Guy Lodge Film Critic Even the most solidly founded of marriages can be strained and shattered by the death of a child. For handsome, wholesome Japanese couple Taeko and Jiro, however, that tragedy shows up all the fault lines that were already in their young relationship, and that’s before living ghosts of the past show up for both partners. Koji Fukada’s “Love Life” unabashedly embraces melodramatic contrivance in its examination of modern middle-class love tested as much by social prejudices as by personal demons; it just does so with such pallid, polite reserve that its sentimentality never becomes transcendently moving. As such, this agreeable but overlong pic finds the Japanese writer-director still struggling to regain the form of his jolting 2016 Cannes prizewinner “Harmonium.”
‘A Ballad’ Review: A Woman Asserts Her Independence in a Bosnian Drama That Likewise Isn’t Cowed by Convention
18.08.2022 - 09:19 / variety.com
Guy Lodge Film CriticAfter three solemn features centered on the ramifications of war — not just in her home country of Bosnia but, in 2017’s “Never Leave Me,” Syria too — writer-director Aida Begić leaves political conflict behind in her fourth. “A Ballad,” however, charges no less abrasively into the emotional battleground of a young woman’s separation from her long-term partner, and the personal, legal and familial skirmishes that hamper her fight for independence.
Very loosely inspired by the 17th-century South Slavic ballad “Hasanaginica,” Begić’s ambitious, jaggedly structured film brashly updates its moral of female sorrow and subservience to far more modern ideals of feminist resolve and rejection of the patriarchy. Not every one of the film’s swirling subplots lands, just as not all its social and philosophical lines of inquiry come crisply into focus.
But this is the most distinctive and artistically exciting work yet from Begić, who won Cannes prizes for her first two features, 2008’s “Snow” and 2012’s “Children of Sarajevo,” and now for the first time unveils a film in her hometown festival of Sarajevo. That’s perhaps fitting for a work steeped in local culture and lore, though “A Ballad” should travel further on the festival circuit on the strength of its formal and narrative risk-taking.
For Begić, the film has been long in the works, having been announced in 2015 before being leapfrogged by “Never Leave Me,” while the global pandemic subsequently diminished plans for a larger international co-production. The end result, however, makes a virtue of its grounded intimacy.Not that “A Ballad” feels especially intimate or approachable in its opening stages, as Begić hits the ground running with a surfeit of
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Downcast Brooklyn Beckham sits on curb and looks tense after leaving swish LA eatery alone
Brooklyn Beckham appeared to be a far cry from his usual cheerful self after he was spotted looking downcast outside a Los Angeles eatery. The 23 year old was photographed as he sat cross legged on the curb outside Cecconi's West Hollywood on Sunday, as he scrolled sadly through his phone.
Romeo Beckham 'smoothing over family rift as he supports brother Brooklyn'
Romeo Beckham has reportedly been acting as a mediator to help heal an alleged family rift. A rumoured feud stemming from the wedding of the 20 year old's older brother Brooklyn and actress Nicola Peltz has reportedly caused tensions among the superstar Beckhams and billionaire Peltzes. It is claimed Nicola, 27, and her mother-in-law Victoria Beckham, 48, are at the heart of the feud, which has been making headlines since their £3m wedding day back in April, with Brooklyn, 23, caught in the middle.
Victoria Beckham wows in plunging dress for date night with David Beckham
Victoria Beckham delighted fans as she shared a video of her latest date night look. RELATED: Victoria Beckham reveals Romeo's epic 20th birthday cake - and you won't believe itPreparing for a romantic evening with her husband, David Beckham, the mum-of-four gave off Bond girl vibes in a plunging black dress. Showcasing the statement neckline, Victoria swept her brunette hair into an elegant, low chignon. WATCH: Victoria Beckham looks unreal in daring bodycon mini dressA picture of radiance, she showed off her gorgeous, glowing tan, courtesy of the Victoria Beckham Beauty Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer, which she uses in 'Golden.'Sporting a sunkissed complexion, the 48-year-old polished off her glamorous look with smokey brown eyeshadow, rosy blusher and a barely-there nude lip. MORE: 22 epic celebrity walk-in wardrobes and dressing rooms you'll want as your ownREAD: Brooklyn Beckham talks relationship with siblings and parents David and Victoria following feud reportsA post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham)Victoria rocked a plunging black dress on Friday eveningRevealing her go-to date night prep, Victoria told fans:"So, I'm about to go out on date night with David, tonight.
