Big Night [1996] – ★★★★

They say there can never be two chefs in the kitchen, but Campbell Scott and Stanley Tucci proved there can be two directors on a movie set and a glaring success. This drama-comedy is based on a book by Joseph Tropiano and set in the 1950s, telling of two very different brothers from Italy – Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Tucci) (yes, the pun is intended) who try to run a restaurant in New Jersey. Facing immense financial difficulties and foreclosure, the duo’s only hope for the future seems to be the forthcoming feast night which would feature a prominent celebrity. But, can they pull it off? The brothers’ personality differences, complex love relationships (Secondo is dating two women: Gabriella (Isabella Rossellini) and Phyllis (Minnie Driver)), and the rival restaurateur’s own designs concerning the duo threaten to undo their efforts.

Big Night is a refreshingly different drama-comedy, whose clear awkwardness is precisely that which lends it its own special charm. The actors do a phenomenal job, and because the film never takes itself seriously, it soon morphs into something adorable, touching and “deliciously” random (or randomly “delicious”?). It truly becomes one off-beat celebration of Italian food and one immigrant’s journey to succeed. And, by the way, the last five minutes or so of this film are pure gold.

Return to Dust [2022] – ★★★1/2

This film is notorious for having been banned in China shortly after its release. It tells of two societal “outcasts”: simple farmer Ma Youtie (Renlin Wu), and disabled woman Cao Guiying (Hai-Qing) who, after their arranged marriage, try to survive in their harsh environment. Ma is constantly taken advantage of because he is humble, hard-working, honest and kind. He does not like to owe anything to anyone, and is forced to give his blood to one rich, but ill businessman when it turns out that he is the only one in his village who has a suitable type of blood. His life with Guiying seems tranquil at first, but a series of house demolitions and unfair market practices constantly threaten their survival and happiness.

The film seems to be about persevering at all costs and finding hope and life’s joys even in the darkest and poorest of places. The best scenes are the ones where Ma and Guiying create their own little world, showing much care, attention and compassion for one another, especially since Ma’s blood is often being drawn both figuratively and literally. This beautifully-photographed film has its heart-warming and heart-breaking moments, and provides an insight into rural China and the life of a poor farmer there. Though, ultimately, Return to Dust cannot level off its emotionally-manipulative streak, the story and cinematography remain memorable.