OWFILM WORLD CUP Round 1: Ireland vs. Norway

By Laurent Kelly / June 15, 2010

Voting has now ended on the Spain vs. Wales game and as predicted, the Spanish skill & flare was on full display and Pan's Labyrinth easily advanced to the second round. Spain (Pan's Labyrinth) 85% defeating Wales (Solomon & Gaenor) 15%.

First Round of OWFilm World Cup

We've seen mostly one sided affairs so far, but today's clash marks a shift in predictability I think. The Irish and Norwegian battle promises to be a much closer slug-fest. For the first time, we have two movies of similar calibre (though very different genres and plots, etc), and I just can't predict the outcome. Do the Irish need their lucky charms or will the viking blood see them slaughtered? Vote now for which film you want to see advance to the next round. Remember you are voting for YOUR OPINION on which film you prefer. Tale of the reel is after the jump...

Once (2006)

OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB (8.0) RT (97%) EMPIRE TOP 500 (Not listed)

When some people think of cinema they tend to imagine big moments and intense sequences with larger than life characters on a larger than life platform. A film like Oncehowever shows that what cinema is really about is capturing powerful internal emotions and portraying them in a relatable manner on screen. Once may be simple in its set up of two people meeting one another and developing a relationship but it€™s the journey that counts and in this regard the film does a profound and touching job of making us care about two people trying to find their place in the world. It deals with themes of loneliness, love and friendship but does so in an interesting and authentic manner rather than making you want to vomit into your popcorn. The music is also handled impeccably in its ability to provide unspoken dialogue and help to tell the film€™s story. A real gem of a movie. The Chicago Tribune€™s film critic Michael Philips selected Once as his favourite film of 2006. INTERESTING FACT: The film was shot in just 17 days. At that stage of Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick was probably still considering what music to select for the opening credits sequence.

Insomnia (1997)

OSCAR COUNT (0) IMDB (7.3) RT (97%) EMPIRE TOP 500 (Not listed)

Insomnia is an engaging psychological thriller (remade in 2002 by Christopher Nolan) which methodically unravels an intelligently plotted game of cat and mouse between a detective and a killer and provides a series of well developed and genuinely unexpected twists and turns as it builds to a brooding and tense conclusion. What separates Insomnia from most film of its type is that it is careful to maintain a key focus on character and let them lead the story forward. The film also makes an intriguing political statement about the manner in which authorities conduct themselves and the corrupt nature that lies at the heart of big organisations. Ultimately however it€™s the dark and disturbing atmosphere brought so well to life by director Eric Skjoldbjaerg and cinematographer Erling Thurman-Andersen that gives the film its enduring qualities. Its lingering visual style makes each dark moment count and provides a chilling undercurrent of terror throughout its ninety seven minute running time. INTERESTING FACT: The lead actor Stellan Skasgard has an interesting family background which should perhaps be turned into a film itself. Undoubtedly the most fascinating revelation is that his grandparents remained happily married for several years despite the fact that his grandfather was a severe atheist and his grandmother was deeply religious. Apparently they had a mutual respect for one another€™s opinions€. How bizarre!WRITER€™S VERDICT: Both films are dramatically satisfying in their own way but I feel that Once deserves the nod for providing evidence that films don€™t need to shout to get their point across and are more often that not rewarding for saying what they have to say with subtle yet still mainstream, emotional undertones.