Movies and culture

Mostly Martha is a charming romantic comedy about a single woman whose life is disrupted when her neice, Lina, comes to live with her. In addition, her place as chief chef is challenged when a new Italian cook, Mario, is hired at the chic restaurant where she works. It's only with Mario's help that she gains Lina's confidence and love. Not only does this film have an engaging story, but it shows an interesting blend of German and Italian cultural stereotypes. Martha is cool and aloof; Mario is exhuberant and engaging. Martha confronts Mario about taking her job away. He threatens to quit. Both show emotions typical of each others' cultures. But Mario's Italian charm wins Lina and through Lina he eventually gains Martha's respect, then her love. In the meantime we are treated to visuals of some very enticing meals.

In preparation for tonight's Academy Awards, last night I saw The Constant Gardener, a film directed by Brazilian Fernando Meirelles and based on John le Carre's book. The film has been nominated for four Oscars: Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role ; Achievement in Film Editing ; Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) ; and Adapted Screenplay . The movie was povocative and saddening - one of those movies where the audience sits in their seats for five minutes afterwards in silence. Watching it on my laptop's DVD player, I'm sure it had lesser effect. However, I have thought about the movie all night, waking each time from a restless sleep to think about it again. After his wife's murder, Ralph Fiennes , who acts as British Diplomat Justin Quayle, finishes his wife's work to expose the corruption of a pharmaceutical company and the diplomats, who support it. As Tessa Quayle, Rachel Weisz portrays the wife, a passionate acti...