark River HHH $30.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: money, and finally to a killer who apparently FilmRise, 90 min., not rated, $34.99 enjoys shooting people just for the thrill of it. DVD: $19.95, Blu-ray: $24.95 Adapted from the titular Anyone looking for answers about why Puch Acting leads Ruth Wil- 2018 book by W. Bruce embarked on a career of mindless violence son and Mark Stanley raise Cameron (A Dog’s Purpose), will undoubtedly be disappointed, but El this British drama above its the plot of filmmaker Charles Martin Smith’s Angel does present an effective account of this ceaseless tone of misery, al- live-action canine soap opera centers on the disturbing case. A strong optional purchase. though the film is also truly old incredible journey chestnut of an animal (F. Swietek) compelling for its evocation making its way back to its owners over a long of strangely menacing farm country. Wilson distance. Bella (voiced by Bryce Dallas How- Ferahfeza (Ships) is Alice, a woman returning ard—yes, she talks) is a puppy brought up by HHH1/2 to her recently-deceased father’s (played by a cat after her pitbull mother is seized by a IndiePix, 97 min., in Turkish Sean Bean in flashbacks) farm following 15 nasty animal control officer. Bella eventually w/English subtitles, not rated, years of absence. Confronting her upon ar- finds a home with med student Lucas (Jonah DVD: $24.99 rival is Alice’s older brother Joe (Stanley), who Hauer-King) and his mother Terri (Ashley Turkish filmmaker Elif is resentful that she has not been seen at all Judd), the latter an army veteran coping with Relig’s feature film direct- while he cared for their father through the lat- post-service depression. Lucas falls afoul of a ing debut, which won the ter’s protracted illness. The backstory on Joe developer who not only is planning to tear FIPRESCI Award and the Special Jury Prize at and Alice’s painful family history is alluded down some deserted houses where stray cats the 2013 European Film Festival, centers on to in disturbing bursts of memory as tensions and dogs live but also enlists a dogcatcher Ali (Ugur Uzunel), a shipyard worker stuck in escalate between the siblings when they end to target Bella. In desperation, Lucas and his a tiresome job due to his father, who works in up competing for tenancy of the farm. The girlfriend Olivia (Alexandra Shipp) arrange the same shipyard. Bored by the monotony, images of Yorkshire country carry a deceptive for Bella to stay temporarily with Olivia’s Ali spends time watching ships sail off to beauty, as the rich green belt of Alice’s and folks in New , but she escapes and distant horizons that he fears he will never Joe’s farm teems with unfathomable, even begins a perilous quest through the wilds visit. One day, Ali discovers a half-completed unsettling, numbers of creepy-crawly life. of New Mexico and Colorado towards home. graffiti mural of a ship and takes it upon him- Although the ending is a bit clunky, overall So long as the movie focuses on Bella and self to find the artist. That creative force is Eda writer-director Clio Barnard’s Dark River offers the animals she encounters along the way— (M. Sitare Akbas), who is also in a suffocating a fascinating exploration of what happens particularly an orphaned cougar cub she relationship with her father. Ali believes the when a family is not ready to confront, befriends—the story is engaging enough, pair are foreordained to travel to faraway forgive, and heal. Recommended. (T. Keogh) especially since the locations are gorgeous. destinations together, although his dreams Unfortunately, the human characters are and reality never quite manage to overlap. The Day After HH unbearably bland—not only Lucas, Terri, The two leads have a dynamic chemistry and Cinema Guild, 101 min., in Korean w/English and Olivia, but also the people that Bella their poignant union helps fuel this emotion- subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 interacts with on her journey. And it is this al drama. And under Relig’s expert direction, South Korean director Hong Sang-soo’s mediocrity of the human element that un- the relationship between Ali and Eda never film presents an uncomfortable comic story of dermines one’s enjoyment of Bella’s quest. grows soggy, while the story also swerves in

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 20 MAY/JUNE 2019 unpredictable directions that keeps the drama and lives in a minimally equipped van. He in Heavens to Betsy, she had compelling. Cinematographer Turksoy Gole- dates occasionally but declares that he “will discovered that life in an beyi, who shot this feature in 16mm, deserves always choose climbing over a lady.” At a alternative universe where special kudos. Highly recommended. (P. Hall) book signing for his 2015 memoir Alone on the God had granted all of her Wall, Alex meets cheery Sanni McCandless, many wishes—for success, who shares Alex’s climbing passion. Filmed love, and relationship do- by his longtime friend/collaborator Jimmy HH1/2 overs—ultimately robbed Universal, 109 min., PG-13, Chin and the latter’s wife, Elizabeth Chai her of the challenges that DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Vasarhelyi (who together directed Meru), lead people to hard-won growth. Safely Combo: $34.98, May 14 this Oscar-winning documentary delves into ensconced again in her mercurial, unpredict- Saraya-Jade Bevis (Flor- Alex’s thrill-seeking motivations—including able, frustrating but original cosmos, Betsy ence Pugh) was raised by an MRI scan that reveals Alex’s amygdala (the is once more slogging through her days, a parents, Ricky (Nick Frost) brain’s fear center) requires unusually high single woman with a dead-end job and a and Julia (Lena Headley) Knight, who run a levels of stimulation before the fear response trademark skepticism toward others. But with minor-league wrestling league in Norwich, kicks in. Alex’s troubled mother wonders if the support and wise counsel of her lovably England. At first, Saraya wasn’t interested in he’s on the Asperger’s spectrum, although bearish pastor (Jim O’Heir), Betsy decides to joining their troupe but, after an exhibition Alex recalls that one of her favorite sayings write an inspiring novel about her experience bout with her ambitious big brother Zak Zo- was: “Almost doesn’t count.” As his fatalistic and—boom!—the book is a hit. Before long, diac (), she became enthused. As friend/veteran climber Tommy Caldwell Betsy’s agent is dragging her to the right Saraya and Zak set their sights on the WWE, notes “Everybody who has made soloing a social engagements, bookstore signings are they have a chance encounter with Dwayne big part of their lives…is dead now.” The plentiful, and everybody with a microphone film’s centerpiece covering Alex’s historic “The Rock” Johnson, who urges them to be is clamoring for an interview. There’s just climb up El Capitan on June 3, 2017 is verti- themselves and not try to imitate anyone one problem: for Betsy, the book is a deeply go-inducing, awesome, and intense. Highly else. Talent scout/coach Hutch Morgan (Vince personal testament to her Christian faith. She recommended. (S. Granger) Vaughn) wants to promote 18-year-old Saraya, knows those weird events were an act of God but not Zak, which causes a crisis since de- to help her understand some things, but for spairing Zak has a growing family. Goth-girl The Guilty HHH1/2 everyone else, her bestselling narrative is a Saraya then rebrands herself as , named Magnolia, 88 min., in Danish delightful fantasy. Reconciling this crisis of w/English subtitles & English- after a favorite character played by Rose authenticity is not going to be easy, especially dubbed, R, DVD: $26.99, Blu- when a radio personality who specializes in McGowan on TV’s . When Paige ray: $29.99 the humiliation of guest plots to destroy her arrives at the WWE’s NXT training facility in There is a particular kind Orlando, she faces not only loneliness but also during a live broadcast. Heavens to Betsy 2 of challenge to making a has a lively charm stoked by writer-director disillusionment, discovering that her fellow movie tethered to a single, recruits are conventionally sexy blonde biki- Robert Alaniz, and while a budding romance self-contained location where the dialogue fails to ignite anything, the scenes between ni-clad models/dancers, and she struggles to is conducted almost entirely over the phone keep up with the physical and psychological Lesiewicz and O’Heir are pure gold. Recom- and the story plays out in real time. This mended. (T. Keogh) challenges. Meanwhile, her family back home Danish thriller centers on Asger Holm (Jakob also grapples with change. As pro wrestling Cedergren), a police officer temporarily de- fans know, flamboyant Paige became WWE’s moted to an Emergency Services (Denmark’s How to Train Your Divas Champion, but after a sex-tape hacking version of 911) call center. Asger treats the job Dragon: Hidden World and an injury in the ring, she retired from with barely concealed contempt, judging his HHH wrestling at age 26. Writer-director Stephen callers before sending help their way, until he Universal, 104 min., PG, DVD: Merchant’s simplistic bio-pic is an often pre- answers a call from a woman who has been $34.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: dictable, triumph-of-the-underdog tale that abducted by her ex-husband (who thinks $39.98, May 21 will still appeal to wrestling fans. A strong she’s phoning their daughter). Asger keeps This is the third install- optional purchase. (S. Granger) her on the line with yes or no questions and ment in the animated fan- passes on the information, which is supposed tasy franchise, chronicling how teenage Free Solo HHH1/2 to be the end of his involvement but he can’t Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) befriended National Geographic, 120 min., let it go and he starts investigating on his fire-breathing Toothless, breaking the Vi- PG-13, DVD: $19.98 own. As we learn more about Asger—he’s king tradition of fighting with dragons. In What kind of person risks under investigation for questionable use of the sequel, Hiccup succeeded his late father life and limb to climb the force—he himself begins to realize that he (Gerard Butler) as tribal chieftain, following treacherous face of Yosem- may have jumped to the wrong conclusions. the lead of his mother (), a ite National Park’s famous The Guilty is an impressive debut from Swed- dragon-whisperer. Now, the island village 3,200-foot granite wall— ish filmmaker Gustav Möller, who isolates of Berk is “the world’s first dragon-Viking known as El Capitan—without a rope or Asger within the frame as the tensions build, utopia.” But there are overcrowding problems any other safety equipment? Daredevil creating a thrilling drama where all the ac- and an unwelcome influx of dragon hunters, Alex Honnold has completed more than tion occurs offscreen and phone silence only particularly villainous poacher Grimmel the 1,000 solitary climbs and is thought to be adds to the anxiety. An incisive portrait of a Grisly (F. Murray Abraham). With his fiancée the world’s greatest surviving free-soloist. self-righteous officer who confronts his own Astrid (America Ferrera), Hiccup watches as Recalling an emotionally isolated childhood assumptions and prejudices, this was Den- Toothless, thought to be the last of the inky- in Sacramento, CA, and a “bottomless pit mark’s official entry for the Oscars. Highly black Night Fury species, falls in love with a of self-loathing,” Alex keeps a meticulously recommended. (S. Axmaker) blue-eyed, alabaster-skinned female dragon, detailed journal about his mountaineering, dubbed Light Fury. So Hiccup and Toothless noting every hand and foot placement. A Heavens to Betsy 2 HHH travel to the mythical Hidden World at the self-confessed “dork” and “loner,” ascetic Vision, 111 min., not rated, DVD: $14.99 edge of the Earth—an ancestral dragon hab- Alex eats cans of beans warmed on a hot plate When we last saw Betsy (Karen Lesiewicz) itat—where Toothless courts Light Fury. Hic-

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 22 MAY/JUNE 2019 Best Sellers & New Releases from New releases from

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GARRY WINOGRAND: KEVIN ROCHE: THE NUN (LA RELIGIEUSE) ALL THINGS ARE PHOTOGRAPHABLE THE QUIET ARCHITECT STREET DATE: 5/28/19 STREET DATE: 5/21/19 STREET DATE: 5/28/19 DVD UPC: 738329237394 • SRP: $29.95 DVD UPC: 738329236700 • SRP: $29.95 DVD UPC: 738329238315 • SRP: $29.95 BR UPC: 738329237400 • SRP: $34.95 For information on educational screening rights, please email [email protected]. cup’s friends supply comedic relief, including Schönhaus, Eugen Friede, Ruth Arndt, and guished actors in James Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (Christopher Hanni Lévy—although they never crossed Marsh’s dramedy, inspired Mintz-Plasse), and the birdbrained twins paths during wartime. But rather than take a by the 2015 burglary of Ruffnut (Kristen Wiig) and Tuffnut (Justin straightforward documentary approach, Räfle London’s Hatton Garden Rupple). But, as Hiccup’s father once said, creates elaborate dramatic re-enactments of Safe Deposit Company—the “With love comes loss, son; it’s part of the each survivor’s story. Cioma (Max Mauff) largest heist in England’s deal.” Adapted from Cressida Cowell’s chil- finds an underground niche as a forger, where history. The film provides dren’s book series by writer-director Dean his talents earn him black market profits. a vehicle for a gaggle of DeBlois, this is an enchanting, endearing, Hanni (Alice Dwyer) dyes her hair blonde stars—, Jim and bittersweet coming-of-age conclusion to and freely walks through the city, arousing Broadbent, Tom Courtenay, Ray Winstone, the popular series. Recommended. (S. Granger) no suspicion from the Nazi authorities. Ruth Paul Whitehouse, and Michael Gambon— (Ruby O. Fee) dresses in black and pretends to whose presence alone invites nostalgia for I Am Not a Witch HHH be in war widow’s garb, ultimately landing a all the pleasure they have audiences Film Movement, 93 min., in job as a maid for a Nazi Party member. And over the years. But their involvement is not English, Bemba, Nyanja & Eugen (Aaron Altaras) is initially protected be- enough to make this film entirely successful. Tonga w/English subtitles, not cause his father was Christian, but later eludes While the heist proceeds pretty much as rated, DVD: $24.95 capture and takes shelter with a Communist planned, things shortly begin to fall apart, Serving up sharp social family who are active in the underground. and when it comes to dividing the proceeds, commentary presented as The re-enactments are emotionally harrow- animosities old and new break out. The cops deadpan satire, I Am Not a ing, with the ensemble cast delivering solid have little difficulty in identifying the per- Witch tells a tale of exploitation, oppression, performances, and the real-life stories from petrators, thanks to a series of blunders made and superstition in an African nation strad- the survivors are powerful and eloquent. along the way, and most of the thieves are dling the modern world and ancient beliefs. Highly recommended. (P. Hall) taken into custody without much difficulty. An 8-year-old girl (Maggie Mulubwa) living Among the ensemble, Caine and Courtenay in a rural Zambian village is accused of witch- Jupiter’s Moon HH1/2 come off best, the former because he still re- craft and quickly sent to a government “witch Icarus, 129 min., in Hungarian tains the ability to chillingly shift from avun- camp” when she refuses to either confirm & English w/English subtitles, cular to menacing, and the latter because his or deny the accusation. Christened “Shula,” not rated, DVD: $26.99 role as the milquetoast of the bunch fits him she is the sole child in a community of old People fly all the time like a glove. Despite a snazzy score and some women who have accepted their position in as a matter of course in to- quick editing, however, the movie too often a combination work camp/tourist attraction, day’s movies, but strives for a realism that comes across as dull. where they are displayed like a sideshow. Shu- director Kornél Mundruczó Still, the stars are a joy to watch, making this la becomes a goldmine for Mr. Banda (Henry uses the ability to soar as a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek) B.J. Phiri), the government official who runs the premise for a wildly imaginative parable the camp for his own profit, and he puts about guilt and redemption in a Hungary Knife + Heart HH1/2 her on TV and sells her services as a witch. (and, by extension, all of Europe) torn by Altered Innocence, 102 min., in Zambian-Welsh filmmaker Rungano Nyoni anti-immigrant fever. The strange, surrealistic French w/English subtitles, not presents Shula’s ordeal as a surreal fairy tale mixture of religion and politics here focuses rated, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: (the women are all “leashed” by long, white on Aryan (Zsombor Jéger), a handsome Syrian $27.99, June 4 ribbons, which are supposed to prevent them refugee—son of a carpenter, no less—who is Yann Gonzalez’s movie from flying away)—one with a dark, deadpan shot by brutal cop Laszlo (György Cserhalmi) is a combination of early sense of humor that underscores but never while trying to cross the border. Instead of Dario Argento and Brian undercuts the serious themes. The witches dying, however, Aryan literally takes flight, De Palma—a lurid French period giallo set are all women who, with no legal recourse, and winds up in a hospital where down-on- in the sweltering Parisian summer of 1979 accept their position and play the part, but his-luck Dr. Stern (Merab Ninidze) observes that centers on a director of gay soft-porn they also band together to help and protect the man’s unusual powers and decides to use movies whose cast members are being Shula from the hard labor and the worst of the him as a moneymaking tool, showing him gruesomely killed off by a creepy masked exploitation they endure. Mulubwa centers off to rich patients for a handsome fee as an figure. Vanessa Paradis plays Anne, the the film with her open face and largely im- angel sent by God to cure them. As they travel lesbian filmmaker whose repertory com- passive expression that communicate a sense through the city, the cynical Stern comes to pany of handsome studs suddenly become of dislocation, incredulity, and sadness. It’s a believe that Aryan might actually be a divine targets—the first a curly-haired Adonis beautiful, funny, haunting, and devastating messenger, and starts to wonder whether he whose murder (by dildo—tricked out with film. Recommended. S.( Axmaker) can reform his own life. Meanwhile, the two a switchblade) is intercut with clips from the are pursued relentlessly by Laszlo, who wants last scene he filmed being edited into final The Invisibles HHH1/2 to finish the job, and the three men eventu- form by Anne’s estranged lover. While the Kino Lorber, 110 min., in ally confront one another in a sumptuous killings continue—in similarly outrageous German w/English subtitles, hotel. The individual strands of Jupiter’s Moon fashion—Anne tries to uncover the identity not rated, DVD: $29.95 make for intriguing viewing, but in the end and motive of the perpetrator, eventually In 1943, Nazi propaganda they fail to meld into a coherent whole. Still, setting a trap to lure the murderer into minister Joseph Goebbels this should be considered a strong optional the open by making another film.Knife + declared Berlin to be “free of purchase. (F. Swietek) Heart ultimately provides answers, but as in Jews.” But in reality at least many similar genre pieces the explanations 7,000 Jews were hiding in the German capital, King of Thieves HH1/2 are outlandish. Nonetheless, the film is so with 1,700 managing to escape Nazi detec- Lionsgate, 108 min., R, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: stylishly mounted (on an obviously meager tion and survive the Allied invasion. Claus $21.99 budget) that it holds one’s interest despite Räfle’s film features archival interviews with No honor is found among the aged thieves gaping plot holes. Knife + Heart cannot four Jewish Berliners who survived—Cioma played by some of Britain’s most distin- match the wacky seductiveness of Argento

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 24 MAY/JUNE 2019 or De Palma at their best, but it works as a occurs nearby, Barr is recruited by an FBI Mary proves to be quite bossy concerning the homage to their most memorable work. A agent (Ron Livingston) and a Royal Canadian girl’s whereabouts, preventing her from min- strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek) Mounted Policeman (Rizwan Manji) to use gling with other teenagers, especially with his remarkable tracking ability. His mission: a black family living in a ramshackle house The Last Race HH to kill the mythical Bigfoot, a creature infect- next door. Mary suspects that their teen son Magnolia, 75 min., not rated, ed with a deadly virus that could devastate Roger (Jeremy Thomas) robbed her house. DVD: $26.99 mankind. And this quest leads Barr, once The film suggests that some kind of dark Michael Dweck’s elegiac again, to question society’s concept of hero- magic is behind these tensions, particularly but awkward documenta- ism. Graphic-artist-turned-filmmaker Robert after Asha experiences a sort of Rosemary’s ry begins with some truly D. Krzykowski’s somewhat overly talky film Baby-like fever dream under Roger’s roof. A niche background infor- scores points for originality (and that title). A crossing over of spirits into the human realm mation: a history of auto strong optional purchase. (S. Granger) becomes a startling, persistent theme here, racing on , NY. Among other not as a fear factor but rather as a revelation of things, viewers learn that during the sport’s Miss Bala HH blurred cultural traditions. Asha absorbs the peak popularity there, an almost unimag- Sony, 104 min., PG-13, DVD: many contradictions around her, becoming inable 40 racetracks did brisk business. But $30.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 part of the intermingled fabric of this world now Long Island is down to one, Riverhead Filmmaker Catherine in filmmaker Vashti Anderson’s haunting, Raceway, a longtime mom-and-pop operation Hardwicke’s (Twilight) En- often beautiful movie, which fearlessly that has seen better days. Dweck has several glish-language remake of a travels unexpected paths. Recommended. journalistic goals in The Last Race, including well-regarded 2011 Mexican (T. Keogh) championing the many eccentrics who either film plays like a for a participate in stock car racing at Riverhead Jane Bond-ish franchise, but while the tale of Monsieur & Madame or frequent the stands as paying fans. (In a young woman caught between drug traffick- Adelman HH1/2 the film’s strangest and most disconcerting ers and law-enforcement is fast-paced, it also Icarus, 120 min., in French w/ scene, Dweck films one of the drivers at his comes across as curiously bland. Gloria (Gina English subtitles, not rated, day job destroying beehives; we watch as Rodriguez) is the Hitchcockian protagonist, DVD: $26.99 poisoned bees crawl on the ground in their an innocent caught up in a dangerous situa- Trying to successfully final moments.) Also featured here are the tion. The struggling cosmetologist cram the high- and low- track’s owners, Jim and Barbara Cromarty, travels to Tijuana to support her friend Suzu, lights of a 40-plus-year rela- seen in their office trailer and while Jim an- who has entered a beauty pageant. But a tionship into a compelling two-hour movie nounces races from a booth. While a lot of bunch of thugs headed by suave, handsome is not easy. But the French writing and acting racing footage is featured, Dweck spoils these drug kingpin Lino (Ismael Cruz Cordova) team of Nicolas Bedos and Doria Tillier make scenes with Mozart’s “Requiem” on the score, invades a party they attend at a snazzy night- a valiant attempt to do just this, exploring a pretentious choice that amounts to overkill club, and in the melee Suzu disappears. Gloria the on-again-off-again obsessive-compulsive regarding Riverhead’s decline. While there are is intent on rescuing her, but for a variety of relationship between novelist Victor (Bedos) amusing and interesting moments of frayed unlikely reasons her efforts put her in the and gifted Sorbonne PhD Sarah (Tillier). The glory here, this is ultimately a scattershot middle between Lino’s gang (who force her to film begins in the early 1970s when both are documentary. Optional. (T. Keogh) transport money and drugs across the border) struggling to make their way out of stifling and a brusque DEA agent (who intends to use bohemianism into professional life. Victor The Man Who Killed her to set a trap for Lino). Gloria quickly learns develops from a pretentious Camus imitator Hitler and Then the that she must fend for herself, not merely to to a serious novelist in adulthood, while the suggestion is that Sarah is his unofficial edi- Bigfoot HH1/2 survive but also to save Suzu: certainly none RLJE Films, 97 min., not rated, of the male characters—the criminals, the tor and, at times, ghostwriter. After raising a DVD or Blu-ray: $29.99 U.S. agents, the local police and politicians— couple of horrible kids, the two make a habit Sporting the most bizarre can be relied upon, since all are corrupt and of going their separate ways before always title I’ve seen in years, this duplicitous. Naturally, Gloria proves entirely managing to find each other again. Victor be- inventive action/adven- capable of outwitting and outmaneuvering all comes the quintessential eccentric self-indul- ture/alternative history film centers on an of them. Another mediocre effort to create a gent novelist, while Sarah ultimately makes American legend no one has ever heard Hollywood action heroine, this is an optional a fortune as a software designer. But once of. During World War II, Calvin Barr (Sam purchase, at best. (F. Swietek) Victor becomes old and feeble-minded, Sarah Elliott) remained anonymous, although he has to make a fateful decision. While the was secretly the soldier who shot the Führer. Moko Jumbie HHH film often feels scattershot, and sometimes Quietly living out his retirement years in a IndiePix, 93 min., not rated, the moral and emotional transformations of small northeastern town along the Cana- DVD: $24.99 Sarah and Victor seem far-fetched, this is an dian border, Barr’s constant companion is Set amidst the tropical interesting character study, overall. A strong his golden retriever. Barr often recalls the beauty and mysteries of optional purchase. (M. Sandlin) moment when his aptitude for languages and Trinidad, Moko Jumbie tells knowledge of 1940s-era weaponry led him to a tale of collision: between The Mule HHH the fateful spot where he killed Adolf Hitler, descendants of Africans Warner, 116 min., R, DVD: $21.99, Blu-ray/DVD whose “ideas continued to do their damage and Indians, between immigrant cultures in Combo: $35.99 without him.” In flashbacks, Barr is played by different lands, the past and present, real and This based-on-a-true-crime drama is Aidan Turner (TV’s Poldark). Barr still mourns magical, and political danger versus relative 88-year-old ’s 37th film as a the loss of the love-of-his-life, a schoolteacher safety. Asha (Vanna Girod), a 16-year-old director. He also stars as a crusty curmudgeon named Maxine (Caitlin FitzGerald), and his British subject of Indian descent, goes to Trin- who starts running drugs for a Mexican cartel only friend is his gregarious younger brother idad to visit her aunt Mary (Sharda Maharaj). to pay off debts. An avid horticulturalist, (Larry Miller). But when a series of homicides Although the latter is generous and kind, Earl Stone (Eastwood) has always spent more

MAY/JUNE 2019 25 VIDEO LIBRARIAN time cultivating his flowers creates twin lines of falling dominoes as wide-eyed Ruth Bader (Fe- than his family. As a result, each guilt-ridden character takes desperate licity Jones) was married he has disappointed his actions, making what could have been a to Martin Ginsburg (Armie ex-wife () and contained situation much, much worse. As Hammer) and had a baby bitterly disillusioned daugh- in the best Iranian dramas, Jalilvand has a daughter, Ginsburg became ter (Alison Eastwood). Earl’s strong grasp on the moral parameters within one of only nine women work—growing, hybridiz- a restricted society’s everyday passions and in the Harvard Law School ing, and selling daylilies— ordinary tragedies. The world of Nariman’s class of more than 500 men. has been ruined by the Internet. When his work, dealing with illness and corpses, is a “What does it mean to be a Harvard man?” house is repossessed and he can’t pay for his supersized bureaucracy of multiple protocols the Dean (Sam Waterston) rhetorically asks. granddaughter’s (Taissa Farmiga) wedding, that barely manages the flow while routinely Despite having graduated from Columbia Earl needs to do something—quick. That dismissing the human element in loss. Iran’s Law School (tied for first in her class), she opportunity arises when, due to his perfect official entry for the Academy Awards, this is cannot get a job in a New York law firm. So driving record (no tickets, ever), Earl is re- highly recommended. (T. Keogh) she teaches at Rutgers—until she discovers cruited to transport a package from Illinois a tantalizing 1972 sex discrimination case. to . Unknowingly rattling along in his Nude Area HH1/2 A Colorado caregiver, Charles Moritz (Chris beat-up truck, he enjoys pop music on the Film Movement, 78 min., not Mulkley), is denied a $296 tax deduction be- radio, stopping along the way for a pulled- rated, DVD: $24.99 cause he is male, and caregivers are assumed pork sandwich and companionship. Since no In this dialogue-less film to be female. Discrimination against men? one would suspect this sociable old codger of set in Amsterdam, one Yes, this is what propels Ginsburg through cocaine-smuggling, one successful run leads young woman becomes ob- the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals and to another. Earl becomes known as depend- sessed with another. Hama up to the Supreme Court. It’s impossible able “Tata,” and he enjoys having cash while (Imaan Hammam), who is to chronicle Ginsburg’s rising legal career singlehandedly financing the rebuilding of of Arab descent, attracts the attention of without acknowledging the devotion of her the local Veterans of Foreign Wars hall. But Naomi (Sammy Boonstra), a pale waif, at husband (also a lawyer), who was incredibly when Earl is wined and dined by the Sinaloa various urban locations, including a pool supportive, including doing the household Cartel’s kingpin (Andy Garcia), it arouses the and a train. A lulling jazz score, dominated chores, while she pursued her passion. Wor- suspicion of the boss’s #2 man (Ignacio Serric- by spare piano and late-night saxophone, shipfully written by Justice Ginsburg’s neph- chio). Meanwhile, Chicago-based DEA agents serves as the soundtrack for these observa- ew Daniel Stiepleman, the film is somewhat (, Michael Peña) are urged tion sessions, while Polish director Urszula formulaically directed by Mimi Leder, who by their quota-hungry superior (Laurence Antoniak frequently cuts away to close-ups adroitly casts as activist attorney Fishburne) to capture this elusive criminal. of water droplets rolling down feminine Dorothy Kenyon and Justin Theroux as Mel Inspired by Sam Dolnick’s New York Times curves. These glimpses of Naomi’s fantasies Wulf of the ACLU. And it concludes with a article about WWII vet Leo Sharp, The Mule turn out to be scenes from a ladies’ sauna (the cameo of the real RBG walking up the steps of suffers somewhat from supporting characters only nudity in the film). In addition to their the Supreme Court building. Recommended. that lack depth, but this should appeal to physical differences, Antoniak intimates class (S. Granger) Eastwood fans. Recommended. (S. Granger) and religious differences, as Hama, a waitress, wears a hijab. Naomi, who has no discernible Out of Love H No Date, No Signature vocation, lives in an expensive-looking house Omnibus, 100 min., not rated, DVD: $24.99 HHH1/2 and appears more isolated than Hama (who Icarus, 104 min., in Farsi w/ sometimes travels with a group of friends). Suffocating and tedious, English subtitles, not rated, Naomi eventually sends her crush object a the bumpy relationship dra- DVD: $26.99 vague, if admiring letter. Until this point, the ma Out of Love centers on a This gripping Iranian voyeurism feels like harmless wishful think- once-hopeful romance that drama begins with forensic ing, but when Naomi appears to humiliate sours quickly and brings pathologist Dr. Nariman Hama at her place of employment, Naomi out the crazy in both people. Varya (Naomi (Amir Agha’ee) driving on a busy highway becomes less sympathetic. Naomi imagines Velissariou) and Nikolai (Daniil Vorobyov) one night when another car carelessly runs the pair spending time together afterward, meet over coffee and intuitively know that a him off the road. Trying to avert catastrophe, hitting the town in matching satin dresses, passionate affair is ahead of them should they Nariman unintentionally collides with a with Hama’s woman’s headscarf entering choose to take the step. They do, and after a motorcycle carrying an impoverished fam- into these fantasies in ways that seem fe- brief can’t-keep-their-hands-off-each-other ily. An 8-year-old boy shrugs off his head tishistic. Everything flows through the eyes honeymoon, the fireworks start. Varya lashes bump from the mishap as no big deal, but of the more privileged character, although out, breaking stuff, getting weird at parties; after giving the child’s angry father, Moosa the ending suggests that that was the point Nikolai tries to contain and control her, but (Navid Mohammadzadeh), a wad of cash, all along. So little happens in this film that ultimately turns violent. There’s nothing in Nariman recommends that the boy be taken it might have worked better as a short, but it any of this that is remotely clarifying about to a nearby health clinic—advice Moosa ig- does score points for originality and the tech how love goes wrong, or about the meaning nores. Shortly afterward, the child dies and credits are consistently first-rate. A strong of bringing baggage into relationships, no his body is brought to Nariman’s hospital. An optional purchase. (K. Fennessy) matter how good things are in the early autopsy concludes that the cause of death was days. Writer-director Paloma Aguilera Val- botulism, but Nariman harbors secret doubts. On the Basis of Sex HHH debenito emphasizes the claustrophobia of No Date, No Signature becomes a story of two Universal, 120 min., PG-13, DVD: $29.99, Blu- erotic fixation, strategically shooting many men, Nariman and Moosa, who feel deeply ray: $34.99 scenes in a tiny kitchen where everything responsible for the boy’s fate, although for This informative bio-pic focuses on Su- from nurturing to tantrums plays out. It’s a entirely different reasons: was it the accident, preme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s smart move, but ultimately doesn’t make this or was it rancid food bought on the cheap? early years as a persevering law student couple any more interesting or sympathetic. Co-writer and director Vahid Jalilvand and pioneering attorney. In 1956, when Not recommended. (T. Keogh)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 26 MAY/JUNE 2019 New Release From OSCILLOSCOPE LABORATORIES

