conviction

‘Cured’ chronicles a remarkable breakthrough

Imagine being saddled with a label that was anything but true. What’s more, imagine being cruelly persecuted for that erroneous characterization, subjected to emotional and even physical abuse, making life unbearable. Prejudice, discrimination and harassment are nearly constant companions, and such treatment is often inflicted by one’s nearest and dearest, including family members. If it’s possible to picture that, then you have an idea what it might have been like for members of a patently and unfairly disrespected minority community that did nothing to earn or deserve such disgrace.

Brent Marchant2021-09-22T00:07:48-05:00September 4th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

‘Dick Gregory’ embodies the principle and practice of integrity

Living one’s truth is indeed a virtue – and one that some say is becoming increasingly rare in these contentious times. It’s unclear whether this is due to an unwillingness or an inability to do so. Either way, though, if we’re to revive this practice, we need inspiring examples to draw from

Brent Marchant2021-08-18T08:37:12-05:00July 10th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

‘Supernova’ debates holding on vs. letting go

Knowing when to hold on and when to let go can be a frustrating, anxiety-ridden exercise, especially under highly charged conditions. The feelings involved might even leave us emotionally paralyzed, unable to make a decision in either direction, simply because we’re left overwhelmed and locked in place.

Brent Marchant2021-07-12T13:47:13-05:00June 11th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘The Mauritanian’ passionately pursues the truth

Pursuing the truth is indeed a noble endeavor, one that’s made all the more virtuous when infused with passion. That’s particularly crucial when attempts are made to intentionally obscure it and the stakes are high.

Brent Marchant2021-04-26T06:04:28-05:00April 2nd, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Nasrin’ speaks for those who can’t

We can all use a little help from time to time. There are even times when we can use a lot of it, and, in those instances where we’re up against seemingly impossible odds, such as being under the thumb of despotic authority figures, it’s positively essential.

Brent Marchant2021-04-18T00:39:55-05:00March 20th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Documentary, Movie Reviews|

‘Minari’ charts the quest for a better life

The American Dream – a life brimming with optimism for opportunity and personal and economic success – is something most of us aspire to, especially those of immigrant families.

Brent Marchant2021-04-14T16:19:42-05:00March 14th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘There Is No Evil’ struggles with matters of conscience

Listening to our conscience often proves challenging. In many instances, we know in our heart of hearts what we should and shouldn’t take part in. But saying no isn’t always easy, especially if our necks are on the line if we refuse to play along. Indeed, it can be difficult to stick to our guns when we have one pointed at our head.

Brent Marchant2021-03-14T05:49:40-05:00February 8th, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Foreign, Movie Reviews|

‘Another Round’ wrestles with two sides of a troubling coin

Is it possible that something can be harnessed for good, on the one hand, and for just the opposite, on the other? If we put our mind to it, we can problem think of many examples. Fire, for instance, can be used for cooking and heating when employed judiciously. At the same time, though, it could also be used as a tool for arsonists. Similarly, there are countless instances where knives can serve useful purposes and many others where they can wreak havoc. Some would contend that nuclear energy can be both beneficial and destructive, depending on how it’s used. And on and on it goes for numerous other devices, substances and technologies.

Brent Marchant2021-02-23T13:57:24-05:00January 22nd, 2021|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|

‘Divine Love’ questions the nature of authentic faith

“Divine Love” (“Divino Amor”) (2019 production, 2020 release). Cast: Dira Paes, Julio Machado, Antonio Pastich, Teca Pereira, Emílio de Melo, Clayton Mariano, Mariana Nunes, Suzy Lopes, Thardelly Lima, Thalita Carauta, Tuna Dwek, Thiago Justino, Edilson Silva, Nataly Rocha, Calum Rio (narrator). Director: Gabriel Mascaro. Screenplay: Gabriel Mascaro, Richard Daisy Ellis, Esdras Bezzerra, Lucas Paraizo and Marcelo Gomes. Web site. Trailer. For many of us, faith is looked upon as central to our worldview and existence. Its form may vary somewhat from individual to individual, but its essence is generally the same. However, no matter how much we may proclaim we adhere to our faith, how authentic are we with ourselves when it comes to our practices matching our contentions in [...]

Brent Marchant2021-01-10T18:22:45-05:00December 12th, 2020|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews, Romance|

‘God of the Piano’ tackles the perils of desperation

“God of the Piano” (2019 production, 2020 release). Cast: Naama Preis, Andi Lev, Ron Bitterman, Ze’ev Shimshoni, Alon Openhaim, Shimon Mimran, Leora Rivlin, Itay Zipor. Director: Itay Tal. Screenplay: Itay Tal. Web site. Trailer. Preserving a family legacy is certainly a noble goal. It provides a sense of continuity that links the generations and gives a family its character, reputation and even notoriety. But how far is one willing to go to keep up the tradition? At what point does a goal turn into an obsession? And what are the costs of going too far? Those are among the issues raised and addressed in the captivating new Israeli psychological thriller, “God of the Piano.” Anat Tal (Naama Preis) comes from [...]

Brent Marchant2020-12-13T04:22:28-05:00October 27th, 2020|Conscious Creation, Drama, Movie Reviews|