Culver City Observer -

In this post-Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of summer, the theatres are full of little gems to satisfy every demographic out there (well, except for my brother). So for a little change this week, rather than one in-depth review (which you will still be able to find on my website), I’ll take a look at several of this weekend’s openers.

SUBMARINE

What a quirky little delight SUBMARINE is! Filled with cuteness, laugh out loud funny and dark comedy that I just can’t praise enough. Written and directed by Richard Ayoade based on the novel of the same name by Joe Dunthorne, SUBMARINE is the story of 15 year old Oliver Tate. A beyond precocious boy and so wise beyond his years , his main mission in life is to lose his virginity before his 16^th birthday while trying to save his parents’ marriage (which may or may not be in jeopardy, but in Oliver’s mind they have hit the skids as the dimmer switch in their bedroom is never on “dim”). But Oliver has one small problem; okay, not so small problem - he has no girlfriend, something which he intends to remedy quickly in the form of Jordana Bevan. As quirky and precocious as Oliver is, Jordana is equally so with her penchant for pyromania, incessant scratching due to eczema, and hard edge, rapid fire, demanding nature which is simply irresistible. And lucky for Oliver, Jordana is a willing participant in all of his plans..and what plans they are with adventures and trouble abounding.

Craig Roberts and Yasmin Paige, as Oliver and Jordana, are the heart and soul of SUBMARINE. Carrying the film, each paints an indelible picture of their characters - Roberts gives us a stoic, stick-up-his-butt, forge ahead nature in Oliver while Paige simply electrifies with non-stop, non-breathing, engaging dialogue and gives Jordana a personality that is a cross between Pippi Longstocking and Veruca Salt. The chemistry between the two is explosive joy and their energy could light up an entire city.

Balancing out Roberts and Paige is the over-the-top, controlled prissy primness that Sally Hawkins brings to Jill Tate, that in and of itself is hysterical. One look at Noah Taylor as Lloyd Tate and you have to laugh - poor put upon downtrodden depressed dad who never cracks a smile. Paddy Considine rounds out our players as Graham T. Purvis, Jill’s childhood boyfriend who has moved back to town into his family home and whom looks more than a little cozy with Jill.

Written and directed by Ayoade, the narrative technique is engaging and entertaining and Roberts’ delivery is impeccable. The boy has an excellent command of comedic timing, dead pan delivery and styling, and converses and narrates with a well paced simplicity - even when espousing big words and big thoughts. This film rises and falls on his performance and his chemistry with Paige. Luckily, these are two mighty talented young actors as they shoulder the burden well.

Visually there is some extraordinary lensing - particularly the exteriors at the ocean, the fire scenes and the fireworks scenes. Stunning work. LOVE the use of red, particularly in the one scene with Oliver and Jordana running with fireworks in their hands at the train yard. The money shot of the film as far as I'm concerned. It sums up the joy of youth and a first love, while the intensity of the red mentally signals heat, fire and stop danger ahead...and then the sparkling fireworks glittering as they run, with sparks flying behind them like shooting stars. Simply breathtaking. That scene just makes me smile. Then you have one of Oliver's dream sequences in his bed, sinking in water. Powerful and emotionally satisfying. And yes, there are places where the story seems to drag out a bit but is quickly revived with the appearance of Roberts and/or Paige.

Cinematographer Erik Wilson’s use of color and lighting is standout - with Jordana's coat, the repeated use of red, the lights and neon glow of Graham's van, the Christmas lights in Jordana's home - color is expertly used with each character having their own defining color. Gary Williamson’s eclectic production design in Oliver's room gives a real sense of his level of intelligence and interests - and contrary to his desire to feel like he's submerged alone in a submarine, the look screams life.

The precociousness of Oliver and Jordana mirrors the visual art house polish and daring-daring do framing and styling of Richard Ayoade. And boy does Ayoade nail 15 year olds....who while wise beyond their years still act with the childhood joy of being 15. Refreshing and fun, SUBMARINE is one of my top picks for the week.

EMPIRE OF SILVER

What a fascinating film! Historical (in fact, rooted in the history of writer/director Christina Yao’s own family), interesting and beautiful, EMPIRE OF SILVER shines in every respect.

Set in China at the end of the 19^th Century, the Shanxi merchant organization is led by Lord Kang. The merchant organization was actually the form of banking in the day with silver being the “gold standard” and method of payment and the merchants trying to hoard same. We meet Lord Kang at a critical time as he must choose his successor from one of his four sons. First Master, follows the Buddhist way of life and is out of the running to lead the organization. Second Master seems a logical choice, although he has a bit of an anger management issue. Third Master is a complete goofball, screw-up and will never live up to his father’s expectations. Fourth Master, the youngest son, only wants to follow his heart and marry the love of his life, something for which his father gives his blessing.

Unfortunately, circumstances and events occur that leave Lord Kang only one successor - Third Master. He doesn’t want the job and Dad doesn’t want him to have the job, but under the laws of succession, Third Master must take the job. But strange things often happen when someone is thrust into situations for which they are unprepared; they buckle down, learn and thrive. And while Third Master does just that, it’s not an easy road as his business ethics differ from his father and the other merchants, and his heart pines for the love of his life who just happens to now be his stepmother.

