Limited Releases: Master of the Golden Statues

December 21, 2005

There's not much time for films looking for a little Oscar glory, so there's no surprise that a few films are trying to squeak in under the wire. However, outside a near certain Best Foreign Language nod to Master of the Crimson Armor, it doesn't seem like any of the films on this week's list are destined for Oscar glory.

Cache a.k.a. Hidden - Reviews
This French film has already proven itself at the international box office and with excellent reviews is should have no trouble doing well here. At least doing well for a foreign language film. The movie stars Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil as a couple who are terrorized by a stalker who sends them video tapes of their lives. Hidden opens on Friday in four theatres in New York and Los Angeles including the Lincoln Plaza and Laemmles Sunset 5.

Casanova - Reviews
Easily the widest limited release of the week, but not the best reviewed. It is also one of several costume dramas opening this week, and while Oscar voters love to reward such films with nominations for costumes, set design, etc. it is unlikely this film will earn any such nods. As for the more prestigious awards, it is even less likely that this film will pick up any, especially with its star, Heath Ledger earning praise for Brokeback Mountain. Casanova opens in a few dozen theatres on Christmas Day.

The Intruder - Reviews
A French film from writer / director Claire Denis and it is arguably her best work since 1990's No Fear, No Die. The film stars Michel Subor as Louis Trebor, a loner and a recluse who must leave his life of seclusion in order to get a new heart for a heart transplant he desperately needs. The Intruder opens on Friday Cinema Village in New York City.

Master of the Crimson Armor - Reviews
China's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, the film has already secured a Golden Globe nomination. It is a Costume Drama about a princess and the three men from different social classes that fall in love with here. The film starts its 1-week Oscar qualifying run on Friday but it has already had an amazing start internationally and should see some mainstream success here.

The New World - Reviews
Another obvious Oscar bait film. I'm of two minds on this film. On the one hand, the ad campaign makes it feel a lot more epic than it is. On the other hand, it is a grand movie considering it only cost $30 million to make. As for the film's Oscar chances, it has none when it comes to the more prestigious awards (best film, director, acting, etc.) but has a shot when it comes to cinematography and other, more technical awards. The New World opens on Christmas day in New York and Los Angeles before opening wide on January 13th.

The White Countess - Reviews
As I mentioned earlier, I consider this film's trailer to be one of the worst I've ever seen saying, "It's obviously trying to survive on its pedigree alone." Well the reviews are in and it's clear that the reason they did that was the film wasn't strong enough to survive on its own. It's a overstuffed period piece with an amazing cast that is sadly wasted. The White Countess opens tonight in a handful of theatres in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

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Filed under: Limited Releases, The New World, Casanova, Caché, The White Countess, Wu ji