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STREET: JUNE 18TH www.oscilloscope.net A Paris Education by visions of a man leaning over a bridge is introduced contemplating she visits late at night (the site is infamous stabbing his infant daughter HH1/2 Kino Lorber, 142 min., in in Inverness because if the fall doesn’t kill with an ice pick. The child French w/English subtitles, not the jumper, the train below will finish the tells him what he has to do rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: job). After glancing in her direction, the to overcome the urge: take a $34.99 man jumps to his death, a mystery that will trip to pick up a prostitute in Aspiring filmmaker Eti- be explained in due course. Things start to another city and kill her sav- enne (Andranic Manet) leaves his “provin- look up when Liusaidh meets Dale (a bearded agely, thus working out his cial” town of Lyons for film school in Paris in Lee Pace), a divorced dad, but he leaves town bloodlust, which will help stem past trauma. this French drama. Shot in black-and-white after a few days—seemingly for good—and Reed checks into a hotel, orders a girl from and directed with a laidback ease, it’s a long, Alistair’s precarious personal life enters crisis an escort service, and nervously practices talky movie that meanders through philo- mode. Although it starts out as a dark com- what he intends to do. But when Jackie (Mia sophical debates (both in class and at parties) edy, the film drops the humor once sexual Wasikowska) shows up, she proves to be no and romantic affairs as Etienne makes friends assault and substance abuse enter the picture. less needy—and in an equally unusual way. with fellow cinephiles, becomes obsessed It’s all a bit more than this randy character What transpires is a cat-and-mouse game that with the outspoken (and generally disliked) piece can handle, but Gillan holds promise repeatedly shifts perspective and eventually student Mathias (Corentin Fila), and cheats as a director, and she manages to render Li- winds up in Jackie’s apartment. Revealing the on his hometown girlfriend in a series of af- usaidh sympathetic even as the latter makes twists would be unfair, even though none are fairs. Etienne is crippled by self-doubt, which one serious mistake after another. A strong particularly surprising. More interesting are helps explain his man crush on student optional purchase. (K. Fennessy) the choices that Reed and Jackie make: each provocateur Mathias, and he has a tendency could end their dance of death at any time, to avoid making hard decisions, passively Permanent Green Light but they don’t, suggesting that the will to letting others do the breaking up and moving HHH1/2 live is not uppermost in their minds. Pesce, on. Some viewers will consider this to be just Altered Innocence, 92 min., in however, is less interested in exploring their the kind of “whiny French film” that Mathias French w/English subtitles, not motives than in presenting an unsettlingly complains about, but it’s a brand that the rated, DVD: $21.99, Blu-ray: surrealistic portrait, sometimes grim and of- film embraces as it explores the passion and $24.99, May 7 ten funny, of the two circling one another like intensity of young adults as they dive into art American filmmakers scorpions in a bottle. Abbott and Wasikowska (or politics, or whatever matters to them) and Dennis Cooper and Zac are entirely in tune with this vision, but while struggle to find themselves in the crucible of Farley co-directed this French feature about a Piercing maintains an air of dry, dark humor academia and kindred souls. Film fans will teenager who becomes obsessed with the no- throughout, in the end it is pulled down by have fun with the cinematic debates over the tion of blowing himself up with explosives in its own overwhelming nihilism. Still, this merits of Italian horror auteurs and the state public. Roman (Benjamin Sulpice) lives in an should be considered a strong optional pur- of modern French cinema but that’s a small unnamed suburb, and his bizarre obsession chase. (F. Swietek) part of the overall film. The pretentions of the is not based on creating terrorist mayhem students are spot on, capturing the self-in- or putting an early end to an unhappy life. The Quake HH1/2 volved state of young people at a time when Instead, he is enchanted with the concept Magnolia, 108 min., in philosophical positions can seem like the of creating a spectacular event that ends Norwegian w/English subtitles defining element of their lives. Filmmaker with his complete disappearance. Roman & English-dubbed, PG-13, Jean-Paul Civeyrac (a film professor himself) watches videos of explosions to gain ideas DVD: $26.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 follows their evolution through solipsism on how to achieve his goal, and he enlists A weak sequel to film- to a more mature approach to life. A strong the help of a teen girl named León (Rose maker Roar Uthaug’s 2015 optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) Mousselet) who collects suicide vests. León Norwegian disaster film is also suicidal, a fact that upsets Roman but The Wave, in which cliffs collapsing into The Party’s Just does not dissuade him from moving ahead a beautiful fjord caused a tsunami that Beginning HH1/2 with his goal. Roman’s friends learn about wiped out a village, director John Andreas Passion River, 91 min., not his plans, but somehow wind up becoming Andersen’s The Quake follows the destruction rated, DVD: $24.99 support to his unlikely farewell to the world. of Oslo during a seismic catastrophe. Kris- In filmmaker Karen Gil- Permanent Green Light tells a very creepy but toffer Joner returns as Kristian, a rumpled, lan’s very Scottish directori- thought-provoking story that offers troubling tell-it-like-it-is seismologist who challenges al debut, she plays Liusaidh considerations on the meaning of life and the the government’s willfully blind eye to evi- (“Lucy”), a party girl who human relation with death. Sulpice’s central dence of coming destruction. Now suffering drinks, smokes, and sleeps with men she’s performance is wonderfully enigmatic, and from PTSD, Kristian is separated from his known for a matter of minutes. The aimless his character serves as a magnet that attracts family (who he fought so hard to save the 24-year-old lives with her oblivious parents other emotionally damaged teenagers who last time around) and is uncertain as to and works in the cheese section of a grocery carry burdens of varying pain. A disturb- whether he might be delusional about more store. For fun, she likes to get high with her ing drama that is both boldly original and troubles ahead. Given the riveting layers of friend, Alistair (Matthew Beard), an openly intellectually devastating, this is highly human drama and tragedy in The Wave, it’s gay man with a closeted boyfriend, and recommended. (P. Hall) surprising that The Quake is so narratively watch reality competition shows. In her more predictable and emotionally flat during its introspective moments, Liusaidh stares out Piercing HH1/2 first half (before the disaster), and so narrowly her bedroom window at neighbors whose Universal, 82 min., R, DVD: $19.98, Blu-ray: focused (on one collapsing building) in the lives seem happier. Suicidal individuals tend $22.98 second. But there are still plenty of moments to gravitate towards her, including an elderly Kinkiness and menace merge in Nicolas of tension—a scene in which a vulnerable man who mistakenly dials her number in- Pesce’s weird but ultimately unsatisfying ad- character is separated from doom by a pane of stead of a suicide hotline. As moody techno aptation of Ryu Murakami’s 1994 novel. The glass popping with spidery cracks is certainly music swirls around her, she’s also haunted is Reed (Christopher Abbott), who effective—even if overall the film comes

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 28 MAY/JUNE 2019 across as a payday sequel. A strong optional his married assistant; a Spanish stewardess listed by Marta (Deborah purchase. (T. Keogh) seeks out a disposable sexual partner in the Fennelly)—a handler from lobby bar and ends up with a selfish jerk; a U.S. intelligence—to act Ritual: A Psychomagic gun-wielding dishwasher, out to avenge the like a repeat customer at a Story HHH 1990s rape of his wife in the former Yugo- brothel full of underaged Film Movement, 95 min., in slavia, confronts her attacker; an unsmiling girls. Jason slowly cultivates Italian w/English subtitles, not concierge gets caught in the middle of every- a bond of trust with a girl rated, DVD: $24.99 thing; and a maid becomes collateral damage. known only as Number 18 Depressed and emotion- Unhappiness pours through every hallway (Teresa Ting). But as he’s not trained to be a ally unstable Lia (Désirée like the blood in The Shining’s Overlook Hotel, dispassionate cog in the slow-turning wheel Giorgetti), a successful dress although it all amounts to superficial ironies of international justice, his paternal rage kicks designer, has a sexually dominant, thrill-seek- since every action by one person merely in, and he becomes determined to save 18. ing boyfriend named Viktor (Ivan Franek), dovetails—without a resonating point—with When a trafficker-godfather type (Will Yun who demands she have an abortion when that of another. If something more had Lee) begins to suspect that there’s a U.S. plot she becomes pregnant. After the procedure, a been made of the possibilities in the script against him, Jason’s rogue plans ratchet up. mournful Lia takes her therapist’s advice and (perhaps dealing with the wide array of class There’s a by-the-numbers feel to the story, goes off to stay with her aunt Agata (Anna and privilege represented by the hodgepodge with only so many directions that the script’s Bonasso) at the latter’s spooky old villa in of characters), there might have been more cyclical action can take and make sense. And the country. Once there, a blurring of the to this connect-the-random-dots would-be a subplot involving a rescued girl describing real and the supernatural takes hold, not only thriller. Optional. (T. Keogh) her experiences on video repeatedly stops the for the increasingly delusional Lia (who com- narrative’s momentum. But the film is carried municates with a pair of come-and-go young Serenity H by some memorable performances, especially children who seem to know a lot about her Universal, 107 min., R, DVD: from a charismatic Lee and adventurous Ting. grief), but also for Agata, a benign witch who $29.98, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: A strong optional purchase. (T. Keogh) practices psychic surgery. When an enraged $34.98 Viktor suddenly intrudes, the battle for san- In this alleged neo- Shoplifters HHH1/2 ity—with magical overtones—commences noir thriller, Matthew Magnolia, 120 min., in in earnest. Writers-directors Giulia Brazzale McConaughey stars as Japanese w/English subtitles, R, and Luca Immesi throw the audience off track chain-smoking War DVD: $26.99 with a hint of elegant depravity in the film’s vet Baker Dill, a fishing boat captain who “What defines a fami- opening scenes, with a refined and beautiful caters to tourists while obsessively pursuing ly?” is a question that runs Lia appearing to submit to Viktor’s sexual an elusive giant tuna off a Caribbean-like through many of the films authority with coy confidence. But it isn’t island called Plymouth. Drinking rum from of Japan’s Hirokazu Ko- long before the more authentic characters a World’s Greatest Dad mug, Dill lives alone, re-eda, from the heartbreaking abandoned beneath the games emerge, at which point although he’s dallying-for-dollars with Con- children of Nobody Knows (2004) to the loving anarchy reigns. With most of the film’s color stance (Diane Lane), a hot-to-trot divorcee. acceptance and embrace of Our Little Sister washed away, Ritual basks in unnerving shad- Suddenly his sultry ex-wife Karen (Anne (2015). An Oscar nominee for Best Foreign ows, deep darkness in spooky tunnels below Hathaway)—a beautiful blonde femme fa- Language film,Shoplifters presents a family Agata’s big house, and shattered light in a tale—struts into the only bar on the island. on the margins that is brought together by garden’s leafy gauntlet. And film buffs will Karen offers Dill $10 million to take her circumstance rather than blood. Three gener- appreciate a cameo appearance by legendary obscenely rich but also mean and sadistic ations live together in a tight little hovel, liv- and no doubt inspiring cult filmmaker Ale- new husband, Frank Zariakas (Jason Clarke), ing off grandma Hatsue’s (Kilin Kiki) meager jandro Jodorowsky (El Topo). Recommended. fishing on Dill’s twin-engine cutter, dubbed pension, father Osamu’s (Franky Lily) menial (T. Keogh) Serenity, and throw him overboard for the day jobs, mother Nobuyo’s (Sakura Ando) sharks. Of course, Dill demurs—at first—until laundry work (supplemented by whatever Room 304 HH he realizes exactly how abusive Frank is, not she pilfers from pockets), and adult daughter Film Movement, 88 min., in only to Karen but also to Dill’s teenage son Aki’s (Mayu Matsuoka) joyless peep show German, Danish & English w/ Patrick (Rafael Sayegh). While Dill’s dutiful job, with groceries shoplifted daily by ado- English subtitles, not rated, first-mate (Djimon Hounsou) tries to steer lescent son Shota (Jyo Kairi) while dad keeps DVD: $19.99 him away from temptation, there’s also the lookout. When father and son come across For all of the intensity, appearance of Reid Miller (Jeremy Strong), a a withdrawn little girl named (Sasaki grief, betrayal, and sexual nerdy fishing-supplies sales rep on a mission. Miyu) shivering in the cold night (locked catharsis in this Danish And there’s a surreal, mind-bending twist. outside by a callous mother), they take her drama, there is precious little reason to feel British writer-director Steven Knight gives home and she is welcomed into the warmth invested in anyone’s particular story. Multiple McConaughey more cheesy nude scenes and bustle of the overcrowded apartment. strands run through a complex tale taking than either of his female costars in this Kore-eda doesn’t romanticize their poverty or place in an unnamed Copenhagen hotel, sleazy, sweaty, and ultimately unsatisfying thievery; the “family” always seems to be one uniting various characters—many of them waterlogged potboiler. Not recommended. misstep away from losing it all and becomes strangers to one another—in overlapping (S. Granger) more unsettled as the girl’s face is suddenly destinies. Screenwriter Kim Fupz Aakeson and all over the news (she is, after all, technically director Birgitte Staermose play with non-lin- She Has a Name HH1/2 kidnapped). But as he reveals more of their ear timelines and a jumble of nationalities Vision, 107 min., not rated, DVD: $14.99 checkered pasts and poor parenting choices, and languages to lay out the sordid events A gritty thriller about an American attor- the viewer’s instinctive affection for these that transpire over a single day. A gunshot ney going undercover to build a case against outcast and abandoned people becomes more starts the narrative, immediately leading back a notorious, Bangkok-based human trafficker, complicated. Kore-eda favors the intimate to a series of actions preceding the pistol fire: She Has a Name benefits from a driven cast. and subtle over big drama and this film is the hotel manager is having an affair with Giovanni Mocibob plays Jason, who is en- filled with both touching and heartbreaking

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 30 MAY/JUNE 2019 moments of affection and disappointment. variety of slapstick adventures. But of course with physical abnormalities—Tómas Lemar- Beautifully acted and directed, Shoplifters is as he helps her prepare to die, she aids him quis, who lost all of his hair as a child, and a poetic film about what makes a family, and in finding a reason to live again—even en- Christian Bayerlein, who suffers from spinal how we forgive those we love. Winner of the couraging a romance with a beautiful flight muscular atrophy—as they explore one an- Palme d’Or at the , this attendant (Nina Dobrev). Then Came You is a other’s feelings and learn to appreciate each is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker) film that has its heart in the right place but is other’s beauty. We also learn of Christian’s sabotaged by entirely too many sappy clichés. very active sexual relationship with his wife Stan & Ollie HHH A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek) Grit Uhlemann. Pintilie deliberately blurs the Sony, 98 min., PG, DVD: line between fiction and reality, setting scenes $25.99, Blu-ray: $31.99 Tommy Battles the Silver in various locales (hospitals, bedrooms, thera- After fame and fortune Sea Dragon HHH py workshops) but also often letting her own left the world-famous Random, 111 min., not rated, camera equipment appear in the frame. There vaudeville comedy team DVD: $18.99 is a significant amount of nudity inTouch Me of Stan Laurel and Oliver Tommy Battles the Silver Not, but it is hardly exploited for titillation; Hardy far behind, they em- Sea Dragon has ambition rather, the film is designed to encourage barked on a career-concluding tour of Great to burn and a dark heart viewers to see the physical attractiveness in Britain. After a brief prologue introduces the that is revealed through a bodies that on the surface appear disfigured. duo making Way Out West (1937), Stan & beginning-to-end mix of pop opera and par- A strange, thought-provoking film that will Ollie flashes forward to 1953, when the pair anoid fantasy. It’s the kind of outside-the-box certainly not appeal to everyone, this should are desperately trying to attract audiences, concept one is likely to see on a particularly be considered a strong optional purchase. trotting out classic routines while playing creative TV program or binge-worthy series (F. Swietek) to half-empty music halls in the hinterlands on Netflix. While Tommy doesn’t entirely before winding up on London’s West End, ea- work as a feature film, you have to admire Tyrel HHH ger to secure financing for a new Hood the chutzpah of writer, director, and star Luke Magnolia, 87 min., not rated, spoof titled Rob ‘Em Good. Disgruntled but Shirock, who conceived the project and spent DVD: $26.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 not discouraged, they turn to public relations several years completing it. Shirock plays Set during the weekend stunts to sell tickets. In addition to Hardy’s Tommy Silver, a young man whose guilt-rid- following ’s persistent health problems, they constantly den psyche invents an imagined court trial, inauguration as U.S. presi- bicker, dredging up old grievances. Tenacious where a prosecutor, judge, defense attorney, dent in 2017, Tyrel is a pe- Stan (Steve Coogan) was always more driven, jury, and onlookers are all manifestations of culiar psychological thriller. while easygoing Ollie (John C. Reilly)—a his torment over several deaths in his life, Written and directed by Sebastián Silva, the prolific gambler—was less ambitious. The including those of his mother (Pap Shirock) film stars Jason Mitchell as New York restau- eventual arrival of their respective wives— and his girlfriend Carolyn (Celine Held). The rateur Tyler. (The film’s title, a butchered domineering Ida Laurel (Nina Arianda) and story of his relationship with Carolyn and his version of the central character’s name, is doting Lucille Hardy (Shirley Henderson)— struggles opening up to her are recounted in an early hint of unintentional but baked-in only makes the situation worse as it becomes memories that are both gilded and tragic. A racial division in the story.) Tyler, an African painfully obvious that while these funnymen multi-talented cast brings tremendous energy American, accompanies his white friend can’t live with each other they also can’t live to match Shirock’s capable handling of the Johnny (Christopher Abbott) to the Catskills without one another. Oozing authenticity, rapid-fire visuals (not an easy thing to do for a wintry weekend gathering of Johnny’s Stan & Ollie—based on A.J. Marriot’s 1993 when having to match shots full of dancing, all-white male friends—and friends of those book Laurel & Hardy: The British Tours—is a leaping, and intense emotions). A composer friends—at a house in snow-covered woods. poignant character study, confidently direct- and actor, Shirock has scant official credits, Given the beery, frat-house vibe of Johnny’s ed by Jon S. Baird. Recommended. (S. Granger) yet he seems to have popped into existence pals, viewers might well fear the worst: that as a fully formed filmmaker. Recommended. Tyler has fallen into the hands of white Then Came You HH1/2 (T. Keogh) supremacists. But that’s not what happens. Shout! Factory, 108 min., not Quite simply, Tyler increasingly feels ill-fitting rated, DVD: $16.99, Blu-ray: HH1/2 in a 48-hour stag party with a large group $22.99 Touch Me Not Kino Lorber, 128 min., in of dopey white guys, despite how inviting Although filmmaker Pe- English & German w/English and solicitous they all are, even as he gets ter Hutchings’s teen dram- subtitles, not rated, DVD: more drunk and uncomfortable. Silva has edy boasts a couple of at- $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 cleverly carved out a fascinating gray area in tractive young leads in Asa Adina Pintilie’s film com- which race plays a factor even in situations Butterfield and , it ultimately bines drama and documen- that seem utterly benign, with his camera comes across as The Fault in Our Stars-lite. tary (or perhaps quasi-doc- constantly following the crosscurrents of Butterfield plays Calvin, a young man with a umentary) to reflect on the the party’s many on-the-move guests and sad past, shown in flashbacks and revelations fear of physical intimacy and how it might repeatedly landing on a distressed Tyler, dribbled out over the course of the film. Hav- be addressed by therapy. One of the central who is buffeted like a guppy in a populous ing dropped out of college and moved back characters is Laura Benson, a middle-aged fish tank. Mitchell is excellent, and Michael in with his parents—a troubled mother and English woman who speaks of her inability Cera is very good as a particularly eccentric supportive father—Calvin works as an airport to enjoy sex; she hires a male prostitute but member of the group—an effete rascal who luggage handler despite a fear of flying. But can do no more than watch as he showers might have stepped out of a Wodehouse his real obsession is his health: certain that and masturbates, after which she seeks relief novel. Recommended. (T. Keogh) he has cancer, Calvin joins a cancer support for her condition through conversations with group, where he meets Skye (Williams), the Hanna Hoffman, a woman, and Unknown Soldier HHH prototypical free spirit, who enlists him in more physically demanding encounters with Kino Lorber, 180 min., in Finnish w/English completing her “bucket list”—which results an advisor named Seani Love. Meanwhile, subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $34.99 in a flurry of montages as the duo engage in a Pintilie observes and interviews two men Based on the 1954 novel Tuntematon Sotilas

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 32 MAY/JUNE 2019 by Väinö Linna about Finn- the man suddenly comes to life and attacks a made-for-TV 1992 produc- ish soldiers during 1941- him, ostensibly protecting a wooden chest. In tion scripted by Simon. Co- 44, when Finland allied self-defense, Donald kills him. After discov- rey Parker takes the role of itself with Nazi Germany ering that the chest contains solid gold bars, Eugene while Jonathan Sil- against the , the men marvel at their newfound riches and verman (who played Eugene director Aku Louhimies’s debate what to do next. Before long, however, in the original Broadway Unknown Soldier is the most two men show up looking for their “missing production) is Eugene’s older expensive film ever made in crewmate,” and Thomas’s hastily contrived brother Stanley. (Matthew Finland. The story follows story fails to convince them. Danish direc- Broderick was Eugene on stage in the first two a machine-gun company from its initial tor Kristoffer Nyholm evokes an ominous plays in the trilogy.) Both boys aspire to write mobilization to the armistice that ended atmosphere of windswept desolation. Unfor- comedy for radio and TV (much to the conster- hostilities. The squad is made up of various tunately, the actors’ heavy Scottish brogue nation of their father) and they turn to their stock characters—the idealistic lieutenant, is often difficult to decipher, and the film own family for inspiration—including the the Communist, the practical joker, the cynic, disappoints somewhat with an enigmatic breakdown of their parents’ marriage—to do and so on—but the focus is on two men in conclusion. A strong optional purchase. their first radio sketch. is their particular. Rokka (Eero Aho) is a crusty old (S. Granger) optimistic mother, while Jerry Orbach brings veteran who is unhappy about being recalled a weary sadness and resignation to his role as to service and having to leave his wife and their father, a man who neglects his wife to farm, but willing to make the sacrifice for Classic Films look after an ailing former lover. And Hume his country. Although he is easily the most Cronyn won an Emmy for his performance capable man among them, he refuses to bend HH1/2 as the feisty grandfather who never seems to to what he sees as pointless demands by dis- Cult Epics, 89 min., in Dutch get Eugene’s brand of humor. The production cipline-minded officers, including Koskela w/English subtitles, not rated, is set almost entirely in a apartment (Jussi Vatanen), the platoon leader who serves Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.95 and directed by TV veteran Paul Bogart like a as the model of national rectitude. Most of The taboo-challenging piece of theater—intimate and cutoff from the film is devoted to battlefield action, but work of producer-director the surrounding world (except for the radio), there are occasional interludes, involving Pim de la Parra, which in- while Simon preserves the stylized theatrical time spent back home and even, in one case, a augurated the so-called “Dutch Sex Wave” in dialogue. Fans of Simon and Broadway should wedding (the film also includes some archival movies of the early 1970s, has been recently appreciate the faithfulness to the source but documentary footage to provide context). Un- seen in the Cult Epics release of his 1973 others may find the drama a little too low- known Soldier will mean the most to Finnish filmFrank & Eva, which is now joined by this key. Presented in both the original 90-minute audiences, but it is sufficiently compelling earlier 1971 groundbreaker that also stars broadcast version and an extended 94-min- to engage others—even if the version here Frank & Eva’s Hugo Metsers but is directed ute cut, this is a strong optional purchase. (the full three-hour cut released in Finland, by Wim Verstappen. The flimsy plot follows (S. Axmaker) rather than the 133-minute “international” Michael (Metsers)—just released from prison one) is frequently repetitive. Recommended. after a five-year stint for bedding an underage HHH (F. Swietek) girl—as he becomes the resident lothario in Kino Lorber, 122 min., PG-13, the high-rise apartment building where his DVD: $11.99, Blu-ray: $19.99 The Vanishing HH1/2 parole officer has placed him to facilitate William Hurt stars as a Lionsgate, 107 min., R, DVD: his re-assimilation into society. Before long, brilliant but glib and some- $19.99, Blu-ray: $21.99 Michael is organizing orgies for the desperate what obtuse heart surgeon For years, Scotsmen have housewives who are his neighbors, even if his who finds his life turned pondered the Flannan Isles main interest lies in Elly (Carry Tefsen), who around when he is diag- Mystery, which revolves lives next door and is his partner in the en- nosed with a cancerous tumor in his throat. around three lighthouse terprise. Blue Movie is historically interesting Despite enjoying the status of attending keepers who disappeared as the opening cinematic salvo in the sexual physician at a San Francisco hospital, Dr. Jack from the Outer Hebrides (inspiring the revolution taking place in Holland at the MacKee (Hurt) is treated no differently than famous poem Flannan Isle by Wilfrid Wil- time. As a film, it is fairly mediocre—slow, any other vulnerable patient only a few floors son Gibson). Set in 1938, this speculative repetitive, and pretty tame by today’s stan- below his own professional terrain—which psychological thriller begins on the ferry to dards—although the cinematography by Jan he doesn’t like one bit. MacKee’s outrage the tiny, remote island on ’s rugged de Bont, who went on to have an illustrious pivots to a heretofore unknown empathy for west coast. Taciturn widower Thomas Mar- Hollywood career, shows admirable fluidity all patients when he begins to see himself in shall () has been a lighthouse on a clearly limited budget. Extras include a the way his own dismissive doctor (Wendy keeper for many years, along with James 1971 interview with Verstappen, new inter- Crewson) ignores his fears and discomfort. Ducat (Gerard Butler), who bids farewell to views with de la Parra and Metsers’s son Hugo Elizabeth Perkins costars as June, who is his wife and children on the mainland. The Jr., a featurette on the Eye Film Institute in dying of brain cancer and becomes an third member is Donald McArthur (Connor Amsterdam (where the film was restored), and influential friend to Jack, helping him un- Swindells), an inexperienced trainee who a poster and photo video gallery. A strong derstand the mortal stakes of a potentially gets violently seasick. Arriving for their six- optional purchase. (F. Swietek) terminal disease. June also is perceived as a week shift, they make necessary repairs to threat by Jack’s wife (Christine Lahti), who the lighthouse. “Many a keeper’s lost their Broadway Bound HH1/2 has been emotionally marginalized during mind to quicksilver,” James warns Donald, Kino Lorber, 90 min., not rated, DVD: $19.95 her husband’s crisis. A nice supporting cast scooping up spilled mercury used to lubricate While the first two plays in the late Neil including Mandy Patinkin, Adam Arkin, the lighthouse machinery. Soon after, Donald Simon’s semi-autobiographical “Eugene Je- and Charlie Korsmo add luster to this 1991 discovers what appears to be the body of a rome” trilogy—Brighton Beach Memoirs and Bi- prestige movie that is well-directed by Randa man whose rowboat is beached in a deep loxi Blues—were turned into feature films, the Haines, adapted from a 1988 book by Dr. crevasse. As Donald is lowered on a rope, final play went directly to the small screen as Edward Rosenbaum about his own experi-

