Hello! Welcome to the FREE Monday newsletter where I give you my unsolicited movie recommendations! This week, let’s get sad.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
There’s just something about stop motion, and something about Guillermo del Toro! This version of Pinocchio is not a fable that warns children not to misbehave, but rather one that encourages them to be true to themselves and kind, set against the backdrop of Fascist Italy. There are a lot of changes here (for one, Pinocchio doesn’t turn into a donkey in Toyland – he goes to a boys’ military camp instead), but the one that struck the most emotional chord for me is the addition of Geppetto’s late son, Carlo. The story really hinges on Geppetto’s grief over his son’s death, and his connection with Pinocchio is informed by that grief. Telling that story through the intricate beauty of stop motion animation is perfect for the character and a joy to watch.
All Shall Be Well
I just saw this film last night, and left the theater angrier than I’ve been in a hot minute. Here’s the set up: after the unexpected death of her partner, Pat (Maggie Li Lin Lin), Angie (Patra Au) finds herself pit against Pat’s family, who refuse to respect, or really even recognize at all, her relationship with Pat as romantic. It’s a really slight little drama, but one that quietly rips your heart out at every turn. People. Sign your wills! Please! Don’t let this happen to you!
Thanks for reading!
I plagiarize Bob because it’s true and well said.
Thanks, Sammie! I'll need to check out both of these films. Regarding Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, it's been interesting to see an increase in theater and film of the concept where an existing story is taken and a compelling "backstory" is invented or inferred. As for All Shall Be Well, I've witnessed real-life situations where innocent persons have been summarily erased from their deceased partner's story by unaccepting family members. Horrid.