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KATHY KAY: Online streaming service provides a winning drama

Mozart in the Jungle offers up delightful entertainment, reviewer writes
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Mozart in the Jungle is a fascinating drama presented by Amazon Prime, starring Gael Garcia Bernal. amazonprime.com

As a recent and guilty user of Amazon Prime (the un-doer of local business in towns and cities everywhere) I have discovered Mozart in the Jungle and find it an absolute delight.

Kathy Kay, Monday Magazine independent film reviewer

The premise: a male rock star conductor rides in to revitalize the New York Symphony. The conductor, eccentric and whimsical, carries a deep sense of right and doesn’t tow the line for the arrogant moneyed class. Indeed it would have been easy for an actor to falter in such a role and turn it into a caricature, but instead the skill of the lead wins the day.

Which takes me to the skillful charismatic actor, Gael Garcia Bernal who dominates Mozart in the Jungle and is also currently appearing in Museo. Winner of a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, this must-see tale is based on the largest heist in the history of Mexico – the theft of over 100 Mayan artifacts.

My love of independent-style films is that they can accommodate shifting tones, take unconventional approaches and, like Museo, ask great life questions while still being highly entertaining. Director Alonso Ruizpalacios is yet another talented director from Mexico to watch as his sophomore feature is every bit as strong as his first, Güero.

And while we are dallying in the south then check out the recent documentary Botero. Yes, that Botero, the Columbian artist, creator of corpulent sculptures and paintings that from some quarters are labeled populist art but on closer examination resonate with cynical humor and expound a wry world view. Botero, created by Don Millar, has the drama of The First Monday in May and will have you enthralled to the magic of this artist’s life.

Speaking of May, it’s definitely an eclectic month in Victoria – rain, showers, cruise ships and movies – quite a number of music films are making an appearance and there’s something for everyone as they say.

For R&B fans it’s Amazing Grace featuring the well, amazing Aretha Franklin. For the jazz lover Blue Note Records: Beyond the Notes is a behind the scenes look at the giants of the 20th century. For the classical lover there is a one night screening of Ingmar Bergman’s Magic Flute at Cinecenta and for those more inclined to rock (and not just Beethoven) there’s a Sing Along Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again at The Vic for Mother’s Day.



editor@mondaymag.com

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