MAY/JUNE 2019 33 VIDEO LIBRARIAN

ence. Extras include an audio commentary father, and Elizabeth Hartman is an idealist developing the skills that would later flourish by Haines moderated by filmmaker Heather whose devotion to Roosevelt’s New Deal is in some of the greatest masterpieces of the Buckley. Recommended. (T. Keogh) smothered by a controlling conservative hus- silent era. Featuring musical scores composed band who turns her pregnancy into a social by Neil Brand and Ekkehard Wölk, extras : Black Skin, experiment. Joanna Pettet, Mary-Robin Redd, include audio commentary on Finances by White Mask HH and Kathleen Widdoes fill out the group, film historian David Kalat. A strong optional Film Movement, 72 min., in while James Broderick, Larry Hagman, and purchase. (S. Axmaker) English, French & Arabic w/ Hal Holbrook are some of the men in their English subtitles, not rated, Blu- lives. The Group tries to engage issues being Horror Express HHH ray: $39.99 raised in the 1960s through the prism of Arrow, 91 min., R, Blu-ray: Those who don’t know the 1930s, but it fails to successfully evoke $39.99 much about Frantz Fanon the earlier period and too often slips into This 1972 Spanish pro- before seeing this sort-of cinematic essay are high-toned soap opera bordering on parody. duction featuring British not likely to have a handle on much more , usually a strong director of horror stars by the end. A fascinating and internationally actors, stumbles while trying to embrace and serves influential figure who died at age 36 in 1961, the large ensemble and sprawling, rambling up an odd but entertaining mix of murder Fanon was a mixed-race (although clearly screenplay. And this film about the lives of mystery, supernatural horror, mummy black) youth born in Martinique, back when women is directed, scripted, and produced by movie, zombie film, and alien attack set it was a French colony. Leaving the island men, which may help explain its often awk- at the turn of the 20th century. Lee plays in 1943 to join Free French forces during ward and arch presentation. Ultimately, this archeologist professor Sir Alexander Saxton, World War II, he later found that, despite his is a cinematic artifact from the dying days of traveling from Northern China on the Si- demonstrated bravery during the fight and the Production Code when adult issues were berian Express with the frozen remains of a his loyalty to France, he was subject to pro- still being tangentially addressed, although “missing link” that comes back to life, preys found racial hostility from European whites. it does feature the film debuts of Bergen and upon passengers, and then jumps bodies to After becoming a psychiatrist, Fanon eventu- Holbrook. Optional. (S. Axmaker) survive. Cushing is rival gentleman scientist ally took the reins of a psychiatric hospital in Dr. Wells, who shifts from enemy to colleague Algeria. Between his developing beliefs about The Haunted Castle/The when the milky-eyed victims come back to the psychological underpinnings of race- Finances of the Grand life as undead zombies. Both actors maintain based colonialism and a series of personal HH1/2 their dignity during all the ridiculousness of experiences leading to his support for Algeri- Duke Kino Lorber, 159 min., not the crazy horror, sniping and sabotaging one an revolution against France, he would create rated, Blu-ray: $29.99 another before finally teaming up. There’s a lasting legacy for people struggling against German filmmaker F.W. also a beautiful spy, a Rasputin-like monk, a occupation and oppression through his writ- Murnau was one of the pair of aristocrats in a private car, and Telly ing, relationships with fellow intellectuals, greatest and most influential directors of Savalas adds a blast of personality in a small and pan-Africanism ideas. Unfortunately, the 1920s, helming such masterpieces as but memorable role as a Cossack officer. It’s little of that is clear or cohesive in this 1995 Nosferatu (1922), The Last Laugh (1924), a minor but very entertaining production, film by Isaac Julien, which fails to provide and Sunrise (1927). This release features the filled with incident and paced by director enough context for viewers to be able to truly Blu-ray debuts of two of his lesser-known Eugenio Martín like a speeding train. Extras grasp why Fanon is still an important figure. films. Despite the title,The Haunted Castle include audio commentary by film histo- Featuring Colin Salmon as Fanon in dramatic (1921)—the earliest surviving Murnau film rians Stephen Jones and Kim Newman, an re-creations, this is a visually indulgent work, on disc—is neither horror film nor ghost introduction by Fangoria editor Chris Alex- with opaque lyricism and confusing refrains. story. It’s a psychological drama and tepid ander, appreciations by filmmakers Steve Extras include the 1992 short drama “Be- murder mystery that plays out in a magnif- Haberman and Ted Newsom, and interviews tween Two Worlds” by producer Mark Nash, icent country manor like a chamber piece. with Martín, producer Bernard Gordon, and and a booklet with essays by Julien and Nash. Murnau’s visual approach is mildly expres- composer John Cacavas. Recommended. Optional. (T. Keogh) sionistic with stately acting that evokes the (S. Axmaker) theatrical tradition rather than the lively The Group HH cinematic style he would perfect over the La Vérité HHH1/2 Kino Lorber, 150 min., not next decade. But he deftly sets up the com- Criterion, 128 min., in French rated, DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: plicated relationships and fills in backstory w/English subtitles, not rated, $29.99 with limber crosscutting between various DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99 Eight women at a Vas- conversations, and he creates great dramatic Brigitte Bardot gives the sar-like college during the tension and an ominous mood in the still- most complex and com- Depression become close ness of his compositions. The Finances of the mitted performance of her friends in this 1966 drama Grand Duke (1924)—which couldn’t be more career in this film by Hen- adapted from the 1954 novel by Mary Mc- different—is a lighthearted espionage thrill- ri-Georges Clouzot, a mix of courtroom Carthy. Candice Bergen is top-billed as the er set in an island nation with a charming drama and romantic melodrama set in the maverick Lakey, who runs off to Europe and “benevolent dictator” who is about to have collision between conservative morality and returns arm-in-arm with a German countess, his entire country repossessed as an indus- the young adult culture of bohemian Paris. but the film mainly focuses on the women trialist enlists a group of shaggy anarchists Bardot is Dominique Marceau, a wild child who remain behind looking for love, mar- to overthrow the government. Scripted by from the provinces who is on trial for murder. riage, or a meaningful career. Jessica Walter Fritz Lang collaborator Thea von Harbou and Witness testimony paints her as a “bad girl” is most memorable as the high-living group photographed by expressionist master Karl indulging in the decadence of Paris nightlife gossip, has an affair with a bo- Freund, the film feels more like a romantic while her serious sister Annie (Marie-José Nat) hemian artist (Richard Mulligan) in which Ernst Lubitsch lark than the dark expres- studies music, but dramatic flashbacks reveal she feels love (but he doesn’t), Shirley Knight sionism that made Murnau’s reputation. But that she is a free-living young woman who is a hospital nurse with a mentally unstable both movies show the master filmmaker embraces the beatnik culture of casual sex

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 36 MAY/JUNE 2019 and social engagement without judgment or mance as Carol Richman, off-the-shoulder smile”) and his smart-aleck pretense. French New Wave icon Sami Frey a Girl Friday to civil engi- remarks when no one believes that someone plays the devoted music student dating Annie neer Scott Henderson (Alan is trying to kill him. The pacing is snappy and who falls hard for the uninhibited Domi- Curtis), who is convicted the romantic interludes are entertaining, but nique and becomes pathologically jealous of murdering his wife—a Mark Robson otherwise directs with dutiful over her flirtatious behavior. Clouzot weaves crime that he insists he professionalism, and never actually manages in multiple storytellers through the witness didn’t commit—in this fine much in the way of suspense or thrills. Still, statements and extended flashbacks, making low-budget mystery from Robert Siodmak, Newman’s rascally performance keeps the the dense narrative look effortless while also one of the masters of film noir. Henderson’s film alive, while Sommer is sexy, sharp, and pulling strong performances from the entire only alibi is a mysterious woman who at- delightfully exasperated by Andrew’s she- cast. And in keeping with Bardot’s sex kitten tended a musical revue with him, a woman nanigans, which she finds increasingly hard image, Clouzot offers teasing shots of an un- whose name he never learned, so Richman to resist. Diane Baker, Micheline Presle, and dressed Bardot just shy of explicit nudity. La turns amateur detective to find out why the Kevin McCarthy costar. A strong optional Vérité is a film that dangles a lurid crime of witnesses are lying to police about this phan- purchase. (S. Axmaker) passion in front of the audience but ends up tom lady’s existence. Franchot Tone takes top being a character portrait of a woman in an billing as a famous sculptor and best friend of Sarah T.: Portrait of unsympathetic world. Largely overshadowed the convicted man, one who has ulterior mo- a Teenage Alcoholic by Clouzot’s more famous films, notablyThe tives when he joins the investigation. Based Wages of Fear and Diabolique, it was nom- on a 1942 novel by Cornell Woolrich (writing HHH inated for an Academy Award and won a Shout! Factory, 96 min., not under the pseudonym William Irish), this is rated, Blu-ray: $27.99 Golden Globe in 1961. Extras include a 2017 a minor masterpiece of film noir, featuring a documentary on Clouzot, archival interviews strong, professional working woman at the Two years after the release with Bardot and Clouzot, and a booklet with center of the tale. The narrative is built on of The Exorcist, child star an essay by film scholar Ginette Vincendeau. the kinds of plot contrivances common to Linda Blair had a memorable turn as the Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker) murder mysteries of the time but the script eponymous lead in the provocative 1975 TV is clever and Siodmak delivers superb set movie Sarah T.: Portrait of a Teenage Alcohol- Peppermint Soda HHH pieces and striking images on a comparatively ic. Playing an amorphous 15-year-old girl Cohen, 101 min., in French w/ tiny budget. Cult actor Elisha Cook Jr. (The with a spiraling addiction to alcohol, Blair English subtitles, PG, DVD: Maltese Falcon) plays a drummer who takes demonstrates a keen grasp of an addictive $25.99, Blu-ray: $30.99 Richman to an underground jazz jam session personality who becomes increasingly lost The 1977 directorial de- in one of the film’s standout sequences, and and destructive. At the same time, Blair also but of actress turned film- future Oscar nominee Thomas Gomez is the proves to be pretty convincing as a denier maker Diane Kurys follows no-nonsense police detective who helps her who refuses to admit the obvious about Sar- ah’s problems and accept help. The teleplay a year in the life of two out with the investigation. Extras include by Richard and Esther Shapiro (Dynasty) teenage sisters in 1960s Paris. Anne (Eléon- the 1994 British TV documentary Dark and ably balances the clinical with the personal, ore Klarwein) and Frédérique Weber (Odile Deadly: 50 Years of Film Noir, the 1944 radio creating a well-rounded drama that is aided Michel) return from summer on the beach adaptation of the film featuring Raines and immeasurably by actors who within a few in Normandy with their father and begin Curtis, and a gallery of stills and promotional years would become pop culture icons: Mark the year back home with their mother, whose material. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) new boyfriend claims much of her time and Hamill (Star Wars), Verna (Animal attention. Anne is an adolescent at an all-girls House), William Daniels (Knight Rider and St. school where the teachers are tyrannical bul- The Prize HH1/2 Elsewhere), and Larry Hagman (Dallas). Add Warner, 135 min., not rated, to that soon-to-be-A-list director Richard lies and misinformation about sex is passed DVD: $21.99 along on the playground as “common knowl- Donner, whose 1978 would play edge.” It’s 1963 and as Anne navigates the Paul Newman stars as a part in ushering in the superhero genre. onset of puberty, her older sister Frédérique is Andrew Craig, a cynical, Donner gives Sarah T. a shadowy look and becoming interested in both boys and politics hard-drinking, shamelessly feel while never descending into cheap shocks and she gets into trouble at school for selling womanizing American au- or strained seriousness. Extras include new peace sign buttons and protesting the Alge- thor who is in Stockholm interviews with Donner and producer David rian War. Peppermint Soda is an episodic film to receive the Nobel Prize, and Elke Sommer Levinson, and with Blair. Recommended. that is less concerned with big drama than is his “handler” Lisa Andersson, in this 1963 (T. Keogh) with the details of individual experiences in Cold War thriller. Andrew insists that he’s this time of rebellion and sexual awakening. there for the prize money but there is also the Shame HHH Much of this is observed through the wide- lure of his beautiful handler and a mystery Criterion, 103 min., in Swedish eyed attention of Anne, who is learning the surrounding the sudden personality change w/English subtitles, not rated, cues of the mysterious adult world from her in a physicist (played by Edward G. Robinson) DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99 mother and older sister. While the details who is also attending the ceremony. The Ingmar Bergman became evoke a past era, the emotions and anxieties Prize is a thriller in the Hitchcockian vein, famous for his stark por- are timeless and the film remains a touching complete with shadowy thugs, tantalizing traits of relationships under and sensitive portrait of the difficult teenage clues, and a web of conspirators determined stress, characters struggling years for girls. Extras include interviews with to either make Andrew look foolish or kill with faith, and allegorical dramas set in Kurys, Klarwein, and composer Yves Simon, him. It’s even scripted by North by Northwest the distant past. Shame brings all of these as well as an archival featurette. Recommend- screenwriter Ernest Lehman, who adapts themes together in a tale set in the midst of ed. (S. Axmaker) Irving Wallace’s 1962 novel but adds set a modern civil war in an unnamed country. pieces that are right out of his great Hitchcock Bergman’s longtime collaborators Max von Phantom Lady HHH lark. Lehman has plenty of fun with the Sydow and star as married cou- Arrow, 87 min., not rated, Blu-ray: $39.99 dialogue, both in Andrew’s sassy flirtations ple Jan and Eva Rosenberg, former musicians Ella Raines gives a star-making perfor- (“And what was she wearing?” “Sort of an in a disbanded orchestra, who now struggle

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 38 MAY/JUNE 2019 NEW RELEASES FROM

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WWW.CRITERION.COM as farmers. They are a ferry ride away from Tell Them Willie Boy Is sung by characters in the movie. But True the city yet the war is all around them in Here HHH Stories is not a musical in any conventional transport trucks and distant gunfire, and Kino Lorber, 98 min., PG, Blu- sense; rather, it is an affectionate satire of they watch the battle get closer before final- ray: $29.99 suburban culture and small-town quirks, ly being invaded. The Rosenbergs are used Robert Redford receives filled with kitsch and deadpan gags but also for propaganda by the enemy, arrested and top billing in this 1969 West- warmth for its characters. Extras include a interrogated as collaborators, and attacked ern inspired by real events, new documentary, a featurette on late graphic by rebels. Ultimately their home is destroyed playing Deputy Sheriff Cooper, who makes designer Tibor Kalman, a vintage behind-the- along with any hope of being untouched the manhunt for Willie Boy (Robert Blake), a scenes featurette, an homage to Virgil, TX, by the violence. Shame is very abstract—the Paiute Indian accused of murder, a personal deleted scenes, a bonus CD soundtrack, and factions have no clear politics and there is no matter. Redford was a newly-christened major a booklet with essays and production photos. discussion of ideologies—and the imagery star after Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Recommended. (S. Axmaker) becomes increasingly more devastated and but the more interesting story here belongs desolate. The weak-willed Jan grows more to Willie Boy, a restless young man who is What Ever Happened to cold-blooded with each assault upon the frustrated by his oppressive existence on the Aunt Alice? HHH couple and their marriage strains to the break- reservation but unwelcome in the cities of Kino Lorber, 101 min., PG, ing point under the pressure. It’s as bleak a 1909 America. Willie Boy kills the father of DVD: $19.99, Blu-ray: $29.99 portrait as you’ll find in Bergman’s oeuvre his girlfriend, Lola (Katharine Ross in unfor- The title of this 1969 hor- and it plays like a brutal, humorless satire of tunate red-face makeup), in self-defense and ror film evokes the 1962 modern warfare, propaganda, morality, and then runs off with her, claiming Lola as his modern Gothic hit What survival, where civilized, educated people are wife as per tribal custom. Susan Oliver is the Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, reduced to savagery and inhuman behavior. reservation agent who demands that Cooper, as does the casting of senior citizen actresses Extras include the 1968 documentary “Intro- who is also her sometime lover, bring Lola and Ruth Gordon. Page plays duction to Ingmar Bergman” (made during back to the res. The manhunt through the elderly widow Mrs. Marrable, left penniless the production of the film), a new interview California desert plays out as President Taft by her husband, who finds a way to live with Ullmann, and archival interviews with visits the state, bringing national attention to comfortably in her old age by robbing her ser- Bergman. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) this local crime. This was the first film from vants of their life savings, murdering them, Communist witch-hunt blacklisted director burying their bodies in the desert garden of The Tarnished Angels and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Abraham her Arizona bungalow, and planting fir trees HHH Polonsky in over 20 years, and it is full of over their unmarked graves. Gordon (under a Kino Lorber, 91 min., not rated, commentary on racism, bigotry, class arro- curly red wig) is Mrs. Dimmock, who answers Blu-ray: $29.95 gance, mob justice, and media hysteria. The the ad for the latest newly-vacant position. Although not as well- film was not a financial success but Redford The film is produced by , who known as his Technicolor is excellent, and the themes are as relevant directed Baby Jane and pretty much created melodramas such as Mag- as ever. Extras include audio commentary by the horror subgenre featuring aging actresses nificent Obsession (1954) and All That Heaven actor/filmmaker Pat Healy and film historian as mad killers (nicknamed “hagsploitation” in Allows (1955), filmmaker Douglas Sirk’s 1957 Jim Healy. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) the industry), but he leaves the direction to black-and-white film based on William TV veteran Lee H. Katzin, who lacks Aldrich’s Faulkner’s lesser novel Pylon (1935) still car- True Stories HHH visual style but brings out solid performances ries a decent dramatic punch and boasts fine Criterion, 89 min., PG, DVD: from both Page, who plays the role as a sly, performances from its star trio. Rock Hudson 2 discs, $29.99; Blu-ray: $49.99 cunning survivor with a barbed tongue, and Gordon, who is more outsized and flamboy- is Burke Devlin, an alcoholic journalist in- David Byrne plays host as ant as the snooping servant trying to find out tent on covering former WWI hero turned well as co-writer and com- what happened to her predecessor (Mildred barnstorming pilot Roger Shumann (Robert poser for his sole directorial Dunnock), in between her household chores. Stack), who has made an art out of flying feature film effort, a whimsi- The desert setting and sunny photography such tight patterns that he clips the marker cal tour through the oddball brings a different style to the genre, while pylons during competitive races for money. Americana of a small (fictional) Texas town. But Devlin is as much interested in Roger’s the script (adapted from the 1962 novel The Dressed in a black ten gallon hat and a suc- Forbidden Garden by Ursula Curtiss) provides neglected wife, LaVerne (Dorothy Malone), cession of nicely-fitted casual suits in an ice- who performs daring parachute feats and a few clever twists. A minor but satisfying cream-rainbow of colors while driving a red late-’60s thriller, extras include audio com- becomes a tawdry pawn when Roger sends convertible through the endless plains, Byrne her to “ask” sleazy rival owner Matt Ord mentary by film historian Richard Harland addresses the camera directly like a master of Smith. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) (Robert Middleton)—whose pilot died— ceremonies as he leads us through the eccen- whether Roger can fix up a broken-down tric characters and curious activities of the Ord plane to use in a race. Jack Carson co- fictional town of Virgil, TX, as it prepares to stars as Jiggs, Roger’s devoted comrade and celebrate the state’s 150th anniversary. John mechanic extraordinaire, who also carries Goodman (in his first major screen role) is Online a torch for LaVerne (when LaVerne was in a the good-natured Louis Fyne, a man who Visit Video Librarian Online (www. family way, Roger and Jiggs flipped a coin to just wants to fall in love and get married, videolibrarian.com) during May and June see who would marry her and Roger “lost”). and he’s the closest the film has to a main for DVD/Blu-ray-specific comments added The dynamics between the characters will, character as his story winds through that of to the video movies reviewed here, as of course, shift over the course of this tale as others, including a happily married couple well as new reviews of current and classic the four men circle around the smoldering who haven’t spoken in 15 years, a pathologi- films, including: Cold Pursuit, Destroyer, LaVerne in between exciting airplane races. cal liar, and the laziest woman in the world, Everybody Knows, Glass, The Golem, Isn’t It Extras include audio commentary by film as well as the most surreal fashion show ever Romantic, Replicas, The Upside, What Men historian Imogen Sara Smith. Recommend- seen. Four of Byrne’s songs are performed by Want, and much more! ed. (R. Pitman) his band Talking Heads, while the others are

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 40 MAY/JUNE 2019 TV on Video American Vandal: grandmother. He becomes emboldened House of Cards: The when asked to hide a handgun (used in the Season One HH1/2 Final Season HH1/2 CBS, 2 discs, 267 min., not murder his sister is investigating) by his Sony, 3 discs, 441 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99 seductive, drug-dealing next door neighbor rated, DVD: $38.99, Blu-ray: As documentaries have and he embarks on a series of increasingly $45.99 become more popular, send- brazen holdups. In the tradition of similiar The ghost of Frank Un- ups have predictably fol- dramas, the investigation ties the crimes of derwood, the supremely lowed, so it was inevitable the present to their father’s death and his manipulative U.S. president that someone should make a mockumentary hidden life of petty crimes, while it also leads played by Kevin Spacey in of true-crime investigatory series like Netflix’s Gina to a conspiracy surrounding a human the first five seasons of this Netflix series— Making a Murderer and the podcast Serial trafficking ring. But the most interesting before the actor was fired after accusations of (which is cited by the chief “documentarian” aspect of the drama explores the troubled sexual impropriety—hangs heavy over this here as his inspiration). The “crime” analyzed family relationships between the siblings, final run. The focus has shifted to his widow in this Netflix series is a puerile high school their somewhat estranged mother, and their Claire (Robin Wright), whose selection as prank—spray-painting crude cartoon penises bullying stepfather, while also measuring vice-president was engineered by Frank before on the cars of faculty members at Hanover what lengths people will go to in order to pro- he resigned, bringing her to power. Although High in Oceanside, CA—and the filmmakers tect their family. Presenting all eight episodes Frank’s death is peremptorily announced are a couple of nerdy students (Tyler Alvarez from 2017, extras include a behind-the-scenes in the opening episode, its cause remains a and Griffin Gluck). Their aim is to determine featurette. Recommended. (S. Axmaker) mystery until the very end. The short season’s whether Dylan Maxwell (Jimmy Tatro), the narrative arc concentrates on the efforts of a campus bad boy expelled on the basis of Charlemagne HH1/2 powerful corporate couple (Greg Kinnear and eyewitness testimony from class dweeb Alex Dreamscape, 155 min., in Diane Lane) to undermine Claire, working Trimboli (Calum Worthy) is guilty—and German & English w/English in cahoots with their tech-savvy son (Cody subtitles, not rated, DVD: Fern) and Claire’s newly-appointed vice to earn notoriety in the process. Along the $24.99 way, they ruffle the feathers of school ad- president (Campbell Scott). Claire must also ministrators and classmates whose secrets Gabriele Wengler’s three- face down challenges from such diverse op- are revealed in the course of their efforts. part 2013 miniseries, center- ponents as the Russian president, unreliable Although undoubtedly (and intentionally) ing on the titular Frankish staff and cabinet members, snooping report- absurd, American Vandal is surprisingly well king who became the first ers, and especially Doug Stamper (Michael acted and skillfully edited. If viewers can medieval Western emperor in 800 A.D., is Kelly), her late husband’s chief fixer, who tolerate the series’ cascade of juvenile humor, an odd hybrid. Much of it consists of specu- thinks Claire has robbed him of his fair share the show does prove consistently amusing, lative dramatic re-enactments of historical of Frank’s legacy. This last season is filled although one might have trouble deciding episodes: Pippin the Great’s seizure of the with countless plots, counterplots, betrayals, whether the soul-searching narration about Frankish crown from the Merovingian ruler double-crosses—even a pregnancy—but it he served; the division of the realm between not letting high school define your life is sorely misses the demonic energy that Spac- Charlemagne and his brother Carloman and intended seriously or as a joke. Compiling all ey brought to the over-the-top goings-on, as the ensuing hostility between them until eight episodes from the 2017 debut season, Wright’s cool solemnity does not prove to be Carloman’s death, after which Charlemagne extras include extended “interviews” with an adequate replacement. Still, this at least drove his nephews into exile and reunited Maxwell, Trimboli (interrupted by Dylan’s provides House of Cards fans with a degree of the kingdom; Charlemagne’s wars against goofball friends), and strenuously “cool” closure. Compiling all eight episodes from the Lombards in Italy, Saxons in Germany, and history teacher Steve “Kraz” Krazanski (Ryan 2018 sixth and final season, this is a strong Moslems in Spain; his attempts to revive O’Flanagan), as well as an “uncut” version optional purchase. (F. Swietek) of the school board meeting that resulted learning in what was called the Carolingian in Maxwell’s suspension. An offbeat series, Renaissance; his crowning as emperor by a Kidding: Season One this is a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek) he had saved from being dethroned; and the weakening of the empire under his HHH sons. These episodes are dramatized as the Paramount, 2 discs, 290 min., Bang: Series 1 HHH not rated, DVD: $29.99 RLJ, 3 discs, 392 min., in memories of his biographer, the monk Ein- Welsh & English w/English hard, who dictates them to a young novice, Jim Carrey stars in this subtitles, not rated, DVD: and are presented in German with English dark cable comedy series $49.99 subtitles, although they are introduced by as Jeff Piccirillo (aka Jeff As the title hints, there is a narrator speaking English who also oc- Pickles), a beloved children’s indeed a gun at the center of casionally interrupts to add documentary TV host who takes his mission as both an the crime drama miniseries digressions about such matters as Frankish educator and role model for children seriously Bang, set in the depressed industrial town of armor, important medieval manuscripts in but whose private life is coming apart. He lost Port Talbot in Wales, but its reverberations various monastic libraries, and the creation a son to a car accident, is separated from his echo far beyond any individual crime. Sib- of the calligraphic script known as the wife (Judy Greer), and is unable to reach his lings Gina and Sam witnessed the execution “Carolingian minuscule.” Also added are surviving son (Cole Allen). Jeff’s inability style murder of their father as children. excerpts from interviews with historians to express his pain and loss is taking a toll Twenty years later, Gina (Catrin Stewart) is (in English, French, and German). Togeth- on his mental well-being. Frank Langella an ambitious patrol cop eager to take on big er these elements make for a reasonably costars as his father, the producer of the Mr. cases, and she gets her chance after stumbling good portrait—benefiting from impressive Pickles’ Puppet Time show and manager of across a crime scene on an expensive boat production values and solid performances the brand, and Catharine Keener is his sister, and a body that was dumped in the ocean. (especially by Alexander Wüst in the title who creates the imaginative puppets on the Her brother Sam (Jacob Ifan), meanwhile, is role)—that covers Charlemagne’s flaws as series but is frustrated both professionally a meek, reclusive underachiever, working a well as his accomplishments. Recommended. and personally. The Mr. Pickles show resem- dead-end job while looking after an ailing (F. Swietek) bles Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with Sesame

