The Cinema Scribe

As we approach the finish lines of our lives, we often take time to reflect on how we’ve spent the years of our existence. It’s a process that allows us to take stock of who we are and how we’ve lived, and it frequently provides a means to help us make decisions about any remaining unfinished business we may have. However, such soul-searching may also leave us with more questions than answers at a time when we need such clarity most, the alternative being pervasive indecisiveness that can be crippling. Find out more in a review of the meditative Italian comedy-drama-character study, “La Grazia” (“Grace”), on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Social issues frequently provide considerable fodder for documentary features. especially when they address hot-button issues that are on the minds of many of us and have the potential to affect us significantly. That's very much the case when it comes to such subjects as effective, compassionate health care and the impact of electronic technology on our daily lives. Fortunately, both of these topics are effectively and innovatively explored in two new documentaries, "The Chaplain & the Doctor" and "Your Attention Please," reviews of which are featured on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

No matter how much we may care for our significant others, we sometimes appear to experience issues with them that threaten the future of our relationships. The love between us might still be seemingly present, but the overall tone of the partnership feels ... off, and we’re unlikely to know why. Unfortunately, under those circumstances, we may give up and choose to separate, but is that really the wisest course? Perhaps there’s something more at work here. Find out more in a review of the new romantic comedy-drama, “Is This Thing On?”, on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe

Courage comes in many forms, some of them plainly apparent and others seemingly unlikely. Ironically, it’s those emboldened but unsuspecting heroes who often end up achieving the greatest victories in their endeavors, even when up against formidable opponents. And now the makings of such an implausible scenario provide the focus for an insightful first-person documentary, one in which an unassuming, mild-mannered David matter-of-factly takes on a daunting Goliath and does so with an unintimidated sense of aplomb and wry tongue-in-cheek humor. Find out more in a review of the new, delightful but troubling documentary, “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

One of the most inspiring messages I’ve run across in my life maintains that “The greatest joy is in creation,” a message that, ironically, came my way via a Chinese fortune cookie just as I had begun work on my first book. The timing couldn’t have been better, as this sentiment fed directly into my writing. It proved to me at the time – and ever since – that creativity is essential to help keep us feeling young, fulfilled and vital. And that lesson has also been crucial in the lives and well-being of the residents of Casa Verdi, a retirement facility in Milan, Italy for aging musicians established by famed operatic composer Giuseppe Verdi. Find out more in a review of the new Oscar-nominated documentary, "Viva Verdi!", on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of a bully’s wrath can understand the hurt, anxiety, and self-esteem issues that frequently accompany such physical and emotional trauma. The abusive taunting, teasing, mockery, and ostracism that come with such cruel treatment can leave its victims devastated for years afterward, making it difficult, if not impossible, to recover. And this doesn’t even account for the awkwardness that the abused go through in seeking to assimilate into society and its everyday course of conduct. However, such incidents – as painful as they can be – frequently lead to valuable life lessons in empowerment and overcoming adversity, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against their targets. Find out more in a review of the new coming-of-age drama, “The Plague,” on the next episode of The Cinema Scribe.

When the slate gets involuntarily wiped clean, we generally have two choices available to us: (1) walking away and starting anew or (2) attempting to rebuild. Both options usually represent hard choices, not only because of the effort required, but also due to the emotional anguish we’re likely to face. Of those two choices, the restoration option can be particularly trying, given that, as we go through it, we’re constantly reminded of what we lost. However, there are also things to be gained, especially when it comes to the assistance and support we’re likely to receive from those who want to help. Find out more in a review of the heartfelt new story of recovery, “Rebuilding,” on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging but potentially rewarding exercises in which we can engage. Mustering up the courage and gumption to take on this task may be difficult, even anguishing. But, once we make our way through this potentially intimidating process, we often find ourselves feeling renewed, brimming with rejuvenated emotions and grace that we never knew we possessed. In that sense, then, it’s also a revelatory experience, one that can light the way to fulfilling new and satisfying accomplishments, achievements that might have always seemed out of reach. Find out more in a review of the enlightening new Norwegian domestic comedy-drama, “Sentimental Value,” on the next episode of The Cinema Scribe.

We’ve all been taught the wisdom behind the notion of “honesty is the best policy.” It’s sound, solid guidance that’s nearly always appropriate (provided it’s not carried to an unhealthy extreme). But what about the opposite of this advice: Is there ever any benefit in a falsehood, the so-called “good lie?” At first glance, it might be easy to dismiss this idea out of hand, but what if something less than truthful is capable of imparting insight, inspiration, or comfort to someone in distress? In cases like that, can it realistically be summarily rejected? Find out more in a review of the new comedy-drama-character study, “Eleanor the Great,” on the next edition of The Cinema Scribe.