film

BRATTLE THEATER

40 BRATTLE ST., (617) 876-6837

IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. This Hong Kong love story has earned widespread critical praise as well as the hearts of moviegoers worldwide with its tasteful eroticism, pervasive romance and stylish cinematography. Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung star as husband and wife of different marriages, each cheated upon by the other’s spouse. Together they draw solace in a mutual experience of lost love and begin to develop feelings for each other. Unfortunately, 1960s Hong Kong culture is an unforgiving one of starched-collar propriety: will the two acknowledge their newfound love or stay prim and proper? Besides a superbly realized plot, In the Mood for Love also features a lyrical soundtrack of transcultural appeal, ranging from Chinese folk songs to jazzy Nat King Cole. In the Mood for Love screens 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21. (EW)

BLADE. Set in present-day New York City, this high octane thriller chronicles the violent exploits of comic superhero Blade (Wesley Snipes). With the technical expertise of Whistler, an old vampire hunter, he wages a one-man war against the seedier half of the rave crowd: its bloodthirsty vampires. No longer are they of Dracula’s ilk, who at least treated his prey like dainty four-course meals. Deacon Frost, the latest threat to humanity, wants nothing to do with such namby-pambiness and seeks to become the all-powerful vampiric avatar, La Magra. Blade, of course, is not big on plot; the movie’s true strength lies in its new-age rendition of Stoker’s saga with Marvel Comic elements. And the visuals of Blade pumping silver into vampire gut. Blade screens 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19. (EW)

TEN. Iranian filmmaker Abbas Kiarostami’s latest film is based on ten conversations of a female driver (Mania Akbari) in Tehran with her passengers. These include her young and frustrated son Amin, a prostitute, a jilted bridge, a woman on her way to prayers and others. Having just ended a messy divorce and enduring criticism from her son, she acts as advice columnist for her problem-riddled passengers—whose drastically different lives are just glimpsed through the camera in the taxicab. Ten screens Wednesday, August 20 at 3:30, 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. (MO)

SHANGHAI TRIAD. A gangster movie without the classic Western romanticism by director Zhang Yimou. Shuiseng (Wang Xiaoxiao), a small town boy, is brought to the Shanghai of the 30s by his Uncle Liu (Xuejian Li). Uncle Liu takes him to work for a very wealthy mafia boss, Tang (Baotian Li) and his mistress Xiao Jingbao, played by the timeless Gong Li. Overwhelmed by the glitzy life of the big city and the opulence around him, Shuiseng also witnesses inter-triad betrayal, Xiao’s tumultuous love affair and vicious gang wars. The plot carries director Zhang’s trademark of conveying the dark side of Chinese politics. Shanghai Triad screens Thursday, August 21 at 5:15 and 9:45 p.m. (MO)

LOEWS HARVARD SQUARE

10 CHURCH ST., (617) 864-6580

PASSIONADA. Leading actor Jason Isaacs portrays compulsive gambler Charles Beck, who pretends to be a successful fishing business entrepreneur. He courts Celia Amonte, a Portuguese widow, after she receives some encouragement from her teenage daughter. Amonte (Sofia Milos) reluctantly falls in love with him, at least until she discovers his true occupation. The Dan Ireland film received rave reviews after its first screening as the closing picture at the Seattle International Film Festival. Passionada screens 1:15, 3:40, 7:30 and 10 p.m. (JPK)

LE DIVORCE. Two of Hollywood’s hottest actresses team up in this romantic comedy with raunchy, satirical underpinnings. Naomi Watts stars as Roxanne, a just-divorced Parisian (and pregnant no less). Isabel, played by Kate Hudson, arrives to cheer up her distraught, hormone-addled stepsister. Both drop their worries and emotional baggage, living it up and enjoying the French nightlife. Romantic implications are obvious. Watch this Hollywood-French-farce hybrid for its bedroom humor, international wisecracks, and romance. Le Divorce screens 12:45, 3:45, 7:00, and 9:45 p.m. on Friday, August 8. (MO)

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS. A little more than the standard English mystery movie, this film from director Stephen Frears (High Fidelity) enters around an illegal Nigerian night porter. With the help of a chambermaid and a prostitute he investigates a murder committed in the hotel at which he is employed. Dirty Pretty Things screens 12:20, 3:20, 6:30 and 9 p.m. (JPK)

SEABISCUIT. Based on a true story, this film chronicles the trials and tribulations of horse Seabiscuit and his former prize-fighting jockey Red Pollard, played by Tobey Maguire. With the help of a millionaire portrayed by Jeff Bridges, Pollard turns the once losing Seabiscuit into a champion—and a symbol of hope in the process. Racing in the midst of the Great Depression, Seabiscuit becomes an inspiration to his fans. Seabiscuit screens 12, 1, 3, 6:10, 7:10 and 9:20 p.m. (JPK)

WHALE RIDER. The Whangara people of New Zealand search for a new tribal leader to follow in the legacy of their ancestor Paikea, who was once saved from drowning by riding on the back of a whale. The would-be heir to the title of chief dies during birth, while his twin sister, Pai, survives. A natural leader, Pai grows up striving to overcome the odds of gender oppression in her tribe and engages in a quest for the title of chief. The performance is moving and well acted, although meanings of some tribal references are lost on Western audiences. Director Niki Caro’s shots beautifully capture the picturesque scenery of coastal New Zealand. Whale Rider screens 4:20 and 10:10 p.m. (JPK)

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