MAY/JUNE 2019 41 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Street-like puppets, and the series—created The Purge: Season One and his former girlfriend, to be his conscience by Dave Holstein for Showtime—plays the HH and sometimes his shadow. It’s a mix of show-within-a-show straight, never stoop- Universal, 2 discs, 426 min., workplace drama and medical melodrama, ing to ridicule either the public TV series or not rated, DVD: $39.99, Blu- filled with the kinds of diagnostic mysteries its sincere, dedicated host, played by Carrey ray: $44.99 and personality clashes familiar to such with compassion and depth. It’s the drama The titular mean-spirited, shows, but the portrait of veteran doctors around the show that is presented with ultra-violent movie fran- as well as administrators who are more black humor as Jeff’s bottled-up emotions chise—about an annual 12- concerned with personal reputations, public periodically explode, and his father at- hour period during which a fascistic Amer- perceptions, and profits than ethics and indi- tempts to sustain the Mr. Pickles franchise by ican government gives citizens license to vidual responsibility provides an interesting working around its creator. Michel Gondry, brutalize and kill with impunity—spawned twist on the formula and it fuels the show’s who directed Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of this USA Network spinoff. Developed by righteous indignation (which can be a little the Spotless Mind and has a gift for surreal James DeMonaco, the mastermind behind heavy-handed at times). Shaunette Renée humor and inventive imagery, is an execu- the films, the show contains numerous scenes Wilson costars as a surgical superstar intern tive producer and directs multiple episodes. of death and torture, but the mayhem is more from Nigeria who secretly performs many of It is a smart and creative show that takes on muted than on the big screen. More impor- Dr. Bell’s procedures and Melina Kanakaredes difficult emotions and is definitely not for tantly, the human dimension is explored with is a famous oncologist who goes to extreme kids. Compiling all 10 episodes from the a bit more depth, thanks to the expanded lengths to keep her patient’s medical records 2018 debut season, extras include behind- running time of a TV series. The Purge follows hidden. The Resident is an entertaining but in the-scenes featurettes. Recommended. the stories of a small group of characters from many ways still familiar addition to the med- (S. Axmaker) the hours preceding the start of the purge ical drama genre. Compiling all 14 episodes through its conclusion and aftermath: Miguel from the 2018 debut season, this is a strong Krypton: The Complete (Gabriel Chavarria), an ex-Marine trying to optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) First Season HH1/2 save his sister Penelope (Jessica Garza), who Warner, 2 discs, 427 min., not has joined a cult where members intend to Spring Tide HH1/2 rated, DVD: $24.99, Blu-ray: sacrifice themselves as purge victims; Rick MHz, 3 discs, 430 min., in $29.99 and Jenna (Colin Woodell and Hannah Emily Swedish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $39.99 Although the legacy of Anderson), a yuppie couple trying to secure Superman hangs over this investment funds from a government bigwig A cold case propels Cilla series produced for the (Reed Diamond); Jane (Amanda Warren), a and Rolf Börjlind’s made- Syfy Channel, Krypton is set two genera- financial specialist with grievances against for-Swedish-TV adaptation tions before the birth of the planet’s most her boss; and Joe (Lee Tergesen), a blue-collar of their 2012 crime novel. famous son. The hero of the story is Seg-El guy whose rescue of prospective victims only The long-term mystery surrounds the 1990 (Cameron Cuffe), a former member of the masks a dark plan of his own. The acting is murder of a still-unidentified woman, who “guilded” class who is reduced to living in stiff, the dialogue wooden, the production was buried alive on an island beach and left the slums of the “rankless” after his grand- cheesy, and the final revelations more than to drown. The case comes to the attention of father (Ian McElhinney) was executed for a little ridiculous, but at least this Purge is less Olivia Rönning (Julia Ragnarsson), a student treason. Seg-El is visited by Adam Strange gruesome and offensive than its big-screen at the police academy, who learns that her (Shaun Sipos), a human who travels through inspiration. Presenting all 10 episodes from deceased father was the chief investigator, time and space to warn him that someone is the 2018 debut season, extras include behind- and she decides to solve the mystery. That coming to disrupt the timeline and prevent the-scene featurettes, a conversation with cast requires finding her dad’s partner, Tom Stil- the birth of his grandson, who will become and crew, deleted scenes, and a table read. ton (Kjell Bergqvist), who left the force years ago and is now living on the streets. Stilton, the greatest hero in the universe. Strange Optional. (F. Swietek) is fixated on saving Superman (which who is among the targets of a group of young ultimately depends on the destruction of The Resident: The toughs who are helping to run underground Krypton) but Seg-El is more concerned with cage fights and beating up the homeless for the threat of an invading planet-swallowing Complete Season One amusement, is eventually located by Olivia, alien named Braniac that his grandfather HH1/2 and he reluctantly joins her unauthorized predicted. Krypton has less in common with Fox, 3 discs, 615 min., not investigation. That probe will also come to the interconnected DC Universe TV super- rated, DVD: $19.99 involve a second murder—of Nils Wendt (Dag hero shows on the CW network than with Matt Czuchry takes the Malmberg), who disappeared for more than other Syfy original shows. It imagines the lead in the medical drama a quarter-century and then returned, appar- technologically-advanced alien civilization The Resident as Conrad Haw- ently to blackmail Linn Magnussun (Helena with a production design that suggests a kins, the maverick outspoken senior resident Bergström), the CEO of a powerful mining low-budget Blade Runner and presents a intern in a private hospital in Atlanta, while company accused of malfeasance in its Afri- corrupt, dictatorial theocracy that uses the Manish Dayal is Devon, the first year intern can operations. Other continuing characters military to keep the poor in perpetual pov- he’s assigned in the show’s opening episode. include a prostitute and her adolescent son; erty. The first season follows the conflicts, Devon is smart, driven, and talented, and the woman’s pimp, an old snitch for Stilton; conspiracies, and power struggles between Conrad gives him a crash course in the re- Stilton’s various homeless comrades; and a the clans and classes while also introducing ality of modern medicine that collides with bevy of current cops, at least one of which is elements familiar to the Superman legacy, his idealism—from budget constraints, to corrupt. The narrative is predictably convolut- from the Fortress of Solitude to the treason- bureaucracy, to the ego of Dr. Soloman Bell ed, but all of the plot threads are tied together ous General Zod. Presenting all 10 episodes (Bruce Greenwood), the chief of surgery, by the close, with a sudden twist revelation. from the 2018 debut season, extras include who is covering up his increasingly frequent Although it often strains credulity, Spring behind-the-scene featurettes, a 2017 Com- surgical mistakes. Conrad, however, has a Tide remains intriguing enough to hold one’s ic-Con panel, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. habit of playing God and it is up to Nicolette interest. Compiling all 10 episodes from 2016, A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) (Emily VanCamp), a gifted nurse practitioner this is a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 42 MAY/JUNE 2019 Video Reviews

and Newbery, Caldecott, and Coretta Scott audience. Also featuring a read-along option Ordering information for the titles reviewed in King honors—captures the atmosphere and and a bonus behind-the-scenes featurette feelings tied to a trip to the barber shop. The with Stine and Brown, this is recommended. this section can be found in the “Distributor realistic oil paintings and soundtrack that Aud: E, P. (J. Williams-Wood) Addresses” listings at the back of the magazine. skips between blues, jazz, and hip-hop add to the flavor of Crown, which is rhythmical- Sea Bones HH HHHH= Excellent ly-spoken and includes descriptive passages (2018) 9 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide included). such as “You came in as a lump of clay…a . PPR. Closed captioned. HHH= Good blank canvas” and “You’ll have more waves ISBN: 978-1-33828-485-0. HH= Fair on your head than the Atlantic Ocean.” On This animated adaptation of author and the other hand, some of the passages were illustrator Bob Barner’s 2018 picture book H= Poor odd, related to getting better grades from features non-scale drawings of various ocean PPR = Public Performance Rights teachers because of a hairstyle or “being creatures in bright colors, with a loud and viewed in your mother’s eyes as someone cheerful (albeit somewhat intrusive) theme DRA = Digital Rights Available that matters” due to a fresh cut (good gawd, song sung by narrator Crystal Taliefero of the if your own Mama can’t love you beyond Billy Joel Band. After some whimsical rhym- Aud = Audience your hair, who can?). Overall, however, this ing about organisms that “have bones like K = Preschool-Kindergarten is a fine ode to a rite of passage. Featuring a you and me,” Sea Bones gets down to business read-along option, this is recommended. Aud: with facts and diagrams concerning jellyfish, E = Elementary (grades 1-3) P. ( J. Williams-Wood) lobster, coral reef, seals, and blue whales. The I = Intermediate (grades 4-6) importance placed on exo and endo skeletons Mary McScary HHH seems to be the apparent point, but overall J = Jr. High (grades 7-8) (2018) 8 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide included). this short is not as informative or interesting H = High School (grades 9-12) Weston Woods Studios. PPR. Closed captioned. as the much better adaptations of Barner’s ISBN: 978-1-33828-471-3. books Dem Bones(VL-5/04) and Dinosaur C = Colleges & Universities Joining forces again following their 2015 Bones (VL-5/07). Featuring a read-along op- collaboration on The Little Shop of Monsters, tion, this is an optional purchase. Aud: K, E, P = Public Libraries Goosebumps author R.L. Stine and Arthur P. ( J. Williams-Wood) illustrator Marc Brown are back with this animated adaptation of their 2017 picture She Persisted HHH1/2 book, narrated by Emily Eiden. Antagonistic (2018) 12 min. DVD: $59.95 (study guide CHILDREN’S Mary McScary “scares” her parents and oth- included). Weston Woods Studios. PPR. Closed ers—including inanimate objects, such as a captioned. ISBN: 978-1-33833-526-2. balloon—with mean looks and pranks, but An animated adaptation of former First Breathe with Me HHH she worries about being at the top of her game Daughter and author Chelsea Clinton and (2019) 16 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. because she never seems to faze her cousin illustrator Alexandra Boiger’s 2017 picture PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-97492-606-0. Harry. He’s actually a very genial foil for the book, She Persisted provides a concise look at This iconographic-animated adaptation pesky protagonist: every lame trick she poses, 13 women who made iconic contributions of the 2018 picture book written by Harvard he responds in the most chill of manners, in their fields. Major figures such as Harriet University alum Mariam Gates and illustrated even ending up cuddling with a supposedly Tubman, Helen Keller, Sally Ride, and Oprah by Sarah Jane Hinder features vignettes of vicious hippopotamus. Mary wracks her brain are mentioned, but fresh light is also shed a wide-eyed curly-haired protagonist who to find a way to get to Harry, resulting in a on lesser-known women, including garment demonstrates different methods of using goofy climax that is well-suited to the target factory organizer and activist Clara Lemlich, breathing exercises in daily life, which carry benefits for relaxation, nerves, morning energizing, and rest at night. Punctuated by Malala HHH some sound effects and facts (“You will breath (2019) 20 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. PPR. Closed captioned. 25,000 times today!”), the 11 exercises—in- ISBN: 978-1-97492-587-2. cluding “dandelion,” “rainbow,” “belly,” and This iconographic-animated adaptation of Raphaële Frier’s 2017 “balloon”—are shown through repetition, picture book tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest re- although the format is somewhat rudimen- cipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, who at age 17 earned the award tary. Overall, however, this is well-suited for her role as an author, creator of an education foundation, and for younger viewers. Narrated by Laura activist for the education rights of youngsters. Born in Mingora, Knight Keating and featuring a read-along Pakistan, in 1997, young Malala soon recognized that under option, this is recommended. Aud: K, E, P. Taliban rule women were treated differently than men. At age 11, (J. Williams-Wood) she began speaking out about the fact that girls were not allowed to attend school. Eventually, the Taliban closed all schools, eliciting more outrage from Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut HHH Malala. Slight animation (waving arms, blinking eyes, rolling bus wheels) of Aurélia (2018) 12 min. DVD: $38.99. Dreamscape Media. Fronty’s colorfully expressive illustrations help viewers grasp Malala’s activism, cour- PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1-97492-119-5. age, and dedication, while Caroline H. McLaughlin’s smooth narration of the text is Offering a refreshingly unique take on comforting (an assassination attempt on Yousafzai and family death threats are han- a slice-of-life for young men of color, this dled sensitively). Background sound effects and soothing piano and violin music add iconographic-animated adaptation of writer atmosphere to this profile that ends with a recap of Malala’s achievements, complete Derrick Barnes and illustrator Gordon C. with a photograph of the young hero and information on how youngsters can search James’s 2017 picture book is narrated by the Internet to find out more about her life and continuing mission. Also featuring a Adam Lazarre-White. The book—a winner of read-along option, this is recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (S. Beauregard) numerous awards including the Kirkus Prize

MAY/JUNE 2019 43 VIDEO LIBRARIAN anesthesiologist and baby advocate Virginia Terranova’s film uses cinematic devices to Apgar, bus boycott poster girl Claudette Col- RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY italicize many of Haraway’s idiosyncratic vin, and space travel contributor Margaret emphases (a giant jellyfish superimposed Chase Smith. Featuring music by Michael behind Haraway moves languidly across the Bacon and narration by Nikki M. James, this Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly room at one point). Haraway proves an ebul- short film offering glimpses into the stories Survival HHH lient, engaging personality, and Terranova of fine American heroes should whet young (2017) 81 min. DVD: $29.98 ($348 w/PPR has fashioned a film that is remarkably viewers’ appetites for more information. from www.icarusfilms.com). Icarus Films Home successful in reflecting the uniquely sup- Also including a read-along option, and an Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed ple views of this important postmodernist interview with Clinton (who shares family captioned. thinker. Extras include a Skype Q&A with photos and talks about her inspiration and Ideas espoused by Donna Haraway, UC Haraway and her filmed introduction to a personal connections to the featured wom- Santa Cruz Feminist Studies professor, London screening. Recommended. Aud: C, en), this is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, have had wide-ranging influence, but are P. (F. Swietek) P. ( J. Williams-Wood) impossible to categorize or pigeonhole easily. Although she has been described Mantra: Sounds Into Silence HHH as an ecofeminist, her preference for call- (2017) 85 min. DVD: $29.95 ($349 w/PPR from PSYCHOLOGY & SELF-HELP ing the epoch we live in Chthulucene (as www.kinolorberedu.com). DRA. Kino Lorber (avail. opposed to the alternatives Anthropocene from most distributors). Closed captioned. and Capitalocene) points toward an overar- A mantra is a word or phrase to help a ching view of the interconnectivity among meditator focus, cutting through the noise The War in Between HHH species and genders that radically alters and chaos in one’s head. In this lovely (2019) 66 min. DVD: $129: public libraries; our understanding of the natural world documentary, viewers are introduced to $295 w/PPR: colleges & universities. Seventh Art and creativity. While her writing is often another level of mantra magic: bringing Releasing. dense and allusive, it is also frequently music and singing to the practice, especially The “Wolves and Warriors” program playful. Filmmaker Fabrizio Terranova’s in a communal setting. A team of excellent brings military veterans together with documentary on Haraway is equally mul- cinematographers work with filmmaker wolves that have been rescued from har- tifaceted, largely consisting of Haraway Georgia Wyss to capture this melding of rowing situations. It’s hard not to see the speaking directly to the camera about music and mantra in India, Japan, Russia, parallels between the two populations. concepts she has enunciated in works that and the U.S. Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Matt Simmons, a Gulf War veteran, and have been widely praised (and criticized), less traditional faiths are represented here, Dr. Lorin Lindner, a clinical psychologist, but she also talks about other things: her and a number of chanters/singers and founded the Lockwood Animal Rescue Catholic upbringing, unusual domestic instrumentalists—including Krishna Das, Center in California, starting with an history, and companionship with a be- Jai Uttal, MC Yogi, and Mirabai Ceiba—are abused wolf named Wylie, who inspired loved dog—while also suggesting relevant heard in concert performances that prove them to dedicate a sanctuary to wolves connections. Opening with a humorous to be both mesmerizing and joyful. Extras (instead of horses, their original intention). anecdote on the history of orthodontics include “making-of” featurettes and addi- Although they receive many inquiries, the and closing with Haraway reading a sci-fi tional scenes. Recommended. Aud: C, P. pair only have funding for two to three story that she interprets philosophically, (T. Keogh) workers at a time. These prospects spend the day doing chores around the ranch, which also houses pigs and parrots, before sitting down with Matt for an interview. The Gospel of Eureka HHH Matt tells Juan Francisco Mosquera, an Af- (2018) 73 min. DVD: $29.95 ($349 w/PPR from www.kinolorberedu. ghanistan veteran of Ecuadorean descent, com). DRA. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. that the program taught him patience and Eureka Springs, AR, was just waiting for someone to show up acceptance. Lindner notes that the presence with a camera and make a film about its quirky juxtaposition of animals reduces blood pressure, heart of a large LGBTQ population and an equally sizable evangelical rate, and stress levels. Since the wolves are Christian community, capped by a garish (and daily) outdoor used to human contact, they welcome the stage production of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. attention, although workers must still take Does that sound like the making of a small town culture war? necessary precautions. Lindner believes that Yes it does, but that’s not quite what happens. With locals soon the relationships the men form with the heading toward the polls to vote on a referendum that would wolves can help in their human relations. banish all discrimination against LGBTQ people in the town, there is much discussion Juan joins Jim Minick, an Iraq War veteran, going on, but it’s not as divided as one might think. There are plenty of Christians in in caring for the wolves. The latter entered the LGBTQ community, including at a gay nightclub, where transvestite entertainers the Navy in the wake of 9/11, motivated by thump the Bible at the same time they’re singing ribald songs. Similarly, some of the revenge. But after three deployments, he devout people of faith we meet, including the proprietor of that year-round Passion developed a drinking problem. Juan, who Play, may hate the alleged sin of homosexuality but not the sinners. As such, they won’t served as an Army sniper, laments that he let their divine, open-to-all churches and faith-based businesses be told what to do by never found his place in society, either be- anybody who would codify blatant discrimination into law. It’s interesting and even fore the military or after. Director Riccardo heartening to see these nuances at a time of rampant camp warfare in America. At Ferraris doesn’t provide an epilogue to their the center of filmmakers Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher’s documentary are Lee stories, but it’s clear that Juan and Jim have and Walter, the married gay couple who own that nightclub (referred to as a “hillbilly benefited greatly from their time with the Studio 54”). Their three-decade history and in-the-moment narrative adds emotion wolves. An engaging film about an interest- and poignancy to the film. Extras include deleted scenes and a booklet with an essay ing form of therapy, this is recommended. by film critic Caden Mark Gardner. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 44 MAY/JUNE 2019 YOURYOUR ADVENTUREADVENTURE STARTSSTARTS HERE!HERE! A delightfully silly superhero tale about the power of books! Releases May 7, 2019

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Meet Llama. He has most A bilingual story about the How did Central Park Experience mindfulness definitely driven a bus, and farm maiden and her cadre become a vibrant gem in through beautiful he loves tacos much more of animals who crafted a the heart of New York City? illustrations and poetry. than you. festive piñata. Releases May 17, 2019 Releases June 18, 2019 Releases May 7, 2019 Releases June 11, 2019

Learn more at Library digital available on Sacred HHH “Acts of the Apostles,” director David Batty’s that he has been hired to paint. Both Ahmed (2016) 90 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS narrative drama focuses on a key chapter and Myeong are apprehended during a sur- Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0221-2. in Paul the Apostle’s (played by Aki Avni) prise immigration raid at a garment factory The human family is not only diverse, but missionary work, set 18 years after his storied where Myeong works and Ahmed is making also marked by striking similarities. This PBS- conversion to Christianity. The film begins a food delivery. The drama skips around to aired documentary directed by Oscar-winner with that pivotal experience when Paul show the experiences of the three main char- Thomas Lennon marks a worldwide collab- sees the risen Jesus, a scene nicely crafted acters and reveal how each delays or avoids oration that combines the efforts of 40 film- as jumbled fragments of visions. Jumping deportation through various legal channels. makers to present an impressionistic picture well ahead in time to a middle-aged Paul’s Manny follows his mother’s directives that showing the worlds of Islam, Judaism, Bud- ministry, viewers see him in a desert, di- if arrested, he has the right to remain silent, dhism, Hinduism, and Native American life. verted from his next preaching destination should seek legal counsel, and refrain from Beginning at the moment of birth, the film because of a dream imploring him to head signing deportation documents. Because My- proceeds to coming-of-age ceremonies and toward Philippi, in Macedonia. Once there, eong cares for a granddaughter with autism, celebrations, adolescence, and up through old he finds a number of people who, despite she is eventually released on the stipulation age, terminal illness, and death, before finally Roman occupation, are ready to be baptized. that she wear an uncomfortable ankle mon- coming full circle back at a maternity hospi- Many more events described in “Acts” are itor. And while in detention, Manny steers tal. Spiritual journeys abound throughout, well dramatized here, including a scene fea- Ahmed to an immigration attorney. Based on including a pilgrimage to Mecca, a bizarre turing a demonically possessed soothsayer actual testimonies and experiences, writer-di- mock crucifixion, and numerous challenges girl and one capturing the famous collapse rector Anike Tourse’s credible short drama (refugee camps, terrorist bombings, Ebola), of the walls of Philippi’s prison, where Paul successfully explores some of the complex plus hopeful milestones, such as weddings was jailed. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) issues regarding the constitutional rights of and starting a family. Underlying much of immigrants. Featuring closed captioning in this odyssey are questions such as what and Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Haitian-Creole, where is God, and how do we reach Him? One SOCIAL & POLITICAL ISSUES Vietnamese, and Brazilian-Portuguese—en- person notes that “God wants conversation,” suring accessibility for a wide audience—this which is most often engaged through prayer. is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Beauregard) The documentary makes no effort to provide America; I Too HHH equal time for all faiths and cultures, and (2017) 20 min. DVD: $50: high schools & public Between the Shades HHH fortunately leaves politics out of the picture libraries; $125: colleges & universities. DRA. New (2019) 82 min. DVD: $59.99 ($50 w/PPR from entirely. The message subtly advanced here Day Films. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1- edu.passionriver.com). Passion River (avail. from is one of hope, and an unspoken plea for 57448-167-9. most distributors). understanding. Serving up a beautifully Featuring Academy Award nominee You know how some politicians will photographed parade of images capturing Barkhad Abdi playing an undocumented do anything to prevent LGBTQ people sacred rites and rituals and the endless variety Somalian, this short dramatization con- from attaining what straights already have of world cultures, this is recommended. Aud: centrates on three illegal immigrants, all of (equal rights, marriage equality, no govern- C, P. (S. Rees) whom are arrested and detained in the same ment-sanctioned discrimination)—until facility. In addition to Abdi portraying pizza suddenly “evolving” on the issue because To the Ends of the Earth HHH deliverer Ahmed, Jose Diaz costars as 18-year- their son or daughter is gay? The documen- (2018) 39 min. DVD: $14.99. DRA. Vision Video old Manny and Linda Yim takes on the role tary Between the Shades is intended to awaken (avail. from most distributors). of Korean immigrant Myeong. Manny is that same evolution of consciousness in Drawn largely from the New Testament’s arrested while working on an outdoor mural everyone—including those without a family member to protect. Filmmaker Jill Salvino, inspired by conversations with friends about Among Wolves HHH enormous diversity among LGBTQ individ- (2019) 95 min. In Bosnian w/English subtitles. DVD: $24.99. Music Video uals in terms of life histories, personalities, Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. dreams, relationship status, etc., decided A documentary about a motorcycle gang made up in part of to interview a host of interesting people to grizzled Bosnian war veterans may sound like the recipe for a show just how multi-hued that rainbow of bumpy ride, but director Shawn Convey’s surprising film about possibilities can be. Salvino’s approach isn’t the Wolves Moto Club—based in the small town of Livno, in scientific: most of her subjects come from Bosnia and Herzegovina—is a touching story of pursuing a the arts world (so not a broad sampling higher calling after surviving destruction and death. The Wolves’ in that respect), while a few practice law, leader, “Lija” Lijovic, is the former head of paramilitary groups business, or other pursuits. What matters that fought in the 1990s war following the collapse of Yugoslavia. Lijovic is a tough is that Salvino—literally casting everyone bird—at one point we see him running a Wolves meeting and calling out members in flattering light and filming them against who are making things hard on everybody by speeding through town. But the Wolves a neutral, studio-like backdrop—coaxes a aren’t a blot on the economically distressed region; on the contrary, they spend their common denominator of humanity from a time in charitable pursuits: launching blood drives, delivering medical gear to schools, wide spectrum of men and women in many and fixing electrical issues for some nuns. Their volunteerism is inspiring, presenting forms, shapes, ages, colors, dress, class, edu- a different picture than most films about veterans of pitiless wars. Most touching are cation, and relationship preferences. While dreamy scenes of wild horses romping and grazing on what was once a deadly battlefield the parade of talking heads (over 50) becomes full of mines and blood-soaked mud. Lijovic and the other Wolves have made it their monotonous at times (the film never ventures mission to care for these creatures. Watching Lijovic commune with the unrestrained beyond that safe space for conversations), horses on a misty hill covered in green is a testament to the healing powers of time Salvino’s well-intentioned documentary and purpose. Extras include an audio commentary by the director. Recommended. makes a solid argument for understanding Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) and acceptance. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 46 MAY/JUNE 2019 Black Memorabilia HHH (2019) 60 min. DVD: $25: individuals; $195: The Facebook Dilemma HHH institutions. C-LineFilms. PPR. (2018) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH Chico Colvard’s film is a self-described captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0637-1. hybrid that blends straightforward docu- While at Harvard, Mark Zuckerberg conceived the idea for mentary footage with some staged material Facebook, with the aim of using Internet technology to make and prepared dialogue to present an overall the world more “open and connected.” The young company view of the import and enduring popularity also posted a slogan at their headquarters: “move fast and break of objects that relate to the era of slavery things,” which some critics read as Facebook’s admission that and racial stereotyping in America. Black they were unconcerned about the impact of their actions. Hosted Memorabilia touches on three aspects of and directed by James Jacoby, this PBS-aired Frontline documen- the subject—manufacture, collection, and tary looks at Facebook’s first 15 years. Hopeful and optimistic, reclamation. The first involves both histor- Facebook’s goal was to be a power for good, “rewiring the world from the ground up.” ical artifacts and newly-created objects, but Their success was immediate, thanks to meteoric growth. One of the first examples of much of the segment is devoted to a female real-world consequences was during the Arab Spring in 2011. But while the site could ironworker in a remote Chinese village whose connect people and serve democratic change, it also allowed bad actors to spread ru- family produces hundreds of what are called mors, lies, and hate speech. Facebook sought ways to monetize the site, using features “jolly [n-word] banks” for sale worldwide; like News Feed and a “like” button. But the business was hampered by understaffing, she eventually becomes aware of how her which didn’t keep up with growth, as well as a complacent, even arrogant belief that work might add to racial strife. The second they were the good guys—part of the solution, not the problem. Initially, users didn’t focuses on a woman with a private collection realize how their personal data was being shared and their privacy compromised, and of racially-themed objects that she exhibits as politics became more tribal, conspiracy opportunists misled users with fake news. and trades at craft fairs; she is aware of their Even worse, hyper-partisans in countries like Myanmar used Facebook to foment hate controversial nature but insists she is not and genocide, while Russian trolls fanned discontent in the and disrupted motivated by bigotry but rather respect for America’s 2016 election. Zuckerberg pledged to do better, but changes to its business the past. Finally, Colvard, a professor at the model were slow in coming. Is this a case of idealism gone wrong, and/or a company Massachusetts College of Art and Design, having too much power? Featuring testimony from congressional critics, tech gurus, turns to contemporary black artists who are and select Facebook officials, this is a still unfolding but compelling look at Facebook’s reclaiming the stereotypes in their own work, dilemma. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees) thereby taking their power away from those who have used them for odious ends. One might find the employment of fiction-based ecutives. The questions are whether powerful through a project called Housing First (and he devices troubling, especially in the Chinese companies should be permitted to outsource appears determined to turn his life around). section, but overall Black Memorabilia pres- their responsibility to police material that can While one can appreciate the motivation ents a thoughtful treatment of the role such incite ethnic violence against minorities or behind Killian-Moore’s effort—a closing bow items have played—and continue to play—in pervert democratic processes, and if broader to Dorothy Day and her work helping those American culture. Recommended. Aud: C, P. governmental intervention is called for. The affected by the Great Depression makes his (F. Swietek) Cleaners offers no easy answers—indeed, the empathy for the less fortunate quite clear— film suggests there might be none—but it the film itself suffers from being repetitive The Cleaners HHH does a useful service in addressing the extent and unmodulated. Optional. Aud: C, P. (2018) 95 min. DVD: $295. DRA. Film Platform of the problem. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) (avail. from www.filmplatform.net). PPR. (F. Swietek) With the rising proliferation of false, in- G Is for Gun: The Arming of Teachers in flammatory, and pornographic material in Desolation Slow HH America HHH social media postings, this disturbing doc- (2018) 62 min. DVD: $200. Allen Killian-Moore. (2017) 27 min. DVD: $225. Bullfrog Films. PPR. umentary by filmmakers Moritz Riesewieck PPR. SDH captioned. ISBN: 1-948745-08-9. and Hans Block raises the pressing question of Allen Killian-Moore’s film about alienation The job of being a teacher in America is whether the poisonous effect can be removed and homelessness in America is partially hard enough thanks to insufficient resources, or at least mitigated, and if so who should presented as a documentary focusing on low pay that doesn’t reflect the long hours, lead that effort. The film takes us to Manila, Joe Ortega, who talks at length about his and other challenges, but now some are also where Filipino workers are engaged (through unhappy life, but also as a visual tone poem. expected to serve as the first line of defense intermediary firms) by such Internet giants Killian-Moore, a video artist and writer whose against active shooters. Co-directors Kate as Facebook and Google to scan submissions work has been featured in a variety of galler- Way and Julie Akeret look at the movement to their sites and “ignore” or “delete” them ies in the Midwest, constructs a montage of to arm teachers, focusing on the unassuming according to self-imposed rules regarding grainy black-and-white footage shot in Salt town of Sidney, OH. In the wake of the 2012 content. These workers, most from poor Lake City and rural Utah, mostly showing Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, CT, teach- backgrounds, endure a daily diet of ques- decaying structures, people walking about ers in seven area schools have acquired access tionable postings and must make split-second aimlessly, and vacant vistas, together with to guns. To proponents, including school decisions about whether or not to allow snatches of dialogue from unidentified souls administrators and firearms instructors, it them, often prompted not just by company drawn from Internet archives. But Desolation only makes sense, but to opponents, such policy but also by personal beliefs, such as Slow also adds periodic chunks of interview as academics who have studied the issue, their Catholic faith. The pernicious effect footage with Ortega, who speaks about his it’s a short-sighted solution that could cause on these “cleaners” is one of the film’s major brutal childhood, bouts with drugs and al- more harm than good. As physical education concerns—one worker committed suicide cohol, and life on the streets. The film closes teacher Lori Hedberg notes, her school has after constantly watching grisly videos—but with the revelation that Ortega has joined the firearms, but lacks air conditioning. Others, larger geopolitical issues are also addressed, 5% of the state’s homeless population who like social studies teacher Wade New, are more often through interviews with former tech ex- have been provided a permanent residence enthusiastic about the program, although

