Clemency (2019)
Chinonye Chukwu’s American independent feature about a death row prison warden is probably one of the most gut-wrenching films on this list not only due to its subject matter but thanks to the breathtaking performance by Alfre Woodard (who made many of us wonder why she was not nominated for all best actress awards last year). She plays a warden who ran a prison-like a tight ship for years by following the rules and staying in control, but the controversial position has been affecting her private life and her mental state. On top of that, the sentencing of an inmate proclaiming his innocence will make her face an impossible moral dilemma.
Departures (2008)
This international hit from Japan directed by Yojiro Takita was, believe it or not, the first Japanese film to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Inspired by funeral rituals and how we perceive them, especially in a society where it is considered taboo, Departures’ story is a very sweet and sentimental one. It might be a bit too cheesy for some, with its light tone and over-expressive acting despite the somber topic, but past this, and towards the end, all should warm up to the characters and the endearing vision. We often forget the necessary work of undertakers – notably in a sadly busy period like now – and this film is a great way to remember.
Virus (2019)
What better way to end things but with this very appropriate Indian ensembled docudrama by Malayalam director Aashiq Abu. Made only a year after the NIPAH outbreak, the film retraces the individual and common effort of various real and fictional frontline workers who helped battle the disease. Sure we see the amazingness of doctors, nurses, and politicians, but the unsuspected heroes here are the volunteers and contact tracers. We follow them looking for the carriers, calling people, going from houses to houses, figuring out how it happened. They provide invaluable information doing an indispensable and gripping detective job. Virus, without the apocalyptic excessiveness of Hollywood movies, is not without “theatrical,”, patriotic or melodramatic moments! But with a couple of stand-out performances from its huge cast and a very solid soundtrack, the film can easily put the likes of Contagion to shame as it is so detailed and truly highlights the groundwork of many brave citizens who put their lives at risk. No one will be surprised if, sooner or later, (when sizable crowd scenes are allowed back – or with huge VFX budget!) the team behind this flick – or someone else – make a sequel about the current outbreak…
Remember, your cheers and supports (and love of movies about them) are great, but if you can donate or volunteer your time to alleviate the conditions of essential workers, do it. If not, when this is completely over, in a few months, years or when the people and media start forgetting their valuable contributions during this pandemic, keep fighting and make sure politicians or companies do what must be done to give workers everywhere adequate pay, physical, financial, and social protections.We will all be better for it. Thanks.
