David Cronenberg definitely has something going on with violence; He's shocking and disturbing and maybe that's why his films (History of Violence, Spider, Naked Lunch, The Fly, Videodrome, and Scanners) are all so wonderful. Now out on DVD, with an Oscar nom for Viggo Mortenson in the leading role, Eastern Promises keeps the good times rolling. This gritty film follows the ruthless world of Nikolai, who's Russian angst and violent background have him indebted to London's largest Russian crime family. When Nikolai crosses paths with Anna (Naomi Watts), an innocent midwife who rides a Norton and has accidentally uncovered a brutal crime carried out by the family, Nikolai starts to unravel. It's a film that examines violence, servitude and modern day sex slavery in an unforgiving and unflinching style.
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This valuable documentary came out last year and we missed it on the Route 07: Scion Independent Film Series. But we caught it last night on DVD. The film sets the tragic story of Sierra Leone and it’s eleven year civil war and the mass genocide that ensued. The film charts the battle for power as all sides fought for control of the countries lucrative mineral wealth. The illegal trading of conflict diamonds that turned into guns for kids and into bright and shiny status symbols for rappers wanting to floss their wealth. Bravely, Bling: A Planet Rock follows Paul Wall, Raekwon and Tego Calederon to West Africa as they visit mining communities, former child soldiers and local rappers to hear the first-hand accounts of the terrible atrocities carried out during the civil war. Most of the locals are friendly and intrigued by the MCs and their diamonds (which most of the miners have never seen in their final polished form) but at one point it becomes very clear that they are not welcome. It’s shameful how long it took for this story to get out. Trailer is above.