MAY/JUNE 2019 47 VIDEO LIBRARIAN the police chief is skeptical due to the risk of and drug use, will save taxpayers millions of in order to cover their exorbitant tuition and confusion during active shooter situations dollars. The Invisible Heart takes a hard look at housing costs (one also claims that she is involving several participants (if the margin how SIBs operate in the real world of housing unable to transfer her NYU credits to another for error is high for trained police officers, for at-risk populations, widespread drug use, school where tuition is considerably lower). teachers seem even more likely to make lethal low-performance classrooms, overcrowded Anyone who is even vaguely familiar with mistakes). Randolph Roth, a professor of his- prisons, and more. The evidence of real prog- Greenwich Village’s history will surely be tory at State University, adds that most ress is mixed, but Canadian filmmaker Na- depressed by the litany of drastic changes school shooters are suicidal and depressed, dine Pequeneza wisely turns her attention to forced on this once-vibrant community. so armed teachers are unlikely to serve as a big ethical questions. Should the public throw But Paradiso’s focus is somewhat unwieldly, deterrent. And other speakers, such as author in the towel on addressing problems through spreading a broad brush over too many Katherine Newman (Rampage: The Social Roots government, and instead privatize solutions? perceived injustices (despite the filmmaker’s of School Shootings), would like to see a greater Can capitalism and the public good be insistence, NYU is not responsible for all of value placed on prevention. This short doc- partners? In an era when extreme income the neighborhood’s ills, and landlords have a umentary focuses on a specific community, inequality has become sharply contentious, right to charge whatever they want for rent). but the multiplicity of voices (including Scott will voters support SIB investors who profit Still, this should be considered a strong op- Jackson, a member of the Sandy Hook Advi- from human crises? This thought-provoking tional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) sory Committee), gives this timely issue the film is sure to spark discussion on the pluses wider attention it deserves. Recommended. and minuses of SIBs. Highly recommended. Northwest: Coast Salish HHH1/2 Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) (2018) 57 min. DVD: $29.95 ($225 w/PPR). Vision Maker Media. Closed captioned. The Invisible Heart HHH1/2 The Lost Village HH1/2 In 1989, the state of Washington celebrated (2018) 80 min. DVD: $29.99: individuals; $325: (2018) 90 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features its centennial anniversary. Elders from the institutions. DRA. Outcast Films. PPR. Closed (avail. from most distributors). Coast Salish tribes of indigenous peoples, captioned. Filmmaker Roger Paradiso’s documen- specifically those in Western Washington’s Does private sector investment help solve tary shines a harsh light on the changing Puget Sound region and the Olympic Pen- society’s ills, or just make things much personality of New York City’s Greenwich insula, decided to fete their own place in worse? That is the question at the center of Village. Once a hub of eccentric culture history. A “Paddle to Seattle” was organized this documentary focusing on social impact with bohemian boutiques, off-beat book around 12 tribes who would travel by canoes bonds (SIBs), which often relies on Sir Ron- stores, performance venues for iconoclastic through natural waterways in the state’s up- ald Cohen (a former refugee turned venture talents, and low-rent apartments that housed per left corner, just as their ancestors plied capitalist turned impact investor) to help put struggling artists, today’s Greenwich Village those same waters for food and trade over the concept into accessible context. An SIB is is pockmarked with empty stores created by the centuries. That 1989 lengthy journey an investment of capital into one or another landlords who jacked up rents. Instead of south has been held annually ever since segment of society struggling with chronic mom-and-pop shops, the neighborhood now (now going all the way to Olympia), with failure (public schools, prisons). If certain features a proliferation of bank branches and the numbers of participating tribes from all markers of progress are achieved by specific franchises from national retailers. Paradiso across Washington expanding, comprising deadlines, investors earn dividends that are is particularly angry at the encroachment an impressive, boisterous fleet. Writer-direc- paid for by appropriate levels of government of New York University (NYU) into the local tor Charles “Boots” Kennedye’s Northwest: (city, county, state, etc.). The latter can afford real estate market and the financial toll on Coast Salish is an episode in the four-part this, in theory, because measurable progress students. According to this film, some NYU documentary series Growing Native, which in education, as well as reduction of crime students resort to taking jobs as sex workers focuses on the resurgence of Native Amer- ican interest and pride in tribal traditions, language, and education taking place all Hillbilly HHH over North America. Often suppressed and (2019) 85 min. DVD: $24.95 ($299 w/PPR from edu.passionriver.com). buried for generations by white authorities, Passion River (avail. from most distributors). as host Chris Eyre recounts, these cultural Ever wonder what happened to that weird, banjo-playing, identity markers are now striking chords inbred-looking kid from the 1972 movie Deliverance? His name with a younger generation, as well as older is Billy Redden, and he is now in his 60s. Redden appears in this people who are rediscovering their skills and powerful, thought-provoking documentary, working at his job of voices. Here, Eyre travels around the Tulalip pushing carts in the parking lot of a Kentucky-based Walmart. Tribes reservation, among other places, dis- Speaking to the camera, he says he dreams of getting to Los covering the work of artists and craftspeople Angeles one day to resume acting. This scene is one of many grounded in Native American histories, as unexpected yet also illuminating moments in Hillbilly, which well as schools that emphasize language and dramatically puts human faces on the people of Appalachia, who have long been ste- culture, and food producers who are canning reotyped as backwoods yokels and political pawns. The film’s co-director, Ashley York salmon and cooking camas bulbs in a pit (collaborating with Sally Rubin), returned to her Kentucky home in 2016 following with smoldering leaves. A fine celebratory the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. York wanted to see what made look at Native American culture in Western so many people in Appalachia, including her grandmother and other family mem- Washington, this is highly recommended. bers, vote for a candidate with so much ethical baggage and policy proposals (such as Aud: H, C, P. (T. Keogh) eradicating Obamacare) that could actually harm the region’s economically struggling families. Her dialogues with relatives are kind and loving (some of them, such as her Olancho HHH father, are fervently anti-Trump). But the bulk of Hillbilly serves up a composite of pop (2018) 70 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features culture renderings of coal-country people as being easily dismissed hicks. As Hillbilly (avail. from most distributors). reminds us, they were waiting for a leader who at least claimed to remember and care “Olancho” refers to a region of Honduras about them. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) that is riddled by the kind of violence rarely seen outside of a war zone. Los Plebes de

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 48 MAY/JUNE 2019 gram for youth aged 16-24 who have dropped out of school. Victor Rios, a member of a gang Jihadists HHH during his teens, once walked in their shoes, (2019) 75 min. In French, English, Arabic & Bambara w/English subtitles. growing up poor in West Oakland, becoming DVD: $19.99. Cinema Libre Studio (avail. from most distributors). a car thief, and racking up three felony con- Co-directors Lemine Ould M. Salem and François Margolin’s victions. His mother, who had a third grade documentary goes into the belly of the beast in the modern education, struggled to provide for him and radical Islamic state, filming in Mali, Tunisia, Iraq, and Afghan- his brother. Director Katie Galloway incorpo- istan, where viewers see and hear directly from tedious, armed rates footage of Rios from the 1994 Frontline fanatics enforcing Shariah law, fighting under the flag of ISIS, or documentary School Colors (VL-5/95). With carrying out acts of terrorism in Western cities. The initial shock the help of mentor Martin Flores, Rios gave of this footage—shot professionally as a series of glossy interviews school another chance, culminating in a PhD interspersed with grainy film of stonings (of adulterers), hand amputations (of thieves), in sociology and a tenured professorship at floggings (of anyone, for any reason), and random executions—quickly overwhelms. UC Santa Barbara. Although he’s built a good And this is not only because we’re witnessing a murderous pathology disguised as a life for himself, he also feels guilty that he religion, but also because the titular jihadists we meet are largely young and full hasn’t done more to help others. Flores, who of themselves. The cameras capture a lot of blather about why it’s necessary to tear grew up poor himself in East Los Angeles, bodies apart because someone got caught drinking an ounce of beer, or a guy and girl worries that the underprivileged youth of had a secret rendezvous. But also heard are familiar rationales for the destruction of the today face more significant challenges than World Trade Center and the Charlie Hebdo killings in Paris, and the film revisits an ISIS ever, so he reaches out to Rios for assistance. video of American journalist James Foley on his knees shortly before he was beheaded. Initially, Rios declines, but after consulting A deeply disturbing documentary (banned in France), Jihadists presents a close-up with his wife, Rebecca, a fellow professor, portrait of one of the world’s greatest menaces. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) he decides to participate in the summer program. Galloway focuses on four of their students: Dulce, 21; William, 19; Victoria, Olancho, a popular narcocorrido music out- ees—including teachers, police officers, 18; and Rynisha, 19. Rios encourages them fit, promote their shows by driving through and firefighters—were covered by defined to keep a journal, explaining that that’s how rural areas with a loudspeaker, announcing benefit pensions, secure in the knowledge he wrote his 2011 book Street Life. They also the details and communing with the citizens that money in retirement would compensate receive instruction in algebra and a form of they meet along the way. Early on in Chris for the less than great salaries they earned tightrope-walking designed to build confi- Valdés and Ted Griswold’s revealing, ten- while working. However, in recent decades, dence and trust. At the end of the summer, sion-filled documentary, they are preparing pensions have been replaced by 401K plans William and Dulce share journal entries that for a gig when two men get into a scuffle, and funding shortfalls have been worsened by investment bubbles and the 2007-09 stock indicate a willingness to move on from trau- resulting in the older man’s death (the show mas in their past. As Flores puts it, “education goes on anyway). Manuel, the front man, market meltdown. Martin Smith hosts this PBS-aired Frontline documentary on America’s is a way up and a way out.” An inspiring film, explains that it’s dangerous to play narco this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) ballads, but it pays better than manual pension crisis, focusing on Kentucky, which has one of the worst-funded plans in the labor. Manuel grew up on a farm without HHH electricity or running water, but he makes a country. Smith examines the role of state pen- Small People, Big Trees 1/2 sion boards and Wall Street as contributing (2018) 45 min. DVD: $350. DRA. Grasshopper better living than his father, who continues Film. PPR. to work the land. He’s also lucky to be alive, factors in the crisis. Perhaps lured by com- Russian filmmaker Vadim Vitovtsev trav- since the band’s previous front man met a placency and crippled by a lack of financial eled to the Central African Republic to shoot mysterious and violent end by way of vehic- skills in local government, public employees this documentary on Bayaka pygmies, a tribe ular homicide. Orlin, the youngest member have slowly become aware that their money struggling to keep its structure together in the (who looks considerably older than his 28 may not be there when they retire. Much face of outside cultural encroachment. At the years), tempts fate by playing private shows was invested in risky hedge funds, marked by film’s center is a family that works together for narcos (the directors blur out the faces high fees and little transparency. Belatedly, teachers and others have reacted with politi- and with its community in the gathering of and bleep the names of the cartel members food, captured in an extraordinary segment to whom he directs his songs in exchange for cal protests and rallies, pointing to promises made, but politicians and public officials cite in which tribal members scale a tree and cocaine, which he snorts enthusiastically). other state financial obligations and the need extract honeycombs while carefully keeping As a structuring device, Valdés and Griswold to maintain low taxes. Using horse racing as the unhappy bees at a distance with smoke. use a radio interview with Manuel, in which a metaphor, angry state workers claim they The segment was shot with cameras attached he discusses his reasons for relocating to the have been “betrayed by the state,” and politi- to the Bayaka climbers who ascend the tree United States. Although he finds his new life cians play a desperate catch-up race and blame without tools and carefully lower the honey- comparatively dull, he expresses gratitude game. Some 350,000 Kentucky employees are combs to the ground in a basket made from for the greater security, and holds out hope affected, and with $3 trillion dollars invested leaves and twigs (the view from the treetops that he can return to his homeland someday. nationwide in pension funds, this situation is stunning). But not everyone is eager to A powerful documentary (viewers should will potentially affect many more. Featuring maintain the ways of the past, and another be advised that the film features victims of interviews with state officials, employees, major element here involves a young Bayaka’s internecine violence in addition to livestock union representatives, and Wall Street inves- journey into a neighboring town, which ulti- slaughter), this is recommended. Aud: C, P. tors, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees) mately brings the music and protocol of the (K. Fennessy) wider world into this small, tradition-bound The Pushouts HHH society. The introduction of paper currency The Pension Gamble HHH (2018) 56 min. DVD: $129: high schools & public into the Bayaka world has also created a (2018) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS libraries; $349: colleges & universities. DRA. Good confusion among the elders, many of whom Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0883-2. Docs (avail. from www.gooddocs.net). PPR. are baffled by the value put on the small For many years, public service employ- The Pushouts centers on a Los Angeles pro- strips of colorful paper. A compelling and

MAY/JUNE 2019 49 VIDEO LIBRARIAN insightful look at the contemporary struggle be considered a strong optional purchase. between old and new African societies, this LANGUAGE ARTS Aud: J, H, C, P. (T. Root) is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)

Watched HHH American Sign Language Made Easy: LAW & CRIME (2017) 20 min. DVD: $75: public libraries; $175: colleges & universities. DRA. Collective Eye Films. ASL for Beginners—ABCs, Numbers & PPR. Closed captioned. Everyday Signs HH1/2 The If Project HHH Cognitive dissociation has been just one of (2018) 30 min. DVD: $34.99. DRA. TMW Media (2018) 88 min. DVD: $50 ($125 w/PPR): public the devastating effects on victims of an elab- Group. PPR. Closed captioned. libraries; $295 w/PPR: colleges & universities. DRA. orate police sting operation that took place Teaching American Sign Language for Collective Eye Films. Closed captioned. in New York City between 2011 and 2015. A beginners, this short film covers letters of Giving one’s life some narrative shape secret division of the New York Police Depart- the alphabet, numbers, colors, grammar, in the form of a written autobiographical ment, intent on rooting out material support fingerspelling, and a few common signs. Ex- story can reveal patterns and trajectories by local Muslims for terrorist groups or indi- pressive and enthusiastic instructor Clarissa that lead to the present moment. But what viduals, sent an undercover cop to Brooklyn Story strives to make learning sign language if that moment finds you in prison, apart College, where she infiltrated an on-campus fun, later working with a hearing-impaired from your children, home, and freedom? association of Muslim students. Filmmaker individual to demonstrate signing. Signs That’s the big question at the heart of The Katie Mitchell’s Watched is a startling docu- are only presented once using a mirror view If Project, a documentary about a writing mentary about that secret investigation and in which the instructor uses her left hand program for prisoners at the Washington its ramifications for the now-traumatized to illustrate the alphabet and numbers but Corrections Center for Women. Co-found- students who befriended and supported their encourages use of the dominant hand for ed by two women at opposite ends of the faux cohort for four years. Going by the name fingerspelling out words. While Clarissa criminal justice system—a Seattle police of “Mel,” the spy not only attended events, signs clearly, she also moves through signs officer named Kim Bogucki and third-time but socialized at the students’ homes, and fairly quickly, and the instruction does offender and former cop hater Renata even served as a bridesmaid for one of the not allow for repetition of the sign or any Abramson—the program is intended to women. Suspicions about Mel did grow as practice. She also illustrates how to use slow or even stop cycles of dysfunction she sometimes aggressively pushed people for facial expressions—especially moving the and lawlessness. The incarcerated women information about their beliefs and politics. eyebrows up or down—along with signs are asked, among other things, what one Now well past graduation, some of those to convey yes/no and “w” questions such message might someone have told you that students still feel vulnerable and targeted by as what, where, and who. And she covers would have kept you from committing a authorities. The former students interviewed common signs for “name,” “slow down,” crime? Answering that question on paper here generally agree that Mel’s infiltration, “hard of hearing,” “don’t understand,” and turns out to be a profound experience for which was eventually exposed, caused them more. When Clarissa practices signing with many of the women here, some sobbing to lose personal motivation toward career and a hearing-impaired individual, she signs in with self-awareness and deep regret. Further life goals that might have made them more full sentences, challenging the student to writing assignments focus on confessions, open members of society. An unsettling film interpret the signs. This would have been a or the joys of simple things that are missed. about brazen and unwarranted religion-based better film with more repetition and a slow- For Bogucki, the point of all this is to un- profiling and invasion of privacy, this is rec- er pace, and a short quiz at the end is good derstand better the forces that drive women ommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) but only tests a few signs. Still, this should onto a path that ends in imprisonment. For Abramson, the project—which is about a decade old now—has been transformative. Trump’s Showdown HHH Filmmaker Kathlyn Horan’s fly-on-the-wall, (2018) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH discreet presence with a camera captures captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0882-5. something rare here: the look and sound Head-spinning events during President Trump’s first two years of real vulnerability and courage in a world in office are at the center of this summary of a “White House at where survival is a challenge. Recommend- war” that was filmed before the midterm elections and resigna- ed. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) tion of Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Directed by Michael Kirk, this PBS-aired Frontline documentary examines Donald Trump’s ongoing battles with special counsel Robert Mueller, Sessions, NATURE, MATH & SCIENCE the intelligence community, and, some would say, truth itself. Trump proudly claims to be a counter-puncher, a trait he learned from lawyer Roy Cohn, who was once an adviser to Communist-baiting Senator Joe Looking for the Wild: Unai’s Journey McCarthy. The documentary notes that a lot of White House efforts involve keeping HHH1/2 the president “within the box,” controlling Trump’s temper and visceral reactions to (2016) 70 min. In English & Spanish w/English the sprawling investigations in the wake of concerns over Russia’s role in tampering subtitles. DVD: $39: public libraries; $79: high with the 2016 elections. Topics include the infamous dossier that helped kickstart schools; $129: colleges & universities. DRA. Green the Russia probe, the establishment of Mueller’s investigation, and Trump’s fury over Planet Films. PPR. SDH captioned. Session’s decision to recuse himself from oversight. As might be expected, questions Leaving his home in Spain, 10-year-old here are raised about Trump’s tweets, firings, demands for loyalty, and repeated claims Unai accompanies his wildlife photogra- of a witch hunt, as well as the role of the Fox TV opinion shows, and recent revela- pher father (along with his mother and tions about Trump’s one-time “fixer” Michael Cohen. In the end, the film notes that sister) on a journey to each continent to take Trump is intent on “becoming his own Roy Cohn,” vigorously defending himself pictures of seven representative animals from all critics. A solid time capsule look at Trump’s first two years in office, this is who have faced extinction or habitat de- recommended. Aud: C, P. (S. Rees) struction. Traveling for over a year, Andoni Canela (who also directs) and his son pursue

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 50 MAY/JUNE 2019 the sometimes elusive animals needed for photos for Canela’s book. Camping in the HHH1/2 deserts of Namibia and in nearby , Dynasties (2018) 250 min. DVD: 2 discs, $29.98; 4K/Blu-ray Combo: 4 discs, Unai and his father pursue elephants. In $49.99. BBC Worldwide Ltd. (avail. from most distributors). SDH North America, the pair visit the Badlands captioned. of South Dakota, Yellowstone, and Colora- Taking a different approach from their geographical- do to find bison. To photograph penguins, ly-themed Planet Earth and Blue Planet, this BBC series—once the family travels to an island off the coast again hosted by the avuncular Sir David Attenborough—fo- of Chile (Canela also captures pictures of cuses on dynastic families in the animal kingdom: chimps, gentoo penguins in Antarctica). In addi- lions, tigers, wild dogs, and the more oddball choice of em- tion, father and son photograph hornbills peror penguins. While viewers might be tempted to dismiss in Thailand and Laos, saltwater crocodiles the individually-named representatives as anthropomorphic in Australia, pumas in Chile, and Iberian critters created by editing, the excellent bonus behind-the-scenes documentary wolves in northern Spain. Narrating the makes clear that the BBC camera crews were aided by researchers who had spent film, Unai brings his unique perspective to upwards of a decade or more with these particular animals. “Chimpanzee” follows what he sees and learns on the journey (he an aging alpha male named David who struggles to maintain his leader status against also delights in alternating from English to younger rivals and suffers a devastating attack that places his role in jeopardy. Spanish as he describes their adventures). “Lion” centers on an incredible lioness named Charm who leads her pride and tries Even in the remotest places with makeshift to raise her offspring in the face of challenges that include male lions, unforgiv- living quarters, Unai expresses his love of ing climate changes, and humans who poison the animals to protect their cattle. nature, exploration, and ability to have fun Both “Painted Wolf” (wild dog) and “Tiger” feature combative mother-daughter with his sister. A published photographer, relationships that are as much driven by shrinking territories as by power grabs. Canela includes exceptional still photos of “Emperor” tells the least personal story (and most well-known for anyone who has each of the animals. The spectacular shots seen March of the Penguins), although like all of the other episodes, it too benefits of glaciers, sand dunes, snowy mountains, from truly spectacular cinematography. As the “making-of” extra documents, the rainforest foliage, and deserts convey the filmmaking crews experienced an emotional rollercoaster as some animals they wondrous and stark beauty of places all knew intimately were maimed or killed (although the policy is not to intervene, the over the globe, along with the message that filmmakers occasionally did just that—most touchingly when a group of penguins humankind should protect these animals were trapped with their chicks in an ice crevice and the team chipped out a path to and their natural surroundings. Highly safety). Another winning nature series from the BBC, this is highly recommended. recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Root) Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman) Minute Bodies: The Intimate World of F. Percy Smith HHH (2016) 53 min. DVD: $348. Icarus Films. PPR. Super Cats HHH1/2 World’s Fastest Animal HHH F. Percy Smith (1880-1945) was a pioneer (2018) 160 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR), (2018) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Blu-ray: $29.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0600-5. of nature documentary filmmaking, noted 978-1-5317-0861-0 (), 978-1-5317-0862-7 Peregrine falcons are the world’s fastest for his groundbreaking use of time-lapse (blu-ray). photography, underwater photography, and animals, and one of nature’s most successful Aired on PBS’s Nature series this three- microcinematography, in capturing the predators. With exceptional eyes (twice as part BBC documentary narrated by F. life cycles of plants and insects—shooting good as the hawk’s), sharp talons and beak, Murray Abraham is a feast for lovers of much of the footage on the grounds of his they can move three times faster than a wild felines, even as it studiously avoids suburban London home. Some of his short cheetah, reaching speeds up to 200 mph. showing extreme predator gore or troubling films made for the Secrets of Nature and Filmmaker Simon Baxter’s PBS-aired Nature Secrets of Life series have been previously mating/dying footage. The first two epi- documentary holds up the Peregrine falcon available, but Minute Bodies offers a compi- sodes, “Extreme Lives” and “Cats in Every as a testament to the survival of the fittest. lation of brief excerpts from Smith’s various Corner,” survey the worldwide range of wild Nearly wiped out by the DDT pesticide, the works—newly edited under the direction felines, from lions and tigers (lions actually bird can adapt to almost any environment, of Stuart Staples, lead singer of the British merit their regal reputation by surpassing and is found on every continent, except alt-rock band Tindersticks, into a luminous other big cats in intelligence tests) to the Antarctica. Surprisingly, they have made and almost hallucinatory series of eerily inevitably cute genus of “small wild cats.” a home in big cities, nesting in high rises, beautiful images, accompanied by a band The latter include the squirrel-size rusty where rising thermal air currents, 24-hour musical score (with guest artists) that pulses spotted cat and Africa’s black-footed cat—a lighting, and abundant prey such as pigeons with rhythm while also employing unusual tabby-like charmer whose unmatched suc- and sparrows provide for a good life. The instruments. The result naturally jettisons cess rate for catching small prey statistically falcon’s eyes take up to 50 percent of its skull, the instructional purpose behind Smith’s wins it the title of the deadliest of all the enabling it to detect targets at great distances, work—without narration or captions, it is species. The closing episode, “Science and while its strong bones and stiff tail aids in virtually impossible for anyone but experts Secrets,” addresses human-feline interac- navigation and the ability to survive hard to identify what is occurring in the cas- tions, such as conservation of endangered impacts (the bird generally avoids the ground cading snatches of film. ButMinute Bodies species (bringing back the Iberian lynx and must maneuver around the city’s many works on its own terms as a sort of cinemat- from the very edge of extinction, although obstacles). Trainers in rural Scotland help ic tone poem combining entrancing images there is no mention of the recent disappear- orphaned chicks prepare for life in the wild, and throbbing music. An obvious labor of ance of the Tasmanian tiger), while also where their astonishing capabilities—like a love for Staples, the film succeeds in putting looking at how wildlife cinematographers food pass among birds in mid-air, and the Smith’s still-amazing visuals to a new and captured the incredible high-tech footage “stoop” dive from great heights in which aesthetically effective use. Recommended. of the animals here. Highly recommended. falcons, wings folded against the body, free Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) Aud: H, C, P. (C. Cassady) fall to catch prey by surprise—enable them

