Broken English

Broken English (1996) is a New Zealand drama highlighting racial problems among Croatian immigrants, Chinese, and Maori. It's told from the point of view of Aleksandra Vujcic, the mature and ripe daughter of a Croatian immigrant (Rade Serbedzija). No matter how much the overbearing Rade tries to control her, she has decided it is time to leave the nest. She works in a Chinese restaurant, and agrees to accept money to marry the boyfriend of one of the waitresses so he can obtain residency (her mother was born in New Zealand, so she is a citizen). This gives her enough money to move out from her father's house, and move in with the new Maori cook, Julian Arahanga. Once Julian finds out exactly how bad her father is, he tries to break it off, but that is before everyone discovers she is pregnant.

I will admit to a weakness for films with cross-cultural themes, and it was nice to see the star crossed lovers win one for a change, but it was the acting that really made this film for me. Rade Serbedzija has incredible screen presence and power, and sells every part I have ever seen him play. Julian Arahanga was superb, and had huge chemistry with the beautiful Aleksandra Vujcic, who also sold the role. The one sex scene that included nudity really sizzled, and ended when the bed collapsed. This is likely the scene that earned the film its NC-17 rating, although I have seen similar material in-R rated films.

• The proper score is likely a C, but will be most appreciated by those who like cross-cultural themes and insights.
• IMDb readers say 6.6, and it won numerous technical and acting awards.
• It's only available in a Region 4 PAL DVD. Here is a link to the exclusive American importer.

 

There are several sex scenes, but nudity in only one of them. Aleksandra Vujcic does full frontal, but in a very darkly lit scene.

The Longest Yard

Yo soy la Juani

Juani (Veronica Echegui) lives at home with her loser father and stoic mother. She works as a checkout girl in an electronics store in the Spanish provinces. Her gorilla-like b.f., Jonah (Dani Martin) has his mind on cars, sex and jealousy. Juani's best friend Vani (Laya Marti), who is obsessed with having a boob job, goes out with Nacho. The tedium of pueblo existence is well-rendered. When Vani is violently attacked by Nacho, and Juani finds Jonah having sex with another girl, Vani and Juani head to Madrid, where, they follow different paths. Vani falls in love, while Juani falls into the clutches of a slimeball film producer.