Movies: The Rider, Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami, Ismael’s Ghosts

The Rider

Set in South Dakota, this is a coming of age film about a young cowboy whose life takes a turn after a severe rodeo  accident.

What is unique about this film is most of the characters are real people playing themselves.  At least six of the actors are Sioux cowboys from South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation.  Director Chloe Zhao created a gem of a movie with a remarkable cast of nonprofessionals.  We found it gripping, sensitive, heart breaking and uplifting at the same time.

It is rated R for language and drug use.  It is listed as a drama with a run time of 104 minutes.

Rating 

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami

This is a fascinating and intimate documentary about the life and performances of super model, singer and actress Grace Jones.  There is both public and personal footage showcasing her career.

Director Sophie Fiennes collected footage from four years beginning in 2008 in Jamaica and continuing through the world tour.

The result is a fascinating peek at the life journey of a truly one of a kind global icon.  This film is very entertaining.

This film is not rated.  We do not feel this film is suitable for children as there is simply too much drug use, nudity and adult subject matter.  It is listed as a Documentary running 1 hour, 56 minutes.  English, Jamaican English and French with English subtitles.

Ms. Jones will turn 70 next month.

Rating 

Ismael’s Ghosts

This 2017 French film spans a large part of  a movie director’s life: his wife who disappeared 21 years earlier, his new girlfriend/muse and his career as a world renowned film Producer/Director.

The compact cast includes Mathieu Amalric as Ismael Vuillard, Marion Cotillard as his wife Carlotta, Charlotte Gainsbourg as the muse.  There is a short list of additional French actors rounding out the cast.

We found the story confusing with repeated flashbacks and flash forwards leaving us unsure of what was occurring.  By the end of the story we didn’t much care who did what to whom or why.

It is rated R for sexuality including some graphic nudity, language and brief strong violence.  Children should not view this movie.  It is listed as a drama.  It runs 2 hours, 15 minutes.  French with English subtitles.

Rating