MAY/JUNE 2019 51 VIDEO LIBRARIAN to thrive. The documentary also shows the guidance, it also serves as an apt reminder interested in protecting Monsanto’s profits trial and error process in which parents teach of how to recognize if you need help, while than promoting consumers’ right to know young and inexperienced chicks to hunt. encouraging viewers to find their passion and the facts is always an infuriating theme, but And the footage is spectacular, with drones live better. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, Giroux adds her strong voice to others who helping to provide a bird’s eye view of one of C, P. (J. Williams-Wood) are also fighting over this highly controversial the world’s greatest hunters. Recommended. issue. Extras include cooking videos featuring Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) recipes from the film. Recommended. Aud: FOOD & SPIRITS H, C, P. (T. Keogh) HEALTH & FITNESS Modified HHH SPORTS, GAMES & RECREATION (2017) 87 min. In English & French w/English Addiction HHH1/2 subtitles. DVD: $125: public libraries; $295: (2018) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS colleges & universities. DRA. Collective Eye Films. HHH PPR. Closed captioned. Family of Fear Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0815-3. (2018) 91 min. DVD: $39: public libraries; $79: Filmmaker Sarah Holt’s PBS-aired NOVA Award-winning food blogger and web high schools; $150: colleges & universities. DRA. documentary focuses on the opioid crisis that series cook Aube Giroux set out to make a Green Planet Films. PPR. SDH captioned. has destroyed countless lives in recent years. documentary about growing good organic There is a microgenre of behind-the-scenes The abuse of narcotics like heroin and fentan- food, a passion she shared with her late documentaries following obsessives of the yl and reckless overprescribing of OxyContin mother. The last thing Giroux wanted to macabre who spend much of the year staging and other drugs have impacted Americans do was dwell on thorny issues concerning “haunted attractions” that are targeted at the across all socioeconomic demographics. The genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and Halloween trade. Filmmaker Stephen Lackey’s film seeks insight from doctors, psycholo- the dominant role that they now play in our Family of Fear focuses on the players at Arx gists, and neuroscientists, who explain in food production. It is enough, she thought, Mortis, a nationally recognized, grassroots layperson’s terms how addictions can occur for people to take charge of their own food, haunted attraction maintained in a rambling and why it becomes very difficult to easily confidently choosing reliable sources for compound in Killen, AL. Amusing bookends break the destructive habits. Arguably, the health and happiness in the kitchen—just have a couple—who come off as the Siskel & most fascinating segment here shows scans as her mother did. But Giroux soon found Ebert of haunted houses—complaining that of what the human brain looks like when there was no way around a discussion of Arx Mortis disappointed them last October. a person is hooked on drugs. Addiction also GMOs and how most consumers reluctantly Lackey’s vérité lens follows the organizers as focuses on treatments for weaning a person buy biotechnology-tweaked food products. they try to get their scare game in better shape away from opioid self-abuse, and discusses Modified explores the ways in which farmers for a new season, welcoming fresh actors as the still-lingering stigma that burdens many are backed into growing and harvesting well as re-energizing longtime participants. addicts, who are often viewed as pariahs herbicide-resistant crops from GMO seeds A recurring theme here finds Arx Mortis or worse by the wider society (several for- and why organic farmers trying to grow food team members complaining of school-age mer addicts speak frankly and eloquently from heritage seeds are nevertheless finding bullying (especially those who are LGBT) and about the physical and emotional pain they GMO crops in their fields. The United States feeling like misfits in their community—so underwent). Narrated by Joe Morton, this and Canada do not require food labels to list putting on ghastly makeup and gory little compelling, disturbing, and timely look at a the presence of GMOs (64 other countries do). shows provides a bit of therapy and a lot of social disaster that shows no immediate signs The fact that American politicians are more fellowship and otherwise lacking camarade- of abating is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (P. Hall) Cuban Food Stories HHH (2018) 82 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features (avail. from most Overloaded: Ten Ways to Deal with distributors). Stress HHH1/2 Director Asori Soto, a Cuban native and founder of the Cuban (2018) 20 min. DVD: $149.95 (study guide Independent Film Movement, recalls the impact that the collapse included). Human Relations Media. PPR. Closed of the Soviet Union had on his island nation. Deliveries of food captioned. ISBN: 978-1-62706-096-7. and necessary goods slowed to a trickle, and Soto remembers “Change what you can, cope with what living on bread for a while as a child. But rebounded, and a you can’t” is the advice given in this self-help/ variety of dishes, from sea and land, can be found while touring self-awareness program aimed at alleviating the country—which is exactly what Soto does in this colorful stress. Two stylish hosts and teens documentary. Divided into nine chapters, Cuban Food Stories are joined by clinical psychology profession- introduces not only cuisines but also people whose lives and livelihoods are closely als including L. Kevin Chapman, Robin F. aligned with what’s on the menu. A former worker from a nuclear power plant project Goodman, and Peter Montminy, as the roots that was never completed now goes out to the sea every day to see what he can catch of physical, mental, and emotional strain for market. The owner of a Trinidad guest house for foreign travelers carries a deep are discussed. Noting that a good balance of sense of the unique cultural history of his community—not only regarding food but stress is important (too much is bad, too little even local door frames. A coffee farmer, living in the mountains where isn’t challenging and can cause lethargy), and his insurgents gathered during the revolution, takes pride in growing coffee beans the program breaks down 10 tips, including and teaching the tradition to his youngest son, who in turn wants to study agricultural being physically active to release endorphins, engineering. In what is arguably the most warmly human chapter, a mission-driven working out a better plan for sleep hygiene, chef who specializes in smoked meats feeds an outdoor festival crowd deep into the practicing good nutrition, avoiding drugs night from his plaza stand, withstanding everything from rain to an electrical outage. and alcohol, and engaging in relaxation Soto captures it all with an air of happy familiarity and an eye for those things that techniques such as meditation. Although the dramatically distinguish one city from another in what is a small but variegated nation. problem-solving methodology of Overloaded Extras include a mini-cookbook. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) includes a fair amount of common sense

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 52 MAY/JUNE 2019 Over the Limit HHH (2019) 77 min. In Russian w/English subtitles. DVD: $24.95. Film Movement (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. If you are not an Olympics-caliber, Russian rhythmic gymnast, consider yourself lucky. This brutal documentary serves up a horrifying revelation of the living hell that Russian athlete and gold medal winner Margarita Mamun endured while training and performing her way up the ladder of competitions leading to the 2016 Olympics. Directed by former rhythmic gymnast Marta Prus, who had intimate access to then 20-year-old Mamun’s tribulations and occasional sweet moments (briefly seeing her boyfriend; playing with pals at the beach), Over the Limit captures Mamun’s extraor- dinary talent and graceful movements as she dances with a hoop or long ribbon. But between those gymnastic treats, viewers witness the daily, vicious attacks that she absorbs from trainers, particularly one Irina Viner-Usmanova, a middle-aged, Cruella de Vil type with too much makeup, imposing hats, and a foul mouth who is seemingly dedicated to traumatizing and berating Mamun. All of this is happening while Mamun is nursing an injured foot and coping with her father’s losing battle with cancer. Prus chooses not to intentionally denounce Viner-Usmanova, but just lets her camera roll as the trainer strips Mamun of self-esteem, toward no constructive purpose. In the end, this is a disturbing film about a young woman’s inner resolve to save herself and triumph in the face of relentless adversity. Extras include Johnson Cheng’s 2017 short film “Iron Hands,” centering on a 12-year-old girl trying out for the traditionally all- male Chinese youth Olympics weightlifting team. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) rie. Occasionally repetitious in the telling, wins their competition and the other breaks this close-up look into the psychological up for reasons that have nothing to do with it. mindsets of lost-and-found souls drawn to By taking the time to get to know her subjects horror is nonetheless an eye-catching and and their families, Freedman’s film is more often engaging film. Recommended. Aud: about gay lives in America than about a spe- C, P. (C. Cassady) cific athletic pursuit, and it’s all the stronger for it. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy) Hot to Trot HHH (2017) 88 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features RAAM Bam Thank You Mam HHH (avail. from most distributors). (2017) 44 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199.99 w/PPR). In Gail Freedman’s open-hearted ballroom Dreamscape Media. Closed captioned. dance documentary, the intrigue lies more Race Across America (RAAM) is a coast- in the drama behind the scenes than in the to-coast international bike race covering actual competition. She begins in 2012 as over 3,000 miles of desert, mountains, hills, her subjects are preparing for the 2014 Gay and plains. Backed by a crew of 13 men and Games. The two couples profiled eschew women, four Australian women thoroughly mainstream competitions that specify male plan and intensely train for the challenge (lead) and female (follower) dance partners. of winning the coast to coast race in seven As judge Benjamin Soencksen puts it, “It’s days. With a yellow blown-up kangaroo Fred and Fred and Ginger and Ginger.” San for a mascot, the Veloroos team begins the Francisco contestants Kieren Jameson and race in Los Angeles and they withstand the Emily Coles are partners in dance rather extreme heat of the desert before beginning than life. Kieren, a New Zealand-born tech the ascent into the Mountain foothills. worker with a history of depression, credits Along the route, the women overtake other dance for keeping her alive. It’s how she met teams, changing riders following six hours of her wife, BW. Emily, who has type-1 diabe- cycling. Bicycling through Colorado, Kansas, tes, also met her girlfriend, Uzbekistan-born and Missouri, the women seem to enjoy the Katerina, through dance. Ernesto Palma, a experience as well as the competition. The former meth user of Costa Rican descent, says crew accompanies the bikers in an RV, daily that “it makes me feel better about myself.” checking the riders’ hydration and weight, His partner, dance instructor Robbie Tristan, and making sure that they eat and rest as they hails from Hungary. After a fall, Robbie finds alternate cycling. By the halfway point, the out that he has a brain tumor, and returns to Veloroos are ahead of other teams and focus his native country for more affordable health- on conserving their strength to finish the care. Ernesto finds a new partner in Nikolai race. Viewers witness the scenery in director Shpakov, a more introverted Russian dancer Anthony Gordon’s film through the eyes new to same-sex competition. On their way to of the women, while a crew pilot provides the games, Ernesto and Nikolai find romance overhead shots of the race and landscape. and explore parenthood, but it doesn’t slow The team members say that they are just either of them down. In the end, one couple ordinary women—not pro athletes—who

MAY/JUNE 2019 53 VIDEO LIBRARIAN like to challenge themselves, have a sense of adventure and fun, and are willing to push HHHH themselves to their limits. A solid personal Poetry in America: Season 1 (2017) 2 discs. 305 min. DVD: $39.99 ($69.99 w/PPR). PBS Video. SDH sports documentary, this is recommended. captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0870-2. Aud: P. (T. Root) At its best, poetry “holds the unsayable,” employing words in new ways to express the “power of what the mind can conjure up.” In the eight-episode first season of this PBS-aired series directed by THE ARTS Harvard English professor Elisa New, academics, poets, politicians, and relevant professionals are brought together, weighing in on classic, modern, and neglected poems. Highlights include an Band vs Brand HH1/2 Emily Dickinson work, discussed and recited by actress Cynthia (2019) 90 min. DVD: $24.99. Music Video Nixon, who portrayed Dickinson in the film A Quiet Passion. Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Although private almost to the point of being a recluse, Dickinson relished being a Dozens of artists, most from the world rebel poet with an edge, challenging norms with jagged forms and punctuation. Carl of heavy metal, offer their thoughts about Sandburg’s “Skyscraper” expresses his double vision as poet and journalist, capturing a bands as brands in Bob Nalbandian’s infor- big city’s dissonance, celebrating both its outsized scale and beauty, while also lamenting mative, if somewhat dispiriting documenta- its human cost. Former President draws on his southern heritage to appre- ry. There’s a degree to which major acts have ciate Langston Hughes’s poetic meditation on a “dream deferred,” while former Vice always been brands as they lose key members President Joe Biden taps his working-class roots to interpret Robert Hayden’s great and but retain the name. For Dave Lombardo overlooked “Those Winter Sundays,” and the late Sen. John McCain recalls his POW (Slayer), that model idea makes him uncom- experiences, discussing Gwendolyn Brooks’s “To Prisoners.” Also covered are the world fortable as fans get taken in by outfits that of sports (“Fast Break”), fashion (“Shirt”), rap (written by “disciples of the streets”), the have little relation to their original incarna- Beat generation, and Emma Lazarus’s powerful ode to immigration “The New Colossus,” tion. As David Ellefson (Megadeth) puts it, found at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Not all poems here will please everyone’s “It’s so much better to see the original guys taste, but most discussions will leave viewers hungry to go back and rediscover these playing it.” In some cases, however, fans want works. Essential for high school and college literature classes, as well as anyone who to see tribute bands in order to experience simply loves poetry, this is highly recommended. Editor’s Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees) something they would have missed out on otherwise. With record company profits in decline, more artists are following the sell their bounty to recycling plants—and film initially focuses on pioneering figures brand model by generating income though small publishing operations, who use the such as psychiatrist and merchandising, licensing arrangements, and recycled cardboard as covers for handcrafted artist-collector Jean Dubuffet, who were VIP packages. This has always been the case books. The covers are decorated with unique instrumental in developing an appreciation for the rock band KISS, who licensed their artwork, thus providing one-of-a-kind for such artwork, and then looks at attempts logo and images for innumerable products. copies of distinctive literary output. And to curate collections of art brut and ensure As Marc Ferrari (Keel) notes, the profit margin the books are sold at relatively lower prices, that the works would be properly main- is also higher on T-shirts than record sales offering low-income readers who cannot tained (although there were differences of (a significant issue for him personally, since afford retail store books the opportunity opinion as to whether it should be publicly the motor company Ferrari once objected to to enjoy new material. The camera pinballs displayed). But the documentary also con- the use of his name on a shirt). Jean Beavoir between Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uru- nects the interest in with more (Plasmatics, Little Steven) says that it can be guay to interview the junk salvagers who mainstream movements such as surrealism, a rude wake-up call for musicians to realize have found their social status improved abstraction, and structuralism, while provid- that “the brand is more powerful than I am.” within their communities as the Cartonera ing mini-studies of some of the most notable Other speakers include publicists, managers, industry has taken on a new importance in artists of the genre, such as Adolf Wölfli, who and label owners. Band vs Brand is a scrap- the continent-wide push for sustainability. produced a stream of work in an institution py-looking documentary (with functional Also featured are the artists who show how after his conviction for child molestation, camera work and crude graphics) that would they turn the recycled cardboard covers into and August Natterer, labeled by Prinzhorn have benefited from examining more genres extraordinary displays of color and imagi- as a “schizophrenic master.” Illustrated with than metal, but it provides food for thought nation. Mancusi and Trento have found a a wide array of archival material and ample for musicians, fans, and others interested in fascinating subject that touches multiple artwork examples, coupled with extensive the music business. A strong optional pur- bases at once: socioeconomic struggles, excerpts from interviews with scholarly ex- chase. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy) publishing, entrepreneurship, contemporary perts and collectors, Borgnis’s film offers a Latin American society, and sustainable splendid introduction to a fascinating byway Carretera Cartonera: Discover the World business practices. Highly recommended. in the course of art history. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) of Cartonera Publishers HHH1/2 (2016) 37 min. In Spanish & Portuguese w/ English subtitles. DVD: $99: high schools & public Eternity Has No Door of Escape HHH Meow Wolf: Origin Story HH1/2 libraries; $250: colleges & universities. DRA. (2017) 80 min. In French & German w/English (2018) 88 min. DVD: $75: public libraries; $350: PRAGDA. PPR. subtitles. DVD: $348. Icarus Films. PPR. colleges & universities. DRA. Tugg. PPR. Italian filmmakers Marta Mancusi and Filmmaker Arthur Borgnis’s documen- Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Mar- Anna Trento traveled across South America tary presents an excellent history of what tin plays a significant role in the last section to film this documentary short on the Car- is called outsider art or, to use the French of filmmakers Jilann Spitzmiller and Morgan tonera book production industry. Created term, art brut—primarily works by those Capps’s homespun documentary about a in Argentina in 2003 in response to the suffering from mental illness, but also in- Santa Fe, NM-based art collective that has nation’s economic problems, the Cartonera cluding artwork made by practitioners of grown from modest beginnings in 2008 movement unites junk salvagers—who Spiritism (under purportedly supernatural to what its current director dreams could collect cardboard from garbage dumps and influences), and self-taught visionaries. The become a billion-dollar brand. Initially, a

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 54 MAY/JUNE 2019 small band of struggling artists pooled their Move! Dance Your Life HHH dance is as much a universal language as meager resources to rent not just a common (2017) 74 min. DVD: $39: public libraries; $79: music—a form of expression common to all of living space but also a warehouse where they high schools; $150: colleges & universities. DRA. humanity (the implication, of course, being could exhibit their individual pieces (an Green Planet Films. PPR. that it can also help bridge differences among amusing, rapid-fi re reminiscence montage Presenting plenty of music and movement peoples). Move! is entertaining, inspiring, and from some of the founders recalls how they (with no dialogue or narration), fi lmmaker even a bit profound. Recommended. Aud: H, picked their name). But as the group grew Fanny Jean-Noël’s infectious film consists C, P. (F. Swietek) and moved into collective work, a modicum simply of dance routines shot in nearly 20 of organization and leadership was needed, locales around the globe—in the U.S., Mada- Narcissister: Organ Player HH1/2 especially in regards to fundraising. As gascar, India, Argentina, Spain, New Zealand, (2019) 91 min. DVD: $24.95. Film Movement various members admit, this evolution Japan, , Tanzania, Panama, Brazil, (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. resulted in some serious disagreements, but Tahiti, Indonesia, Ireland, and Republic of Narcissister is a New York performance also made possible large-scaled collabora- Georgia. Some are expressions of indigenous artist who is always masked, even when tive exhibits that emphasized interactivity culture performed by individuals, such as a appearing in public offstage (as when she and an immersive atmosphere. Meow Wolf Native American tribal ritual (ironically shot briefl y dated Marilyn Manson in 2011). Her culminates with the creation of the collec- on an urban roof), or a mountaintop dance routines, which contain strong autobiograph- tive’s fi rst permanent installation—House by a Maori warrior, while others are elaborate ical elements, feature not only elaborate of Eternal Return—aided by a donation from exhibitions of national styles, complete with costumes but also mannequins and oversized Martin that allowed the group to lease and gorgeous costumes and complicated chore- props—most notably a huge cartoon cutout renovate a bowling alley as a signature facil- ography. There are ostensibly impromptu but of a woman with legs spread, from which ity. Success has led to exhibit tours in other also obviously well-planned ensembles such Narcissister emerges to writhe and gyrate. Her cities and plans to expand the operation as dances by street crowds, and comic inter- movements are obviously deeply sexual, com- to satellite complexes. Combining archival ludes, including a routine by restaurant work- menting—albeit not always with complete material, newly-shot segments, and excerpts ers who provide their own music with utensils clarity—on issues of race and gender. Directed from numerous interviews with member and food containers. Romantic duets in the by Narcissister, this fi lm features performance artists (as well as Martin), the documentary snow are followed by Irish jigs in churches snippets, archival clips of the director with provides a somewhat rambling view of what and pubs, and communal festivities in the Manson, and an appearance on America’s Got was originally a group of rebellious outsiders Sahara—the last juxtaposed with gyrations on Talent. Much of it, however, is devoted to her who appear to be transforming into a more a -lit nightclub fl oor. Moments of poetic describing her life, particularly the California mainstream operation. A strong optional intimacy are combined with outpourings childhood during which she was made to feel purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) of public frenzy, all making the point that inferior due to her mixed ethnic background.

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MAY/JUNE 2019 55 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Her comments are accompanied by excerpts big-screen short documentary pays homage Last B-24 HHH1/2 from scrapbooks and home movies, in which to aircraft carriers in decidedly cheerleading (2018) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS Narcissister coyly keeps her own face covered, fashion (with thanks to participating compa- Video. SDH captioned. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0792-7. instead putting the emphasis on her parents— nies including Lockheed Martin). Like the In December 1944, a U.S. B-24 Liberator especially her ever-supportive mother, whose similar We, The Marines (VL-3/19), Aircraft bomber known as the Tulsamerican crashed decline due to cancer is followed obsessively Carrier interweaves historical tidbits, here off the coast of the former Yugoslavia. up through her death, which her daughter drawn from 4,000 years of naval warfare Although most of the crew were rescued, stages as a piece of performance art (while (touching on ancient ships, WWI battleships, three men on board—flight engineer intended as a tribute, this cannot help but feel and the famous WWII-era Battle of Midway), Charles E. Priest, navigator Russell C. rather self-promoting). Extras include deleted/ but the primary focus is on a U.S.-led RIMPAC Landry, and pilot Captain Eugene Ford— extended scenes. Likely to attract a relatively (Rim of the Pacific) naval exercise involving were unable to escape and went down small audience (just as its subject does), this 22,000 men and women and 55 ships from with the aircraft into 135 feet of water. should still be considered a strong optional 26 nations (including Japan, South Korea, Filmmaker Kirk Wolfinger’s PBS-aired purchase. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) and China). At the center is the USS Ronald NOVA documentary details the story of Reagan, a Nimitz-class supercarrier with the Tulsamerican and the efforts to locate HHH over 5,000 crew members. Some of the most the missing fliers who disappeared. The (2017) 141 min. DVD: $24.99. Opus Arte (dist. by interesting (if also fairly technical) segments plane was notable for being the last B-24 Naxos of America). use 3D CGI to illustrate the inner workings built in Oklahoma, and it was financed Christopher Luscombe’s 2017 Royal Shake- of the ship’s uranium-powered nuclear by the factory workers, who contributed speare Company production of the Bard’s reactors, the piston-driven aircraft launch their own funds to its construction. The 1602 comedy not only updates the setting system (0-160 mph in three seconds), and U.S. Department of Defense located the to late-19th-century England (alternating the drag line that will stop a landing jet in wreckage of the Tulsamerican near what is scenes between town and country), but ef- a mere two seconds. But overall this has the now the Croatian island of Vis, and in 2017 fectively (albeit anachronistically) turns it feel of a big military parade. Viewers are told a combined U.S. and Croatian military into a sort of 1930s musical, with songs that that the RIMPAC exercise is a complicated, team joined underwater archeologists to suggest Gilbert and Sullivan or Noël Coward. team-based event, but no real attempt is made investigate. Extensive forensic testing was It also adds a colonial/imperial element to the to follow the proceedings; instead, we see a done on the recovered remains, which mix by making the main sibling characters highlights reel of planes strafing targets and offered a degree of closure for the families Indian: Viola (Dinita Gohil) and Sebastian submarines firing missiles, all accompanied of the missing fliers. The film includes an (Esh Alladi)—the shipwrecked and separated by tending-towards-purple narration filled interview with one of the Tulsamerican twins who become involved (Viola dons the with superlatives. Extras include audience crash survivors, bombardier First Lieu- guise of a man, with typically uncomfortable testimonials and promo spots. Aircraft Carrier tenant Val Miller, who describes the tragic results) with lovesick Duke Orsino (Nicholas looks sharp in 4K on a big-screen TV, but it’s event in vivid detail (the 94-year-old Miller ) and Countess Olivia (Kara Tointon), more spectacle (with somewhat repetitive passed away shortly after the interview). the latter still mourning the loss of her father montages) than in-depth exploration of the Serving up a fascinating mix of World War and brother. And the same is true of Olivia’s subject. Still, this will likely appeal to military II history and cutting-edge investigative servant Feste (Beruce Khan). All of these al- buffs, making it a strong optional purchase. technology, this is highly recommended. terations—along with a transposition of the Aud: P. (R. Pitman) Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) initial scenes—might bother purists, but they actually work reasonably well, and the second- ary plot, involving the humiliation of Olivia’s stuffy steward Malvolio (Adrian Edmondson) Imaginary Feasts + Mina’s Recipe Book HHH by her uncle Toby (John Hodgkinson) and (2017) 115 min. In French, German & English w/English subtitles. DVD: his friend Aguecheek (Michael Cochrane), is $29.98. Icarus Films Home Video (available from most distributors). Closed captioned. played more or less traditionally. The sets and costumes are elegant and the cast is overall These two films by Anne Georget present a haunting exam- excellent, with Edmondson and Cochrane in ination of one of the coping mechanisms by which prisoners in particular showing their strong comic chops, concentration camps psychologically fought their confinement, and while the romantic interplay of the Orsi- mistreatment, and hunger: not merely dreaming and talking no-Olivia-Viola-Sebastian quartet sometimes about the food they enjoyed before being jailed, but using scraps feels a mite too decorous and understated, this of paper to record recipes of favorite and exceptional dishes they is ultimately a sumptuous, enjoyable rendi- could never actually prepare. Imaginary Feasts offers a broad tion of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. Extras treatment of the subject: the camera scans across pages from little notebooks written include an audio commentary by Luscombe, not just at Nazi death camps but also Japanese wartime prisons and Soviet gulags, an interview with Gohil, and a cast gallery. while voices dreamily whisper the contents. Interspersed are recollections from camp Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) survivors and reactions from a variety of experts—a master chef amazed by the texts, as well as historians, linguists, psychiatrists, philosophers, and scientists, who try to explain what the compilations must have meant to those who created them. Mina’s HISTORY & CURRENT EVENTS Recipe Book focuses on one surviving document, the notebook of Mina Pachter, an art historian sent to the “model” camp of Theresienstadt at Terezin in Czechoslovakia, where she died in 1944. After tracing the circuitous route through which the notebook made its way to Pachter’s daughter Anny Stern in 1969, the film records how it was Aircraft Carrier: Guardian of the Seas translated (by a survivor of Terezin) and published in 1996. In interview footage, Anny’s HH1/2 son David recalls his grandmother and her cooking, and offers his own grandson the (2017) 43 min. 4K/Blu-ray Combo: $39.95. Shout! opportunity to sample caramels made from her recipe. An unusual Holocaust-related Factory (avail. from most distributors). SDH captioned. offering, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek) Veteran IMAX director Stephen Low’s latest

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 56 MAY/JUNE 2019 The Last Tsarinas HH1/2 The Other Side of Home HHH Turk, part Armenian—struggling to reconcile (2017) 52 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199.99 w/PPR). (2016) 40 min. In English, Turkish & Armenian those adversarial parts of herself, going so far Dreamscape Media. Closed captioned. w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.95 ($250 w/PPR) as to rationalize, with obvious internal con- As a general introduction to the German (study guide included). EPF Media. PPR. Closed fl ict, why the murders and mass starvation captioned. ISBN: 978-1-933724-55-3. princesses who married into the Russian Ro- of Armenians was not technically genocide. manov family and became grand duchesses Shortlisted for an Oscar nomination, this Maya’s strained psychology is both fascinat- and (in some cases) tsarinas, filmmaker 2016 documentary is a personal work for ing and tragic. Mkrtchyan spends a bit too Hannes Schuler’s documentary is simply California-based fi lmmaker Nare Mkrtchyan, much time with well-intended, mournful but adequate. Mitigating the possibility of a dry who embraced her ethnic roots and attended also redundant images of people marching at history lesson by placing, front and center, the 100th commemoration in Armenia of the centennial anniversary of the genocide. a descendant of last Empress Alexandra Fe- the 1915 Armenian Genocide. A controver- But overall this is a powerful reminder of a odorovna (spouse of Tsar Nicholas II, who sial subject on the world stage, as well as for horrifi c 20th-century tragedy that is still not ruled from 1894 through 1917), the fi lm American foreign policy and certainly for universally acknowledged. Recommended. follows Maria von Preusen, a modern young Turkey (the World War I-era Ottoman gov- Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) woman who beams delightedly anytime ernment waged a campaign to exterminate someone tells her that she resembles her 1.5 million Armenians, but Turkey rejects Parkland: Inside Building 12 HHH royal ancestor. Not surprisingly, the docu- the “genocide” label), this historic tragedy is (2019) 120 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199.99 w/PPR). mentary largely focuses on Alexandra—the only blurrily known to many contemporary Dreamscape Media. Closed captioned. former Princess Charlotte of Prussia—and Turks and Armenians. Seeking a focus for Charlie Minn, an investigative docu- how her former life and identity completely her fi lm, Mkrtchyan fi nds 42-year-old Maya, mentary filmmaker whose One October: A disappeared during her formal transfor- who lives in Turkey but has recently learned Nightmare in Las Vegas (VL-11/18) recounted mation into becoming first a Romanov that her great-grandmother was Armenian. the Las Vegas concert shootings of 2017, and then Tsarina. Along the way, the fi lm As a child, the latter barely survived the and whose 49 Pulses (VL-5/18) captured the also employs animation and numerous massacre of her family. Escaping to Turkey, moment-by-moment carnage at an Orlan- aerial images of the luxurious mansions, Maya’s great-grandmother was forced to do nightclub in 2016, brings his granular, palaces, and institutes that the Romanovs reinvent herself with a fake name, becoming oral-history approach to the horror story built at the cost of a rising revolt. Likely to immersed in a new culture and religion. In of the 2018 murders at Marjory Stoneman appeal to both armchair travelers and history light of these revelations, Maya decides to Douglas High School. To Minn’s credit, he buffs—particularly those with an interest attend the commemoration, and agrees to never mentions the name or backstory of the in the Romanovs—this is a strong optional let Mkrtchyan fi lm her and ask questions. 19-year-old gunman who killed 17 students purchase. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) What emerges is a portrait of Maya—part and teachers (and wounded others) on Feb-

The Holocaust Education Film Foundation proudly presents SURVIVING BIRKENAU: THE DR. SUSAN SPATZ STORY From humanity’s darkest moments came survival. From survival came light and the blooming of a new life.

