Rowan Sullivan, Author at FilmRoot

251

Suleiman Mountain – Join a Bunch of Outcasts on the Road

Suleiman Mountain Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

Ever wondered what life would be like growing up in the back of a converted East German truck with an alcoholic con man for a father, a practicing witch doctor for a mum, and your father’s second wife who’s probably young enough to be your sister. Well, here’s your chance to experience it. Join the crazy road trip in Suleiman Mountain.

From: Kyrgyzstan, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Amazon
Next: Shoplifters, Little Miss Sunshine, The Wounded Angel

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252

The Battle of the Volcano – Experience the Chaos of Urban Warfare

The Battle of the Volcano Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

If you want to experience the chaos of urban warfare, you’ve come to the right place. The Battle of the Volcano relives the chaos of the Salvadorean Civil War through a mixture of live footage and re-enactments from the survivors. Parts of it are surreal and parts are shocking, as kids with guns take on the Capital City and the El Salvadorean government.

From: El Salvador, North America
Watch: Trailer, IMDB
Next: The Look of Silence, Winter on Fire, Monos

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253

Too Early, Too Late – Documenting the Land of Two Countries

Too Early, Too Late Film Difficulty Ranking: 5

Too Early, Too Late isn’t your typical documentary. Instead of following a person, animal, or political movement, it documents the landscape through a series of long sweeping shots of fields, land, and people. If you’re a people watcher, or someone who likes to sit on a park bench and contemplate the view, you’ll enjoy Too Early, Too Late. It requires patience, an open mind, and some open ears.

From: France, Egypt, Europe, Africa
Watch: YouTube, Rent on Amazon
Next: Playtime, Peace, Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania

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254

A Chinese Odyssey – Pure Cinematic Mayhem

A Chinese Odyssey Film Difficulty Ranking: 2

I haven’t read Journey to the West and I’m completely unfamiliar with the story line, so I can’t vouch for the accuracy of this adaptation of the Chinese Classic. However, if you’re looking for pure cinematic mayhem, Chinese Odyssey Part One and Part Two are as good as you get.

From: Hong Kong, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Tubi, Vudu, Buy on Amazon
Next: Life of Brian, Star Wars, Kung Fu Hustle

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255

Honeyland – Traditional Lifestyle on the Brink

Honeyland Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you love documentaries that stray into the fictional or very real docu-dramas, you’re in for a treat. Honeyland is one step up: it’s a docu-epic. It follows a middle-aged bee keeper in rural North Macedonia living on her own with her frail grandmother. Their survival is delicately in the balance when a large family join them looking for a better life. It’s a tale of modernity vs. tradition, and greed vs. modernity: a real showdown for the ages. Plus it’s shot beautifully.

From: North Macedonia, Europe
Watch: Now Showing in the U.S, Screening Times Elsewhere 
Next: Makala, Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Nobody Knows

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