Victoria Beckham shows support for Brooklyn on Vogue cover amid Nicola 'feud' claims
Victoria Beckham has shared her support for eldest son Brooklyn Beckham in a recent post amid "feud" claims with his wife Nicola Peltz. Victoria, 48, who recently shared a throwback snap of herself, has taken to her Instagram Story to share two snaps of son Brooklyn’s recent Vogue cover to her 30.2 million followers.
Bethenny Frankel Takes Bold Stance Against Photoshop With Side-by-Side Bikini Pics
who made a fortune off of her , just took a stance against excessive editing of social media photos for promoting unrealistic body images. Taking to Instagram, Frankel posted side-by-side photos of herself in a bikini—before and after editing—along with a lengthy caption on the dangers of and filters. This content can also be viewed on the site it from.“This is NOT what I look like…and you know that bc I’m not vain and show you the real me,” the BStrong founder wrote. “But if I posted a version of this every day you might start to believe that it might be.
‘The Swimmers’ Teaser: Syrian Refugee Drama Opens TIFF On September 8, Hits Netflix On November 23
It’s a tale almost too astonishing to believe: two sisters flee their war-torn country and save sixteen other people’s lives through their champion swimming skills. But it’s the true story of Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini and her sister Sara and the basis for “The Swimmers,” set for its world premiere as the opening film at the Toronto International Film Festival this month.
David Beckham shares surprise relationship milestone with wife Victoria
David and Victoria Beckham have been married for 23 years, but on Thursday the former footballer revealed they'd just hit a brand new relationship milestone.LOOK: Victoria and David Beckham raised son Brooklyn in surprising two-bed flat – see photosTaking to Instagram, David shared a photo of himself alongside his wife and two friends against an impressive mountain backdrop, captioned: "First time Victoria Beckham on the bike with me. Such a beautiful ride."WATCH: David and Victoria Beckham surprise son Cruz with EPIC birthday cakeDavid is referring to riding a Harley Davidson, rather than a cycling bike, though he still got some exercise in during the day.READ: David Beckham shares truth behind emotional pitchside photo with son RomeoSEE: Brooklyn Beckham reveals marriage advice from parents David and VictoriaThe Beckhams are currently in Aspen, and David later revealed he'd been hiking with his 11-year-old-daughter Harper, sharing a cute daddy-daughter selfie and a shirtless snap of himself, much to the delight of his fans.He captioned the swoon-worthy photo: "Hike with a view," before revealing he'd lost Victoria among the mountains.
Romeo Beckham sparks new romance rumours following shock split from Mia Regan
Romeo Beckham is just a big kid at heart!MORE: Victoria Beckham reveals her endless legs in surprisingly candid family photoThe 19-year-old spent time this week having fun at Disney World – and he wasn't alone. WATCH: Romeo Beckham and Mia Reagan celebrate good newsRomeo was joined by his younger brother Cruz Beckham and Cruz's girlfriend, Tana, along with another surprise guest.READ: David Beckham reveals truth behind emotional pitchside photo with son RomeoMORE: Brooklyn Beckham reveals marriage advice from parents David and VictoriaSpeculation of a new romance began when Romeo shared a snapshot showing Cruz and Tana sat side-by-side on a rollercoaster ride, with Romeo capturing the couple from a car directly behind the couple.