In SURVIVING BIRKENAU, Dr. Susan Spatz (at 96) recounts her experiences with remarkable clarity; a story which began in her

SRP teens when a decision by her mother condemned herself to death and cost Susan 3 years in unbearable Nazi concentration camps. $24.95

Also available is TO AUSCHWITZ AND BACK in which Joe Engel tells his personal story of persecution and the inner-strength he found which resulted in his daring escape from a

UPC 818506025867 Nazi death train.

National Release: 5/14/18 Available through AEC, Baker & Taylor, Ingram Entertainment, Midwest Tape, Amazon and more / PPR/DSL available through Soundview Media Partners

MAY/JUNE 2019 57 VIDEO LIBRARIAN tiquities and ancient ruins among all south- western parks, Chaco Park includes ruins of ¡Las Sandinistas! HHH1/2 multiple complexes for living and cultural (2018) 96 min. In English & Spanish w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.95 purposes (as well as astronomy). Nearby Aztec ($349 w/PPR from www.kinolorberedu.com). DRA. Kino Lorber (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. Ruins National Monument features scores of medieval-era dwellings carved out of caves Filmmaker Jenny Murray’s documentary is a captivating and in a steep volcanic ash wall (spaces that are ultimately shocking history of the Sandinista National Libera- still accessible by ladder). Bandelier National tion Front (or FSLN), as told from the perspective of Nicaraguan Monument also contains cliff dwellings, al- women who abandoned domesticity in the 1970s to become though these came much later for Puebloan insurgents and commanders in a popular war against the cor- people (up through the 17th century). The rupt, repressive Somoza regime. Drawing on extensive archival area’s large expanse housed multitudes and footage, Murray reconstructs Nicaragua’s 20th-century history the rising elevation—up to a mile—meant of U.S.-backed dictatorship in the Latin American nation, which led to extreme wealth different kinds of environments for inhabi- inequality, starvation, illiteracy, and scant resources to survive. Interviewing a number tants. El Morro National Monument honors of women who made the leap from student life or motherhood to spend years training a pueblo that housed 1,000 people; once to fight as soldiers, it becomes quite clear why an armed insurrection was the only a farming community with water below a tenable choice left for an abused citizenry. Women made up a third of the Sandinista both its fighting force, becoming highly-regarded officers, receiving training in Cuba, and mesa, El Morro is remarkable for leading many of the battles that were spread across Nicaragua. While the Sandinistas ancestral petroglyphs and Spanish inscrip- prevailed in 1979, not one of the brave women who fought the good fight was invited tions on rocks. Also visited is Fort Union into President Daniel Ortega’s directorate for running the country. Worse, after Ortega National Monument, where adobe remains lost re-election but was voted back into the presidency in 2006, an institutional hos- of a 19th-century town on the Santa Fe Trail tility toward women and women’s rights took hold, including a ban on all abortions, reveals a once-thriving hub for hundreds a rise in rapes and murders of women, and a systematic eradication of the history of of traveling wagons. Another fine armchair women’s participation in the revolution. None of the veteran Sandinista women here travelogue that will appeal to vacationers and is represented in any official narrative or commemoration. A film that stokes more history buffs, this is highly recommended. than a little outrage, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) Aud: P. (T. Keogh) ruary 14. But through devastating footage preserve the mummified body. But that only BIOGRAPHY shot on students’ cell phones during the raised a new question: who was this woman rampage (most of the images were taken from and why was she buried in such an unlikely inside locked yet vulnerable classrooms), the place? Research determined that the woman Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex Fashion & killer’s presence is experienced via the sound was Martha Peterson, an African American Disco HHH of relentless shooting in the hallways and who died in 1850 at the age of 26 from small- (2019) 95 min. DVD: $24.95. Film Movement the sight of bloodied bodies. Using simple pox, whose resting place had been the site of (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. graphics, Minn traces the precise movements a burial ground for blacks. The unusual and James Crump’s dishy documentary isn’t and lethal actions of the killer as he traveled expensive iron coffin was used under the just a portrait of a specific person—fashion up and down three floors in Building 12. But belief that it would prevent the spread of the illustrator Antonio Lopez—but of a whole mi- as in his earlier films, Minn’s best resource is contagious disease that took Peterson’s life. lieu, with a funk-and-disco-hits soundtrack his ability to get victims and eyewitnesses to Offering a fascinating look at forensic science, that keeps the pace lively and the mood up- clearly describe what they saw and endured, old-fashioned investigative research, and in- beat. Interview editor Bob Colacello describes all without exploiting emotions or states of sights into African American life in pre-Civil the 1970s as a time when the underground mind. The result is a mosaic-like record of a War New York City, this real-life mystery is culture and sexual politics of the ‘60s came sprawling atrocity, and a chance for viewers recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall) forward. The late New York Times street fash- to note the dignity, humanity, and courage ion photographer Bill Cunningham fondly of survivors. Minn is sometimes criticized for remembers his friendship with Lopez, a the unpolished look of his documentaries, but TRAVEL & GEOGRAPHY bisexual man of Puerto Rican descent, who the taut simplicity of his brand of journalism moved into Cunningham’s old apartment allows him to keep up with the sad frequency in Carnegie Hall. Model Pat was of gun-related massacres in America. Recom- Discoveries...America National Parks: drawn to his talent, charisma, and colorful mended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh) outfits. Lopez and makeup artist Corey Tip- New Mexico Ancestral Pueblo People & pin socialized with a coterie of young women, The Woman in the Iron Coffin HHH Fort Union HHH1/2 including Donna Jordan and Jane Forth, who (2018) 60 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.99 w/PPR). PBS (2019) 57 min. DVD: $24.95. DRA. Bennett-Watt became style icons through their modeling Video. ISBN: 978-1-5317-0647-0. SDH captioned. HD Productions. PPR. ISBN: 978-1-60490-216-7. sessions and high-profile excursions with Filmmaker Adam Luria’s documentary— This latest entry in Jim and Kelly Watt’s the two men. Others, such as Grace Jones aired on PBS’s long-running Secrets of the acclaimed high-def series on America’s and , became world-famous re- Dead series—details the 2011 discovery of national parks focuses on the remains of an- cording artists and award-winning actresses. the remains of a woman in an abandoned cient structures once inhabited by ancestral In addition to Tippin, Lopez worked closely lot in Queens, NY. While police investigators Puebloan peoples—habitats and other spaces with his art director boyfriend, Juan Ramos, initially believed the body to be a recent that served many generations over centuries. on drawings for Elle and other magazines. homicide, forensic tests discovered that she First up is Chaco Culture National Historical Lopez loved to party and dance, but got his was a 19th-century woman who died from Park, a huge concentration of 10th-to-12th- assignments in on time, and friends remem- smallpox. Broken metal fragments found century pueblos located in a remote canyon ber him as warm and empathetic. Crump’s around the body were later determined to be in Northwestern New Mexico. Featuring the documentary follows Lopez from New York parts of a form-fitting iron coffin that helped single largest number of pre-Columbian an- to Paris, where he collaborated with designer

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 58 MAY/JUNE 2019 Karl Lagerfeld and enjoyed a relationship with critically downplayed this “posthumous” Texas-born model Jerry Hall, his best known work, but here revisionists praise then-ailing, discovery. By 1987, AIDS had claimed Lopez’s poignantly thrice-divorced photographer life. Crump builds a persuasive case that he for still managing to produce compelling deserves to be remembered for the creativity pictures that he was destined to never see. and joie de vivre he brought to the fashion Featuring interviewees including Winogrand scene. Extras include archival footage, ex- biographer Geoff Dyer, this engaging portrait tended interview excerpts with Cunningham, of an unusual artist is recommended. Aud: C, and a bonus short film. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Cassady) C, P. (K. Fennessy) Humboldt in Mexico: The Vision of the Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Explorer HHH Photographable HHH (2017) 83 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. (2018) 91 min. DVD: $29.95. DRA. Kino Lorber DVD: $29.95 ($250 w/PPR) (study guide included). (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. EPF Media. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN: 978-1- Aired on PBS’s American Masters series, 933724 -57-7. filmmaker Sasha Waters Freyer’s portrait A grand film about German polymath of controversial art photographer Garry Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) is Winogrand (1928-1984) notes that the Bronx- certainly warranted, given his enormous born Winogrand was a student of painting impact on natural sciences, influence on a who picked up a camera and never stopped European conception of “New Spain” (i.e., clicking. From photojournalism he evolved Mexico), opposition to slavery and early as a widely praised “street shooter,” making warnings about climate change, years-long important impromptu images while also exploration of Mexico (and its flora, fauna, burning through so much celluloid film that minerals, and volcanoes), and his magnum one interviewee here says he anticipated “sel- opus—the 21-volume Kosmos, in which fies” and the no-limit aesthete of digital me- he concluded that the universe is a living, dia. Influenced by Robert Frank, Winogrand interconnected phenomenon. Filmmaker traveled between NYC, LA, and Texas, and Ana Cruz mixes dramatic re-creations his own outspoken interviews (along with a (with Alexander Holtmann in the role of recorded conversation with fellow shutterbug Humboldt) and scholarly commentary to Jay Maisel) outline a seemingly existential present an introduction to Humboldt and quest to make sense of life through nonstop his extraordinary legacy, focusing more on picture-snapping. Winogrand’s work angered his impact as a sometimes-daring naturalist feminists and the political-correctness storm (one anecdote describes how he walked on troops, and he ultimately fell notoriously freshly-created, flimsy domes on an active behind in printing—or even developing— volcano) than as a Romantic philosopher who many rolls that were still in storage at his saw all things as integrated. The film skillfully death. MOMA photography curator John blends together extensive visual evidence Szarkowski, Winogrand’s initial champion, of Humboldt’s comprehensive study of the

Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes HHH (2018) 107 min. DVD: $24.98. Magnolia Home Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. Roger Ailes (1940-2017), the father of Fox News, fell from grace—and his position as head of the company—after accusa- tions emerged of long-time sexual impropriety with employees. Ailes remains a polarizing figure, admired by some on the right—despite the scandal that engulfed him at the end—for his success in popularizing conservative views, while being de- tested by others as one of the main figures in the tabloidization and politicization of TV news. Alexis Bloom’s documentary is a warts-and-all (actually, mostly warts) portrait, blending archival material and new interviews to cover Ailes’s life, from his youth spent in the shadow of a stern and demanding father, up through working his way into TV (as an executive on The Mike Douglas Show), and then into political consulting, where he proved a savvy, ruthless operator who was instrumental in the victories of Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, and Mitch McConnell. Ailes’s creation of a conservative TV talk platform, which morphed with Rupert Murdoch’s support into Fox News, made him even more pow- erful, as shown by his central role in the election of Donald Trump. Bloom might have more thoroughly examined the seedy culture at Fox News, but her coverage of Ailes’s history of harassment and vicious tactics paints him as a bully whose childhood might explain—although cannot excuse—his later conduct. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)

MAY/JUNE 2019 59 VIDEO LIBRARIAN physical Mexico, including rare minerals newspaper stories. Her biggest and most and his gorgeous lithographs of plants and well-known venture was her unaccompa- animals. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) nied circumnavigation of the globe to beat Series Update the time of character Phileas Fogg in Jules The following titles are new additions Little Gandhi HHH1/2 Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days. The (2017) 91 min. DVD: $29.95 ($349 w/PPR from animation style here is eye-catching—both to series previously recommended. Titles www.kinolorberedu.com). DRA. Kino Lorber (avail. color and black-and-white—with newspaper are available from most distributors from most distributors). headlines, realistic sound effects, and lively unless otherwise noted. The Arab Spring protests in repressive musical accompaniment. An entertaining Middle East countries saw hundreds of thou- look at a clever journalist that can spur discus- Kino Lorber is releas- sands of people put their lives on the line for sions about investigative journalism, wom- ing the latest volume in freedom in 2010. But in Syria, the world is still en’s roles in history, and storytelling, this is Warner Bros. animator witnessing the tragic consequences of Presi- recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (S. Beauregard) Friz Freleng and cre- dent Bashar al-Assad’s unconscionable and ator Blake Edwards’s continuing destruction of his own people. On Her Shoulders HHH1/2 compilations with The Filmmaker Sam Kadi’s documentary serves (2018) 94 min. In Arabic, English & Kurdish w/ Pink Panther Cartoon as a reminder of what Syrian hopes looked English subtitles. DVD: $34.95, Blu-ray: $39.95. Collection, Volume 5: like all those years ago, particularly how a Oscilloscope (avail. from most distributors). 1976-1978 (153 min., DVD: $19.95, Blu- young hero and martyr—26-year-old Ghi- Before Nadia Murad’s Yazidi religious ray: $29.95), which includes “The Pink yath Matar—became the face of Arab Spring minority village in northern Iraq was raided Piper,” “Cat and the Pinkstalk,” “Rocky resistance in Syria at the beginning. Little by ISIS in 2014—the community’s men were Pink,” and “Sherlock Pink.” See review of Gandhi offers little visual or audio evidence killed, including Murad’s brothers, along The Pink Panther Classic Cartoon Col- lection in VL-3/06. of Matar’s advocacy of non-violence, but there with many old women and children, while are plenty of interviews with former activists girls and other women were kidnapped and PAW Patrol: Ultimate Rescue (94 who tell detailed stories about his enormous forced into sexual slavery—she was a 19-year- min., DVD: $14.99) is the latest addition influence on the movement before he died old with dreams of one day opening a beauty to the Paramount Home Entertainment brutally at the hands of government torturers. salon. As viewers witness in director Alexan- and -aired computer-ani- Matar hoped to persuade security forces that dria Bombach’s wrenching documentary On mated series that spotlights the efforts the people marching in the streets were their Her Shoulders, Murad endured three months of the Ruff-Ruff Rescue crew. See review brothers and sisters, but both Assad and the of torture at the hands of the Islamic State before escaping enslavement. By 2016 she of PAW Patrol in VL-7/14. men with guns had other ideas. The film also was living in Berlin and touring Europe and reminds viewers that while ordinary Syrians North America, a reluctant activist giving Developed in cooperation with took up arms to fight back, the international countless interviews about sexual enslave- the U.S. Department of Education, community did little to stop Assad as he ment in war, meeting with sympathetic but WordWorld: Fun & Games (110 min., destroyed cities and murdered or displaced hamstrung politicians, visiting with Yazidi DVD: $9.99) is the newest program in millions. Although often disheartening, this and other refugee groups, and preparing to the Emmy-winning PBS Kids series, film serves as a powerful memorial for a brave address the United Nations General Assembly. featuring eight stories designed to man who tried to make a difference. Highly This is a painful portrait of greatness thrust help preschoolers with reading. See recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) upon someone barely in emotional shape to review of WordWorld: Birthday Party! carry the responsibility of telling the world in VL-7/15. Nellie Bly Makes the News HHH about the Yazidis and atrocities of ISIS. Mu- (2018) 23 min. DVD: $79: public libraries; $149: rad is often breathlessly rushed from one Newly available from Shout! Factory colleges & universities. DRA. The Video Project. unpromising appointment to another, from is Super Sentai Ninpuu Sentai Hurri- PPR. Closed captioned. a dissatisfying radio conversation to wasteful caneger: The Complete Series (1,200 Filmmaker Penny Lane’s cleverly animat- meet-and-greets with do-nothing officials. min., DVD: 8 discs, $59.98), featuring ed short tells the story of groundbreaking Between engagements, Murad (always close three survivors from a Jakanja attack at journalist Nellie Bly (1864-1922). Facing the to tears) withdraws, at one point curled up in Hayate Way’s Ninja Academy who work camera, the adult journalist answers offscreen a fetal position in the backseat of a car. Yet together to stop the enemy in this 2002- questions about her life, describing how she somehow her strength rises when she needs 03 26th production of the long-running was “stuck cleaning houses and caring for it most, and the film powerfully captures the franchise. See review of Super Sentai children” until she wrote a letter to the editor foundational experiences of this future Nobel Chojin Sentai Jetman: The Complete Series of the Dispatch in 1885 that landed Peace Prize recipient, who is now a 25-year-old in VL-1/19. her a job writing newspaper columns dealing leader in advocacy for victims of genocide. with typically feminine issues, including Extras include an interview with the director. Also recently re- fashion, gardening, and hairstyles. After a few Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh) leased by Shout! Fac- years, Bly headed to New York City, hoping tory is Sesame Street: to find work at one of the 13 city newspapers, Celebrate Family (139 and tackle some meatier issues. She was hired min., DVD: $14.98), at The World and her first assignment was to the latest addition to gain admittance to an insane asylum, where Visit Video Librarian Online (www. the iconic educational she stayed for 10 days, subsequently reporting videolibrarian.com) for more reviews series, featuring five on harrowing conditions. In what was dubbed during May and June, including: Angry stories that focus on family activities stunt journalism, she went on to do similar and Good, Breaking Big, Flying Supersonic, including making meals, Mother’s and undercover assignments, including posing as Gift, The Growing Season, Not Without Us, Father’s Day preparations, and stepfami- a chorus girl and pretending to be a mother Owned: A Tale of Two Americas, Thai Cave lies. See review of Sesame Street: Be a Good giving up an unwanted baby. All of these Rescue, Tracking Edith, and much more! Sport in VL-5/14. experiences resulted in headline-grabbing

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 60 MAY/JUNE 2019 Japanese Anime Anime-Gataris: The os that often blossoms into surprising plot themselves. Students Akane and Midori en- Complete Series developments. Still, Citrus feels padded and counter a strangely despondent boy named the emotional bond between Yuzu and Mei Aoto (who Arthur is anxious to recruit) ac- HHH1/2 takes a very long time to solidify. Presenting companied by a mysterious spirit called Boy (2017) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- ray/DVD Combo: $64.99. all 12 episodes from 2018 in a dual-language K that only he can see. These three become (avail. from most Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, this is the major characters in a journey that will distributors). a strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) end at the gate, although many other figures Spun off from short sub- also play roles in the complicated plot—in- jects shown in anime-heavy Japanese the- Dagashi Kashi: Season cluding a wizard named Oz, Shakespeare, aters, this daffy classroom farce essentially One HH1/2 and the manipulative god Loki. Divine Gate amounts to a self-referential, post-modern (2016) 2 discs. 300 min. Blu- boasts some striking visuals, but the narra- anime infomercial, but it is impossible to ray: $29.99. Funimation (avail. tive is so overloaded with revelations and dislike. Japanese teen Minoa is haunted by from most distributors). convolutions that a narrator is needed to childhood images she dimly remembers from This loose anime series straighten out the twists, and the conclusion an obscure TV cartoon. When she learns that focuses on Kokonotsu Shika- is an excruciatingly prolonged series of life fabulously rich and beautiful classmate Arisu da, an aspiring artist lessons. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2016 is an anime buff, the pair start an odd-couple nicknamed “Coconuts.” His career goals do in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, friendship (more a master-apprentice one) not coincide with the plans of his father Yo, rated TV-14, extras include a featurette that to revive an inactive school anime club and who insists that Kokonotsu inherit the fami- breathlessly explains the premise of the populate it with fellow obsessives—most of ly’s dagashi shop (dagashi being the Japanese series, an episode commentary, and promo whom subject novice Minoa to intense anime equivalent of cheap candies and snack foods videos. A disappointing effort to translate the binge-viewing, cosplay, convention-going, marketed to small children). Kokonotsu’s life game to the screen, this is not a necessary and hectoring anime 101 lectures (viewers is happily disrupted by Hotaru, a beautiful purchase. (F. Swietek) will learn that “God rays” is the term for but somewhat strange young lady who arrives inexplicable beams of light that miraculously at the shop and tries to recruit Yo to work at Konohana Kitan: The block full nudity). Meanwhile, mysterious her own family’s candy company. But Yo will Complete Series HH1/2 opposition to the club comes from the highest not leave the shop until Kokonotsu agrees to (2017) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- levels in the school, and a running gag finds accept his inheritance, so Hotaru decides to ray/DVD Combo: $64.99. that even characters who seem indifferent or stick around and influence Kokonotsu. Ho- Funimation (avail. from most hostile to anime are secretly the most fanat- taru brings a heavy-handed degree of sexual distributors). ical otaku purists. In the zany apocalyptic innuendo to her business dealings, often em- Based on a manga by closing episodes, reality is literally invaded barrassing Kokonotsu with her shenanigans. Sakuya Amano, this color- by the universe of anime (which is certainly Dagashi Kashi works best as a satire of Japanese fully animated if at times overly sweet anime wish-fulfillment for the target audience). food obsessions (think of it as an anime riff series centers on Yuzu, a naïve foxgirl brought If cult immortality doesn’t await the series on Juzo Itami’s 1985 classic Tampopo) and by her guardian, a nun, to work on the staff Anime-Gataris (literally “anime talk”) it defi- will work best for viewers somewhat familiar of the Konohanatei Hotel, which is located nitely should. Presenting all 12 episodes from with the culinary aspects of Japanese cul- in a sort of neverland between Heaven and 2017 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo ture. On the narrative side, the series is silly Earth and is owned by Okami, a fox who can set, rated TV-PG, this is highly recommended. without being laugh-out-loud funny, with adopt the guise of a woman. The narrative (C. Cassady) zany Hotaru dominating the mayhem while thrust of the series lies in the relationship poor Kokonotsu is often an unwitting victim. between Yuzu and her co-workers: Satsuki, Citrus: The Complete Compiling all 12 episodes from 2016 in a a no-nonsense type who wants to become a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated priestess; Ren, a beautiful foxgirl with fears Series HH1/2 that stem from her childhood; Natsume, (2018) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- TV-14, extras include episode commentaries. ray/DVD Combo: $64.99. A strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) a tomboyish extrovert; petite, mysterious Funimation (avail. from most Sakura; and Kiri, the staff overseer. As the distributors). Divine Gate: The series progresses, Yuzu learns from them and Yuzu Aihara is a free-spir- HH they from her, and all are taught lessons by Complete Series the unusual guests who stay at the inn. Su- ited teen who is forced to (2016) 2 discs. 300 min. Blu- move to a new city and school after her ray: $29.99. Funimation (avail. pernatural elements abound: a peculiar egg mother remarries. Yuzu finds her new from most distributors). attaches itself to some of the foxgirls and a surroundings a little too conservative for Adapted from a 2013 cell baby grows in short order into a teenager, a her style, and her iconoclastic personality phone game, this action strange girl weaves a rainbow, a ghost tries creates friction with the student council anime series is set in a world to lure Yuzu to the underworld, and Satsuki at her new school. Complicating matters is transformed by the appearance of the titular is shrunk to tiny size. Overall, the series having the student council president, Mei structure, which has caused social chaos by lacks forward momentum, yet even though Aihara, as her new stepsister. The girls have connecting the human realm with that of the individual stories never quite mesh into to share a bedroom and initially cannot the gods. A World Council established to a coherent whole, they still offer incidental stand each other. But as time progresses, restore a semblance of order has created an pleasures along the way. Compiling all 12 ep- their animosity begins to dissolve and they academy—presided over by Arthur—to train isodes from 2017 in a dual-language Blu-ray/ experience unexpected romantic feelings. special youngsters known as adaptors, who DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, this is a strong This yuri anime—with a lesbian-themed are endowed with special powers tied to the optional purchase. (F. Swietek) storyline—is presented with a degree of elements of air, fire, and water. The students maturity and sensitivity that is frequently hone their abilities with the aim of opening Kumamiko: The Complete Series HH1/2 absent from similar productions. Yuzu is the gate and thereby (according to rumor) (2016) 2 discs. 300 min. Blu-ray: $24.99. a particularly memorable character, whose earning the fulfillment of their innermost Funimation (avail. from most distributors). free-wheeling, reckless behavior creates cha- desires—which might mean becoming gods Based on Masume Yoshimoto’s 2013

MAY/JUNE 2019 61 VIDEO LIBRARIAN manga, this anime series edition on separate DVD and DVD/Blu-ray ages, Maquia has to move before people be- centers on Machi, a village Combo releases, suitable for 13-up, this is a come suspicious, and as her son Ariel grows girl who wants to move to strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker) into a young man, her eternal youth adds the city, and her best friend another dimension to his rebellion. Mari and constant companion Lu Over the Wall HH1/2 Okada, a veteran screenwriter of both ani- Natsu, a talking bear. In (2017) 112 min. DVD: $16.99, mated and live-action features and TV shows, many respects their story Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $26.99. brings a fresh dimension to the fantasy genre, would appeal to young children, as ! Factory (avail. from exploring the challenges of parenthood and relationship between girl and animal is most distributors). SDH the complex feelings of being an outsider in sweet, but the lack of an English dialogue captioned. another culture in this touching, bittersweet track, plus some sexual allusions in the later Director/animator Ma- tale about being human. Presented in a chapters, make this inappropriate for that saaki Yuasa—whose earlier dual-language edition on separate DVD and age group. The narrative’s overall trajectory films include the outrageous DVD/Blu-ray Combo releases, suitable for 13- finds terribly shy Machi, who is incapable of 2004 Mind Game (VL-11/18)—presents a up, extras include a “making-of” featurette. mastering modern technology and is subject much more conventional tale in this 2017 Recommended. (S. Axmaker) to panic attacks, repetitively being forced into movie about , a Tokyo teen who moves public appearances by her cousin Yoshio, with his father to a small fishing village after Nanbaka: Part One who wants to enhance their hometown’s his parents’ divorce. Hinashi Town is notable HHH image. Eventually Machi, who has suffered for its proximity to an island reputed to be the home of ningyo—malevolent merfolk (2016) 4 discs. 325 min. Blu- numerous indignities while trying to connect ray/DVD Combo: $64.99. to the city, not only abandons her desire to who endanger shipping (which has led to Funimation (avail. from most escape her small village for the opportunities the island being walled off from the village distributors). afforded by urban life, but she is also content by a huge boulder). After the depressed Kai, Jailbreak sagas are typi- to remain childishly unconcerned with the an aspiring songsmith, is befriended by two cally harsh, but not so much larger world and its complexities (a message classmates who pressure him to join their in the absurd Nanbaka, based on Japanese that some parents might find unpalatable). band, all three repair to the island which— . Longtime readers of American On the other hand, Kumamiko does boast despite the ban—they use for their practice funny papers might note an echo here of colorful animation and could appeal to older sessions. The music attracts Lu, a gregarious gag-a-day strips from the Johnny Hart/Brant kids. Compiling all 12 episodes from 2016 in little mermaid whose tail turns to feet as she Parker factory such as B.C., The Wizard of Id, a Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, in Japanese with dances to the rhythm. Lu becomes entranced and Crock before this anime grows suddenly English subtitles, rated TV-PG, this is a strong with Kai, as he does with her. Meanwhile, schizophrenically serious in latter episodes. optional purchase. (F. Swietek) Hinashi Town has a new resident—a huge, The island-fortress prison Nanba is suppos- strange fellow who retools the working of the edly escape-proof, but four largely non-vio- Liz and the Blue Bird local fish processing plant to astronomically lent offenders in cell block 13—young pals increase production. Lu Over the Wall also HH1/2 who have served time in penal institutions features a town celebration involving lots of worldwide—frequently try to break out or (2018) 90 min. DVD: $16.99, music and dance, the disappearance of Kai’s Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $26.99. otherwise outwit their ferocious alpha-guard Shout! Factory (avail. from female band mate, and a massive chase at frenemy Hajime just for fun (these inmates ac- most distributors). SDH sea. But while the film exhibits imagination tually enjoy this particular joint). The humor captioned. and energy, it also ultimately feels a little centers on protracted guard-vs-prisoner “New A gentle 2018 anime fea- bland in comparison to Yuasa’s earlier work. Year’s Tournaments,” progressing from card ture that explores the friendship between two Presented in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD games to bloody martial arts death matches high school girls, the story centers on Mizore, Combo edition, rated PG, extras include an (there’s a secret conspiracy to turn prisoners a shy, retiring girl who plays oboe in the audio commentary by Yuasa and an interview into super-powered mutants). Sometimes this student orchestra, and confident, outgoing with the director. A strong optional purchase. is played for deadpan mock-melodrama but Nozomi, her best (and perhaps only) friend, (F. Swietek) basically the series spoofs anime tropes and who plays flute. The two are featured in a whatever else comes to mind (cross-dressing duet in their new piece inspired by the titular Maquia: When the charas, the tragic backstory of one prisoner children’s storybook, but they can’t quite get Promised Flower Blooms having been groomed from boyhood to be a it right, which reflects their increasingly awk- HHH movie actor ninja, etc.). At one point, even the ward friendship as they near the end of high (2018) 115 min. DVD: $16.99, narrator confesses to having no idea what’s school and find themselves drawn in different Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $26.99. going on (at least the sexiness and violence directions. Directed by Naoko Yamada, this Shout! Factory (avail. from are presented at an unabashed Looney Tunes original story based on characters from the most distributors). SDH level). Presenting the first 13 episodes from popular Sound! Euphonium series of YA high captioned. 2016 in a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo school novels offers little in the way of plot or This 2018 anime feature about an im- set, rated TV-14, this offbeat series is recom- dramatic action. Yamada is more interested in mortal girl named Maquia, who is separated mended. [Note: Nanbaka: Part Two is also exploring the delicacy and intensity of female from her clan and raises a human child, is newly available.] (C. Cassady) friendship, expressed through simple imag- a fantasy with epic scope and an intimate ery and evocative body language. Passages focus. The story features a kingdom of war- The Night Is Short, Walk from the storybook (animated in a style that riors who conquer the clan to recharge their on Girl HHH recalls ) echo the narrative bloodline, flying dragon-like lizards that are (2017) 93 min. Blu-ray/DVD arc of the girls, while abstract images that slowly dying off, the past and future woven Combo: $26.99. Shout! Factory suggest a bird in flight accompany the musi- into mysterious cloths on sacred looms, and (avail. from most distributors). cal performance. Ultimately, this is a slight a culture suspicious of outsiders. And it spans SDH captioned. but sweet tale with some insight into female decades while the innocent Maquia sacrifices A teenage girl’s long, relationships. Presented in a dual-language everything to raise her son. Since she never eventful night on the town becomes a fan-

