This week, we feature a drama about an American searching for his Armenian roots and instead finding a Soviet nightmare, and a masterful epic about a Jewish prince enslaved by the Romans.
New Release
‘Amerikatsi’
Charlie (Michael A. Goorjian) fled the Armenian Genocide and lived in the United States for many years. When he repatriates himself to Armenia in 1947 to learn more about his culture, he is imprisoned by the brutal Soviet occupiers. Charlie’s only link to the outside world is a view from his cell into the home on an Armenian couple.
This engaging drama not only shows the harsh reality of communism, but also how people can use compassion, humor, and creativity to triumph over evil. It’s ultimately a movie about hope and the human spirit.
Drama
Release Date: Sept. 8, 2023
Director: Michael A. Goorjian
Starring: Michael A. Goorjian, Hovik Keuchkerian, Nelli Uvarova
Running Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes
Indie Pick
‘Grizzly Man’
Director Werner Herzog’s eye-opening documentary tells the story of failed TV actor and bear activist Timothy Treadwell, a man obsessed with bridging the gap between man and grizzly. It shows the troubled soul’s relationship with a group of grizzlies in the Alaskan wilderness and the events leading up to his demise.
This is a fascinating biopic that features clips of Treadwell’s friends, as well as wildlife experts who knew him. It’s part cautionary tale and part insight into the human condition (with some humor thrown in).
Documentary | Biography
Release Date: Sept. 30, 2005
Directors: Werner Herzog
Running Time: 1 hour, 43 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Where to Watch: Redbox, Vudu, Tubi
Rated: 3.5 stars out of 5
A Refreshing Romantic Comedy
‘A Summer’s Tale’
Gaspard (Melvil Poupaud) is a college graduate who takes a vacation on the French coast before starting his first job. Although he is already dating a girl named Lena (Aurelia Nolin), he encounters other girls on his trip, sparking mutual attractions that suddenly complicate his life.
Instead of the usual inane jabbering we get with many Hollywood rom-coms, this little gem’s characters have realistic dialogue that is relatable. It’s a tale about love and attraction that doesn’t preach to audiences.
Comedy | Drama | Romance
Release Date: June 20, 2014 (U.S.)
Director: Éric Rohmer
Starring: Melvil Poupaud, Amanda Langlet, Gwenaëlle Simon
Running Time: 1 hour, 53 minutes
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel
Rated: 4 stars out of 5
A True Epic Among Epics
‘Ben-Hur’
Charlton Heston plays Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince at odds with the Roman Empire in first-century Jerusalem. Betrayed by a Roman childhood friend and enslaved and his family imprisoned, he seeks revenge.
This epic is overflowing with incredible production values—including exotic sets and beautiful costuming. It’s a grand tale of familial loyalty, love, and divine intervention.
Adventure | Drama
Release Date: Nov. 18, 1959
Director: William Wyler
Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd
Running Time: 3 hours, 32 minutes
MPAA Rating: G
Where to Watch: Redbox, Vudu, AMC Theaters
Rated: 5 stars out of 5
