Jep Gambardella, Brilliant.


Here’s the critic’s leading selection for the 2014 Oscar Foreign film of the year. And what a film it is. Introspective. Astonishing cinematography (EYE CANDY). Overwhelming.  And, Toni Servillo, oh what a performance. (The movie is long…strap in.)  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  • NY Times Review (5/5 stars): “thrilling ode to sensibility and to some of its linguistic cousins, like sensation, sensitivity and sentiment.
  • RogerEbert.com (4/4 stars): “Servillo, a theatrically-trained actor, makes Jep arresting. He’s like an Italian Tom Wolfe. You hang on his every word, even when you’re about to hear something gossipy and mean-spirited, because you know it’ll probably be true, or at least well-said…You are overwhelmed with information, but each scene is constructed with such care and attention that it’s easy to miss that each new scene elaborates on Jep’s latest theory or dilemma. His character arc is engrossing because it’s not just full of complex ideas, thanks to the screenplay, but visual beauty as well, courtesy of Luca Bigazzi’s cinematography”

The Broken Circle Breakdown


It’s frigid outside.
You’re going to lounge in bed or
Lay on the couch all afternoon looking for a flick.
Here’s your answer.
Right here.
On the 2014 Oscar Ballot for the Best Foreign Language Film.
You don’t like Bluegrass music?
Watch it anyway.
You don’t like foreign films and subtitles?
Watch it anyway.
Does the racy trailer put you off?
Watch it anyway.


The Broken Circle Breakdown Movie Reviews:


A deliciously true story


If you are looking for a rainy Sunday afternoon movie, here it is.  This movie is charming, moves “briskly” and is entertaining – I loved it.  If you are a foodie or just love eating – you’ll find a number of mouth-watering scenes.  The movie is showing in theaters and available to watch Instantly on Netflix.

“The story is based on the real-life case of Danièle Delpeuch, a small town regional chef and restaurant-owner who was summoned by President François Mitterrand to be his personal cook at the Elysée Palace. The President had developed a hankering for the food he knew in his youth and decided that she’s just the woman he needs to provide him with “the best of France.”  (Noted that she was the first ever female personal chef for a President of France which adds an interesting dynamic into the Elysee Palace kitchens, traditionally a male preserve.)

Movie Reviews:


The Intouchables

A jobless Senegalese man (Omar Sy) applies for a caregiver position for Philippe, a wealthy quadriplegic (Francois Cluzet). He is hired and brings Philippe a reinvigorated appreciation for living.  As improbable as the plot line may be, the movie is feel-good medicine for a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon.  It is light, warm-hearted and funny.  Omar Sy steals the show.  The movie was a smashing success in France.  Critics’ Reviews: Andrew O’Hehir (Salon), Roger Ebert (Sun-Times), Rex Reed (NY Observer).  DK Grade: * * * * *


The Intouchables @ Amazon.  (Note: this is a French flick with subtitles.)

Argo v. The Sessions

Both are entertaining and based on a true story.  However, “The Sessions” was the hands down winner.  John Hawkes and Helen Hunt are both exceptional.  The Sessions “is based on the optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O’Brien – – who was confined to an iron lung and who is determined–at age 38–to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest, he sets out to make his dream a reality.”


Note: $4.99 rental on Amazon Instant Video.  Official Site: http://thesessionsmovie.com