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 62 MAY/JUNE 2019 tastical adventure in this 2017 anime feature acclaimed animated features Millennium tures as a person, while also contending with film by . A high school soph- Actress (2001), Tokyo Godfathers (2003), and the members of the religious society Order of omore known only as “The Girl with Black the heady Paprika (2006) before his untimely Lorelei, which is devoted to the interpretation Hair” joins a pair of harmless con artists for a death in 2010 at the age of 46. Presented in a of “The Score,” an ancient prophecy outlining night on the town to see what being an adult dual-language DVD/Blu-ray Combo edition, the world’s future preserved on fragments of is like. In her case, it means drinking copious unrated and suitable for adult audiences, tablets that both nations (and others) are anx- amounts of alcohol and meeting a bizarre extras include an archival lecture by Kon, ious to acquire. With its plethora of technical collection of characters, including a dirty old interviews with Japanese and English voice terms, plot convolutions, and characters, this man and a stinky dude who refuses to change casts, and a music video. Recommended. will probably most appeal to those familiar his briefs until he finds his lost girlfriend. (S. Axmaker) with the original game, but it offers decent Meanwhile Senpai, an upperclassman with entertainment for anyone willing to make an unrequited crush on our heroine, vows to The Silver Guardian an effort to enter into this fantasy world. finally make his move by finding her favorite HH1/2 Compiling all 26 episodes from 2008-09 in childhood book at a book fair. Along the way (2017) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- a dual-language Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, to their inevitable meeting they cross paths ray/DVD Combo: $64.99. rated TV-14, this is a strong optional purchase. with the “library police,” the young god of Funimation (avail. from most (F. Swietek) old books, a gang that steals the underwear distributors). of teenage boys, and a guerilla theater troupe This anime series focuses Urahara: The Complete who perform an operatic musical in short on gamer and high school Series HH1/2 street performances. Yuasa, a cult figure in student Suigin Riku. Although he attends the (2017) 4 discs. 300 min. Blu- Japan for his distinctive and unconventional Shinryou Private Academy, which attracts the ray/DVD Combo: $64.99. approach to animated storytelling, brings wit, children of the very rich, Suigin hails from Funimation (avail. from most whimsy, and great creativity to his adaptation a working-class background and must juggle distributors). of Tomihiko Morimi’s 2006 novel. The titular a series of part-time jobs to cover his tuition. This anime series focuses character’s adventures become chapters of One day, Suigin jumps into a pool to save on a trio of high school girls an epic fantasy, and the benevolence of the his pet cat from drowning, forgetting that who plan to open a pop-up shop in Tokyo’s vision makes even the sketchiest characters he cannot swim. He is rescued by Rei Riku, Harajuku area. While the girls seem more harmless. She even gets through it all without the daughter of a game developer, who Suigin interested in trendy fashion and eating out a hangover, which may be the most fantas- later learns is also an online player in one of than the fate of the world, they refocus their tical twist of all in this delightful romantic his favorite games. Rei introduces Suigin to attention when an army of aliens arrives with fantasy. Presented in a dual-language Blu-ray/ a new game called Grave Buster, and when the goal of stealing the world’s most beloved DVD Combo set, suitable for ages 13-up, ex- Rei is kidnapped, Suigin must enter the new cultural landmarks. The girls somehow tras include an interview with the director. game to rescue her from danger. Suigin’s manage to create a protective bubble around Recommended. (S. Axmaker) adventures in this virtual parallel universe Harajuku by using tools and magic gained are entertaining, and the characters are from the alien invaders. While this unlikely Perfect Blue HHH often charming, but the series ultimately shield keeps the extraterrestrials from wreak- (1997) 82 min. Blu-ray/DVD wears out its welcome, although its visually ing havoc, there is an unexpected side effect: Combo: $26.99. Shout! Factory striking animation helps compensate for any everyone inside of the bubble is trapped in (avail. from most distributors). storytelling shortcomings. Compiling all 18 the district and unable to leave. Typical of the SDH captioned. episodes from the 2017-18 first and truncated series’ odd humor is having the dead aliens This 1997 debut anime second seasons in a dual-language Blu-ray/ turn into donuts, albeit with staring eyes (the feature from Satoshi Kon, DVD Combo set, rated TV-14, this is a strong girls are unfazed by the ocular features of one of the most accom- optional purchase. (P. Hall) these unlikely pastries and eat them anyway). plished anime filmmakers of the past two For sheer silliness, Urahara serves up a zany decades, is an adult psycho-thriller that Tales of the Abyss riff on multiple anime tropes as the unlikely uses the freedom of animation to blur the HH heroines giggle and wiggle their way through lines between objective and subjective per- 1/2 (2009) 7 discs. 650 min. In mischief with insouciant charm amidst a spectives. Mima is a singer who leaves her Japanese w/English subtitles. happily garish visual production. The nutty squeaky-clean pop idol image to become an Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $54.99. concept eventually starts to lose steam about actress in a violent TV series, a career move Funimation (avail. from most halfway through, but until that point it offers that angers her fans. Full of self-doubt and distributors). joyfully nonsensical entertainment. Present- tormented by humiliating compromises, she Based on the titular 2005 ing all 12 episodes from 2017 in a dual-lan- is also plagued by an obsessive stalker in her PlayStation 2 game, this otherworldly action guage Blu-ray/DVD Combo set, rated TV-PG, waking life and an accusing alter ego in her anime set on a planet divided into two hostile this is a strong optional purchase. (P. Hall) dreams. Kon, adapting a novel by Yoshikazu realms—Kimlasca and Malkuth—centers on Takeuchi, shows viewers the world from Luke fon Fabre, teen son of the ruler of Kim- More Star Blazers Mima’s schizophrenic perspective: days blur, lasca, who has been kept safe in the palace dreams cross over into the waking world, after his rescue from kidnappers years earlier. One of the pioneering and the TV show blends into her real life While he is training with his teacher Van, a anime series returns in Star until she can’t separate the from the woman attacks and mysteriously transports Blazers 2202: Part One real-life stalkers, even as her co-workers are Luke into Malkuth. Revealed to be Tear (Blu-ray/DVD Combo: 4 being brutally slain around her. The scenes Grants, Van’s sister, she volunteers to escort discs, $64.98), set three years of sexual assault border on lurid exploitation, Luke back home, and along the way they en- after the spaceship Yamato’s but otherwise this is a smart, stylish thriller counter numerous friends and foes, including voyage to restore Earth. A with a provocative psychological dimension a knight named Asch who bears an uncanny new threat once again puts that serves up a savvy portrait of celebrity physical resemblance to Luke. Confronting a humanity to the test as the Yamato and its in the digital age. Kon went on to make the succession of challenges, Luke gradually ma- crew undertake one more mission.

MAY/JUNE 2019 63 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Distributor Addresses

Contact information for distribu- Human Relations Media Vision Maker Media tors of titles reviewed in this issue 59 Kensico Dr. 1800 N. 33rd St. Mt. Kisco, NY 10549 Lincoln, NE 68503 are listed below. Some titles must Tel: (800) 431-2050 Tel: (402) 472-3522 be ordered direct, while others are Web: hrmvideo.com Web: visionmaker.org available from a wide variety of Icarus Films Vision Video distributors. 32 Court St., 21st Fl. P.O. Box 540 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Worcester, PA 19490 Tel: (800) 876-1710 Tel: (800) 523-0226 Web: icarusfilms.com Web: visionvideo.com

Kino Lorber Edu Weston Woods Studios Allen Killian-Moore 333 W. 39th St., Ste. 503 90 Old Sherman Tpke. 127 W. 7th St. New York, NY 10018 Danbury, CT 06816 Duluth, MN 55806 Tel: (800) 562-3330 Tel: (800) 243-5020 Tel: (612) 239-0329 Web: kinolorberedu.com Web: westonwoods.scholastic.com Web: allenkillianmoore.com Music Box Films Bennett-Watt HD Productions 173 N. Morgan St. 1380 W. 2nd Ave. Chicago, IL 60607 Eugene, OR 97402 Tel: (312) 241-1320 Tel: (800) 260-3869 Web: musicboxfilms.com Web: bennett-watt.com Naxos of America Bullfrog Films 1810 Columbia Ave., Ste. 28 P.O. Box 149 Franklin, TN 37064 Oley, PA 19547 Tel: (615) 771-9393 Tel: (800) 543-3764 Web: naxos.com Web: bullfrogfilms.com New Day Films C-LineFilms 350 N. Water St., Unit 1-12 P.O. Box 80 Newburgh, NY 12550 Somerville, MA 02143 Tel: (888) 367-9154 Web: c-linefilms.org Web: newday.com

Cinema Libre Studio Outcast Films 120 S. Victory Blvd., 1st Fl. 511 Avenue of the Americas, Ste. 398 Burbank, CA 91502 New York, NY 10011 Tel: (818) 588-3033 Tel: (646) 512-2596 Web: cinemalibrestudio.com Web: outcast-films.com

Collective Eye Films Passion River 1315 SE 20th Ave., #3 154 Mt. Bethel Rd. Portland, OR 97214 Warren, NJ 07059 Tel: (971) 236-2056 Tel: (732) 321-0711 Web: collectiveeye.org Web: passionriver.com

Dreamscape Media PBS Video 1417 Timberwolf Dr. 2100 Crystal Dr. Holland, OH 43528 Arlington, VA 22202 Tel: (877) 983-7326 Tel: (800) 531-4727 Web: dreamscapeab.com Web: .org

EPF Media PRAGDA 324 S. Beverly Dr., PMB 437 302 Bedford Ave., #136 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Brooklyn, NY 11249 Tel: (888) 570-5400 Tel: (718) 473-0647 Web: epfmedia.com Web: pragda.com

Film Movement Seventh Art Releasing 237 West 35th St., Ste. 604 6579 Pickwick St. New York, NY 10001 Los Angeles, CA 90042 Tel: (866) 937-3456 Tel: (323) 259-8259 Web: filmmovement.com Web: 7thart.com

First Run Features TMW Media Group 630 Ninth Ave., Ste. 1213 2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd. New York, NY 10036 Venice, CA 90291 Tel: (800) 229-8575 Tel: (800) 262-8862 Web: firstrunfeatures.com Web: tmwmedia.com

Grasshopper Film Tugg 12 East 32nd St., 4th Fl. 4210 Spicewood Springs Rd., Ste. 200 New York, NY 10016 Austin, TX 78759 Tel: (646) 586-3060 Tel: (855) 321-8844 Web: grasshopperfilm.com Web: edu.tugg.com

Green Planet Films The Video Project P.O. Box 815 145 Ninth St., Ste. 230 Stonington, CT 06378 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel: (415) 377-5471 Tel: (800) 475-2638 Web: greenplanetfilms.org Web: videoproject.com

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 64 MAY/JUNE 2019 Title Index

Addiction ...... 52 Dark River ...... 20 Monsieur & Madame Adelman ...... 25 Aircraft Carrier: Guardian of the Seas ...... 56 Day After, The ...... 20 Move! Dance Your Life ...... 55 America; I Too ...... 46 Desolation Slow ...... 47 Mule, The ...... 25 American Sign Language Made Easy: ASL for Discoveries...America National Parks: New Mexico Nanbaka: Part One ...... 62 Beginners ...... 50 Ancestral Pueblo People & Fort Union ...... 58 Narcissister: Organ Player ...... 55 American Vandal: Season One ...... 41 Divide and Conquer: Story of Roger Ailes ...... 59 Nellie Bly Makes the News ...... 60 Among Wolves ...... 46 Divine Gate: Complete Series ...... 61 Night Is Short, Walk on Girl ...... 62 Anime-Gataris: Complete Series ...... 61 Doctor, The ...... 33 No Date, No Signature ...... 26 Antonio Lopez 1970 ...... 58 Dog’s Way Home, A ...... 20 Northwest: Coast Salish ...... 48 Apollo 11 ...... 16 Donna Haraway: Story Telling for Earthly Nude Area ...... 26 Arctic ...... 16 Survival ...... 44 Olancho ...... 48 Bag of Marbles, A ...... 16 Dynasties ...... 51 On Her Shoulders ...... 60 Band vs Brand ...... 54 El Angel ...... 20 On the Basis of Sex ...... 26 Bang: Series 1 ...... 41 Eternity Has No Door of Escape ...... 54 Other Side of Home, The ...... 57 Becoming Astrid ...... 16 Facebook Dilemma, The ...... 47 Out of Love ...... 26 Between the Shades ...... 46 Family of Fear ...... 52 Over the Limit ...... 53 Birds of Passage ...... 16 Ferahfeza (Ships) ...... 20 Overloaded ...... 52 Black Memorabilia ...... 47 Fighting with My Family ...... 22 Paris Education, A ...... 28 Blue Movie ...... 33 Frantz Fanon: Black Skin, White Mask ...... 36 Parkland: Inside Building 12 ...... 57 Border ...... 18 Free Solo ...... 22 Party’s Just Beginning, The ...... 28 Breathe with Me ...... 43 G Is for Gun ...... 47 Pension Gamble, The ...... 49 Broadway Bound ...... 33 Garry Winogrand ...... 59 Peppermint Soda ...... 38 Bumblebee ...... 18 Gospel of Eureka, The ...... 44 Perfect Blue ...... 63 Burning ...... 18 Group, The ...... 36 Permanent Green Light ...... 28 Carretera Cartonera ...... 54 Guilty, The ...... 22 Phantom Lady ...... 38 Charlemagne ...... 41 Haunted Castle / The Finances of the Grand Piercing ...... 28 Chef Flynn ...... 18 Duke ...... 36 Poetry in America: Season 1 ...... 54 Citrus: Complete Series ...... 61 Heavens to Betsy 2 ...... 22 Prize, The ...... 38 Cleaners, The ...... 47 Hillbilly ...... 48 Purge: Season One ...... 42 Columbus ...... 18 Horror Express ...... 36 Pushouts, The ...... 49 Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut ...... 43 Hot to Trot ...... 53 Quake, The ...... 28 Cuban Food Stories ...... 52 House of Cards: Final Season ...... 41 RAAM Bam Thank You Mam ...... 53 Dagashi Kashi: Season One ...... 61 How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World ...... 22 Resident: Complete Season One ...... 42 Humboldt in Mexico: Vision of the Explorer ...... 59 Ritual: A Psychomagic Story ...... 30 I Am Not a Witch ...... 24 Room 304 ...... 30 If Project, The ...... 50 Sacred ...... 46 Advertiser Directory Imaginary Feasts + Mina’s Recipe Book ...... 56 Sarah T.: Portrait of a Teenage Alcoholic ...... 38 Invisible Heart, The ...... 48 Action! Library Media Service ...... 55 Sea Bones ...... 43 Invisibles, The ...... 24 Baker & Taylor Entertainment ...... 2 Serenity ...... 30 Jihadists ...... 49 Bennett Watt HD Productions ...... 59 Shame ...... 38 Jupiter’s Moon ...... 24 Breaking Glass Pictures ...... 29 Kidding: Season One ...... 41 She Has a Name ...... 30 Collective Eye ...... 53 King of Thieves ...... 24 She Persisted ...... 43 Criterion ...... 39 Knife + Heart ...... 24 Shoplifters ...... 30 D-Facto Filmstudio ...... 59 Konohana Kitan: Complete Series ...... 61 Silver Guardian, The ...... 63 Dreamscape ...... 45 Krypton: Complete First Season ...... 42 Small People, Big Trees ...... 49 EPF Media ...... 55 Kumamiko: Complete Series ...... 61 Spring Tide ...... 42 Film Movement ...... 17, 19 La Vérité ...... 36 Stan & Ollie ...... 32 Films Media Group ...... 8 Las Sandinistas! ...... 58 Super Cats ...... 51 First Run Features ...... 11 Last B-24 ...... 56 Tales of the Abyss ...... 63 Grasshopper Film ...... 9 Last Race, The ...... 25 Tarnished Angels, The ...... 40 Green Planet Films ...... 6 Last Resort, The ...... 3 Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here ...... 40 Holocaust Education Film Foundation ...... 57 Last Tsarinas, The ...... 57 Then Came You ...... 32 Icarus Films ...... 4, 5 Little Gandhi ...... 60 To the Ends of the Earth ...... 46 IndiePix Films ...... 37 Liz and the Blue Bird ...... 62 Tommy Battles the Silver Sea Dragon ...... 32 Kino Lorber Education ...... 23 Looking for the Wild: Unai’s Journey ...... 50 Touch Me Not ...... 32 Midwest Tape ...... 68 Lost Village, The ...... 48 True Stories ...... 40 Music Box Films ...... 21 Lu Over the Wall ...... 62 Trump’s Showdown ...... 50 National Media Market (NMM) ...... 66 Malala ...... 43 Twelfth Night ...... 56 NCircle Entertainment ...... 34, 35 Man Who Killed Hitler / Then the Bigfoot ...... 25 Tyrel ...... 32 Oscilloscope Pictures ...... 27 Mantra: Sounds Into Silence ...... 44 Unknown Soldier ...... 32 Passion River Films ...... 67 Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms ...... 62 Urahara: Complete Series ...... 63 PBS Video ...... 7 Mary McScary ...... 43 Vanishing, The ...... 33 Strand Releasing ...... 31 Meow Wolf: Origin Story ...... 54 War in Between, The ...... 44 Vision Maker Media ...... 13 Minute Bodies ...... 51 Watched ...... 50 Vision Video ...... 15 Miss Bala ...... 25 What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? ...... 40 YMAA Publication Center ...... 53 Modified...... 52 Woman in the Iron Coffin, The ...... 58 Moko Jumbie ...... 25 World’s Fastest Animal ...... 51

MAY/JUNE 2019 65 VIDEO LIBRARIAN Final Frame

Herzog’s Into the Inferno. during the golden age of What do all of these films have in com- VHS in the ‘80s and ‘90s; Netflix Blues mon? None are currently available on DVD and saw enhanced quality As of April 11, all of the films nominated or Blu-ray. but diminished availability for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards TV is more of a mixed bag, because studios of titles on DVD and later have been released on home video—except were involved in many of the earlier series, Blu-ray from the mid-’90s through our cur- for one. Alfonso Cuaron’s multi-Oscar win- so shows like House of Cards and Orange Is the rent era (how many great documentaries do ning Roma is the sole holdout and the reason New Black are available on home video. you think will bow on 4K?). for this is simple: Roma is a Netflix title. Like millions of others, I am a Netflix Streaming always simultaneously posed The subscription streaming giant has been subscriber (currently binge-watching Breaking the most promising cornucopia of movies, steadily increasing its slate of original movies Bad) with an ambitious to-watch list. I am documentaries, TV shows, and more, on the over the past four years and currently has especially looking forward to the new David one hand, and the greatest threat to acquiring over 200 films to its credit, starting with Attenborough-hosted Our Planet and I hope and maintaining visual media collections in 2015’s Golden Globe-nominated Beasts of No that it does not become the first major series libraries, on the other. Nations, directed by Cary Fukunaga. created by the BBC nature crew that doesn’t With its tight-fisted approach to distri- Other memorable entries include Dee appear on DVD and Blu-ray. bution, the Netflix model is the worst-case Rees’s Oscar-nominated Mudbound, Angelina But anyone who has followed the conversa- scenario writ large. Today, more and more Jolie’s First They Killed My Father, the Coen tions on UC Berkeley’s indispensable videolib studios are starting their own subscription brothers’ Oscar-winning The Ballad of Buster listserv (https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/VRT- services, including the just announced Dis- Scruggs, Susanne Bier’s Bird Box, Alexandre lists)—moderated by Media Resource Center ney+. What this will mean for the future of Lehmann’s Paddleton, and ’s The librarian Gisele Tanasse—about acquiring or physical media is open to question. But even Other Side of the Wind. Later this year, Martin showing Netflix titles has experienced a fair the most amateur of crystal ball-gazing Jeane Scorsese’s new film , starring amount of frustration over Netflix’s fuzzy Dixons can’t be predicting an all-roses future. , will debut on Netflix. and shifting stances. The major takeaway is Ultimately, this is that Henry V Saint And those are just the movies. Consider that regardless even of filmmaker input, very Crispin’s Day speech moment in time when some of the documentaries: Ava DuVernay’s few Netflix titles are available to libraries, our happy few band of brothers (and sisters) 13th, Errol Morris’s miniseries Wormwood, even to stream. must either find a workable solution to the Evgeny Afineevsky’s Oscar-nominated Win- We are seeing a seismic sea change in the Netflix dilemma or watch as millions are shut ter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom, Bryan acquisition of visual media in libraries that out of access to significant films that are a part Fogel’s Oscar-winning Icarus, Jon Shenk and began with the cherished 16mm collections of our cultural heritage. Bonni Cohen’s Audrie & Daisy, and Werner in the 1960s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s; flourished Randy Pitman

Tens of thousands of titles published ONLY on VHS are no longer commercially available. As a library with a signifi cant cant investment in VHS and a need to make sure that content remains viable, what are your options? Digitizing under US Copyright Section 108 is viable, but expensive and time-consuming. We started the Academic Libraries Video Trust so libraries can share the time, cost and research about the copyright-related issues associated with this process. The ALVT is a cloud-based content repository, run as a cooperative, that ANY library can join. Unlike a streaming service or a distributor, ALVT provides library- videotrust.org staff access to ready-to-use fi les for content you already own on VHS, and the ability to share fi les you’ve digitized with other libraries that also own the content on VHS. Visit our site now, at videotrust.org, so you can see our growing database, the group of fl agship libraries that helped us get started, and our generous terms of membership. We’re happy to answer your questions! A project of the National Media Market Visit our FAQ page and contact us directly. [email protected] Hosted and sponsored by Docuseek

VIDEO LIBRARIAN 66 MAY/JUNE 2019 HOT NEW RELEASES TO GROW YOUR CATALOG BEFORE THE SEMESTER ENDS

BIRDS OF PASSAGE BARISTAS Directed by Academy Award Nominated Filmmaking Duo The Long-Awaited Follow-Up To The Smash-Hit Documentary Barista Key Title For Audiences Who Enjoy: Top ChefMaster Chef ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ , The Great British Bake-Off 2019 Oscar Shortlist and "Outstanding...closer in tone to Narcos than any telenovela" “A Colombian Godfather”

From the Oscar-nominated team behind the genre-defying Embrace of the Serpent, comes an equally audacious saga centered on the Wayúu indigenous people during a crucial period What does it take to make the perfect cup of coffee? in recent Colombian history. Four passionate National Barista Champions from the United States (Kyle Ramage), Ireland Torn between his desire to become a powerful man and his duty to uphold his culture’s (Niall Wynn), Germany (Chloe J. Nattrass) and Japan (Miki Suzuki) represent their countries values, Rapayet enters the drug trafficking business in the 1970s and finds quick success and their craft in an attempt to win the World Barista Championship in Seoul, South Korea. despite his tribe’s matriarch Ursula’s disapproval. Ignoring ancient omens, Rapayet and his family get caught up in a conflict where honor is the highest currency and debts are paid with Baristas, the follow up to the hit documentary Barista, places particular emphasis on the blood. Japanese Champion, Miki Suzuki, as she attempts to become the first female World Barista Champion in history. A sprawling epic about the erosion of tradition in pursuit of material wealth, Birds of Passage is a visually striking exploration of loyalty, greed, and the voracious nature of change. Narrative| Foreign | Latin American Studies | Indigenous Studies | Crime | Drugs Documentary | Food & Beverage | International Studies | Womens Studies 125 min. | UPC: 889845942931| SRP: $24.95 | PPR: $350.00 | Closed Captioned 98 min. | UPC: 889845943082| SRP: $24.95 | PPR: $299.00 |Closed Captioned Blu Ray UPC: 889845943099 | Blu Ray SRP: $34.95 Available Exclusively to Libraries

LATE LIFE: LITTLE MISS WESTIE THE CHIEN-MING WANG STORY What would you do if your children swapped genders? As Seen In Theaters Nationwide

Chronicling Life of First & Only Taiwanese “has already inspired viewers to think New York Yankees Baseball Player more deeply - and compassionately - about Chien-Ming Wang trans individuals” - WomenandHollywood.com “an inspiring account of an elite athlete with the tenacity (and resources) to battle adversity “Incredibly relevant..." and keep his dream alive.” - Ruth Somalo, DocNYC on NPR Little Miss Westie Chien-Ming Wang was a supernova in Taiwan. His success as the Ace of the New York Yankees follows two transgender siblings as they navigate puberty, school, dating rocketed him into a cult-like status on the island nation. His face was so ubiquitous and his and transitioning during the Trump era. impact so meaningful, that he was donned the title of “Pride of Taiwan” - a national honor he was never fully comfortable with. Wang, a man of quiet, humble disposition, never sought out Ren is competing in the Lil Miss Westie Pageant as the first out trans-girl and her older the attention. All he wanted to do was play. brother Luca is coaching her on posing, make-up, and talent. He knows his stuff because he competed six years ago when he was living as a girl. WeW find Chien-Ming now at age 35, bouncing around the Independent and Minor Leagues, a fallen icon. The film delves into his comeback attempts, his life between endless rehab Moving and unflinching, Little Miss Westie challenges fundamental ideas about gender programs, his lengthy and often lonely stints away from home and family, and the inner struggles and weight he carries on his injured shoulders. We follow him as he works towards identity as this brother and sister navigates puberty and transitioning all while bickering and a singular goal: to fight his way back into the Major Leagues. competing for the crown.

Documentary | Sports | Asian Studies | Sports Psychology Documentary |LGBTQ+ Studies | Gender Studies | Family Psychology 100 min. | UPC: 888295877558| SRP: $24.95 | PPR: $299.00 | Closed Captioned 85 min. | UPC: 602573829820 | SRP: $59.95 | PPR: $299.00 | Closed Captioned *Available Exclusively To Libraries

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