‘Avalon’: Roslyn Ruff Joins David E. Kelley’s ABC Drama Series
EXCLUSIVE: Roslyn Ruff (Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector) has been tapped as a lead opposite Neve Campbell in Avalon, ABC’s drama series based on Michael Connelly’s short story, from David E. Kelley, A+E Studios and 20th Television.
Victoria Beckham's son has fans all saying the same thing about latest family photo
MORE: Victoria and David Beckham have overhauled Cotswolds home to double its value - photosTaking to his Instagram feed on Wednesday, Cruz, 17, shared the most perfect sunset snap posing beside his mum and dad, Victoria and David Beckham, and younger sister Harper, 11.WATCH: Inside The Beckhams' stunning homesCruz captioned the heartwarming update with two red love heart emojis and the former Spice Girl was quick to reply: "Love u all so much xx."READ: Inside The Beckhams' incredible Miami homeSEE: Victoria and David Beckham celebrate 23rd wedding anniversary in style - 'They said it wouldn't last'A number of fans couldn't help but notice Cruz's fabulous tribute to his mum, as he was sporting a Spice Girls T-shirt. "Love that T-shirt," one fan commented with a heart-eyes emoji.
Victoria Beckham left 'open-mouthed' over Brooklyn speaking on Nicola 'feud' publicly
Victoria Beckham has reportedly been left "open-mouthed" after her son Brooklyn Beckham spoke publicly about her supposed "feud" with his new wife, Nicola Peltz. Victoria, 48, along with her husband, footballing legend David Beckham, 47, are said to be shocked that their eldest son Brooklyn, 23, broke their golden rule when it comes to not commenting on negative stories about the family.The rumour mill had been spinning that Victoria and Nicola were feuding, stemming from disagreements following up to Nicola and Brooklyn's April wedding, and the young lovebirds both addressed the rumours in a recent interview with Variety magazine.
The major way Brooklyn Beckham differs from his family
Beckhams are a sporty family – David Beckham was a world-class footballer, while Victoria performs athlete-level workouts on a daily basis.READ: Harper Beckham inherited these unexpected hobbies from mum VictoriaRomeo followed in his dad's footsteps, playing football at a professional level, while Cruz is a keen surfer, as demonstrated in an impressive video posted by his parents this weekend. Even 11-year-old Harper is keen on sports, dabbling in tennis, hiking and swimming.WATCH: Brooklyn Beckham hints at baby news in personal note to Nicola PeltzBrooklyn Beckham, David and Victoria's oldest son, is the only family member who seems to have been born without a sporting streak.MORE: Brooklyn Beckham fans left baffled by surprising admission about Nicola PeltzREAD: Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham address feud rumours and why Victoria didn't design wedding dressThe 23-year-old, who got married earlier this year, did dabble in football when he was younger, but dropped out of the sport for an upsetting – yet relatable – reason."To try and live up to what my dad did in football, I was just like, that’s going to be a bit difficult," Brooklyn said of his decision to stop playing for Arsenal's youth team.
Joe Jonas Celebrates Birthday Weekend in Miami With Wife Sophie Turner and David, Victoria Beckham: Photo
Party pals! As Joe Jonas gears up to ring in the big 3-3, he celebrated early with some famous friends.
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz address ‘drama’ with Victoria and the wedding dress fiasco
ongoing drama between Victoria Beckham and her son Brooklyn Beckham’s new wife, Nicola Peltz, but the young newlyweds are setting the record straight. In a recent interview with Variety, the couple brought up the rumors and even addressed the wedding dress fiasco.A Page Six insider previously told the outlet there is a “cold war” between the mother and daughter-in-law. “They can’t stand each other and don’t talk,” the source said.
Victoria Nicola’s Drama Is ‘Collateral Damage’ in a Feud Between Their Families—Here’s How It’s Affecting Brooklyn
A bigger problem. Victoria Beckham and Nicola Peltz’s drama is just the tip of the iceberg. A source close to the Beckham Peltz families revealed that the drama between the Spice Girl and Brooklyn Beckham’s wife is nothing compared to what really goes down between the families.