As the British and Americans become a more prominent part of the culture and business, war, political turmoil and upheaval take their toll on Third Master and the Shanxi merchants as paper money begins to replace silver, changing their entire way of life. Can Third Master move forward with the times or will he succumb to the mandates of his father and others and what will become of his heart in the process?

EMPIRE OF SILVER is a great history lesson, not only about imperialist China but also about business, mixed in with familial succession and treachery as compelling storytelling tools giving rise to interesting characters and twists and turns. The dynamic and personalities of the four brothers - First, Second, Third and Fourth is so preciously portrayed and detailed. Likewise, the history of the Shanxi merchants' Piaohao and the entire financial structure under the rule of Lord Kang. Not surprising is that the goofball son turns out to be the best of the bunch in the story. Such an epic story and epic undertaking for any director, let alone a first time director like Christina Yao.

The costuming is outstanding in terms of authenticity and establishing the time, the class system. Yao was so intent on authenticity, that she obtained antique fabrics, jewelry, buttons, hasps, etc. which were all implemented in costume construction. The authenticity is impeccable. And then you look at the locations. Yao was given access to shoot at the at the 500 year old Ming building, one of only two surviving buildings in China to have used gold flakes in the surface paint, something Yao learned when she wanted to power-wash the building to remove the dust and grime of the centuries. Luckily, she was stopped before destroying history. Lensing was also done at the famed Yuan Dynasty bridge which is still in use today. Fueling the authenticity of history is the excellence of the cinematography which really showcases these artifacts and historical locations while simultaneously giving us an intimacy with each of the characters.

The underlying thematic of the film in terms of finding one's self, making choices, crisis of conscience are all very powerfully told not only with the dialogue but through the visuals. The performances are exemplary and through the body language alone, complimented with costuming, speaks volumes as to each character and the story.

A token English speaking role in the film goes to Jennifer Tilly as the missionary wife, Mrs. Landdeck. Such an understated performance and persona. A pivotal role as it propels the story forward in terms of the female perspective, I would, however, have liked to see Tilly’s role expanded. Unfamiliar with the Asian actors, this was an eye opening experience for me. Aaron Kwok is amazing as Third Master. I would love to see him cross-over into American films. He goes from almost screwball comedy moves to strength, seriousness, compassion, command. A beautiful character arc that is exquisite to watch unfold. Similarly, the chemistry between Kwok and Tielin Zhang's Lord Kang which is so telling and so believable as father-son/master-apprentice. And Zhang - a portrait of tacit power. Enchanting was Hao Lei as Madame Kang. Delicate, strong, tender, defiant. She brought the full spectrum of emotion to the table and artfully manipulates the audience with each one. I have to say, I loved the treachery and "evil" that Hei Zi brought to Second Master. Balancing that is the tacit uncertainty and strength from Shi Da Sheng as First Master.

And talk about the score by Su Cong, Seikou Nagaoka and Lin Hai. Not only beautiful, but so telling of the time, the people and the story.

EMPIRE OF SILVER - a truly exemplary and beautiful, film.

THE TRIP

I love the comedy and talent of Steve Coogan. A gem from across the Pond, he can make anything funny. Then toss in fellow Britisih comedian Rob Brydon and you’re really in for some skilled comedy renderings. And that’s just what we’ve got with THE TRIP. Basically playing versions of themselves, the boys head off on a road trip north in the British Isles to visit six gourmet restaurants for an article that Steve is write for a local newspaper. Expecting to take his girlfriend, Steve is more than disappointed when she backs out at the 11^th hour. Not wanting to be alone, he begs his list of friends to accompany him, all whom decline, until he reaches Rob, who says yes. With seemingly nothing in common, it doesn’t take long to see why they are friends - their droll, dry, side-splitting sense of humor.

Charming and exceedingly funny, and surprisingly, very introspective, Coogan and Brydon remind me of two old ladies with their one upsmanship, bickering, and macho alpha dog testosterone antics. From dueling Michael Caine impersonations (which will have you in stitches) to heated debate on the various delicacies placed before them, these two are beyond thoroughly enjoyable.

In between driving and eating, the two partake of nature’s wonders, giving them a chance to really strut their comedic stuff with often biting barbs that just fuel the comedic fire. I will say though, a better time of year for filming would have been preferable so that there would be more visual color instead of brown winter grass everywhere along the travel route.

The nuanced touches of travel and maps and the father-son dynamic between Coogan and “dad”, although brief, is telling and filled with charm. Coogan's phone calls along the way tell much of his character and show a broken spirit beneath the laughter. I have to say though, I really enjoyed Brydon more than Coogan. There’s more humanity, honesty and realism. The two together are wonderful and very synergistic in their timing, with differences complimenting one another.

Directed by Michael Winterbottom who also gave us the riotous “Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story”, THE TRIP goes beyond the sightseeing and laughter with a nuanced poignancy on success and the price of success. Told through the comedic eyes of Coogan and Brydon, THE TRIP is deliciously illuminating...and funny.