Saturday, August 18, 2007
Irina Palm
2007 Dir: Sam Gararski
Stars: Marianne Faithfull
IMDB
Just how far out of your comfort zone would you go to help, possibly, to save the life of your grandchild. Maddy (Marianne Faithfull) finds out just that. Her grandchild has cancer (or something equally nasty) and all treatments have failed.. There is a new treatment being tried, but it only done on the other side of the world. Having already sold her home, indebted herself as much as she could and with no skills to sell, how was she going to get more money to help. An ad for a hostess at a strip club tests her staid middle class view of the world. A carefully balanced drama with just the right amount of humour, sadness and decency. This film has charmed me.
Why See It? A delightful film.
Stars: Marianne Faithfull
IMDB
Just how far out of your comfort zone would you go to help, possibly, to save the life of your grandchild. Maddy (Marianne Faithfull) finds out just that. Her grandchild has cancer (or something equally nasty) and all treatments have failed.. There is a new treatment being tried, but it only done on the other side of the world. Having already sold her home, indebted herself as much as she could and with no skills to sell, how was she going to get more money to help. An ad for a hostess at a strip club tests her staid middle class view of the world. A carefully balanced drama with just the right amount of humour, sadness and decency. This film has charmed me.
Why See It? A delightful film.
Day Watch
2006 Dir: Timur Bekmambetov
Stars:
IMDB
Before the film: This is the sequel to “Night Watch” and is the second in a trilogy of films based on a trilogy of books. The first film was ok, although I only saw it on the small screen.
This long film dragged only very briefly. While you could watch this without seeing ‘Night Watch’ it would be better to see ‘Night Watch’ first. The truce between good and evil holds, but for how long, the bad guys want it to end. Some great effects and action combined with a better understanding of the world it is set in (that of vampires and other people with supernatural powers) made this a more enjoyable film than ‘Night Watch’.
Why See It? To see some non-Hollywood Sci Fi/Fantasy.
Stars:
IMDB
Before the film: This is the sequel to “Night Watch” and is the second in a trilogy of films based on a trilogy of books. The first film was ok, although I only saw it on the small screen.
This long film dragged only very briefly. While you could watch this without seeing ‘Night Watch’ it would be better to see ‘Night Watch’ first. The truce between good and evil holds, but for how long, the bad guys want it to end. Some great effects and action combined with a better understanding of the world it is set in (that of vampires and other people with supernatural powers) made this a more enjoyable film than ‘Night Watch’.
Why See It? To see some non-Hollywood Sci Fi/Fantasy.
Rescue Dawn
2006 Dir: Werner Herzog
Stars: Christian Bale, Marshall Bell
IMDB
Werner Herzog is a famous director (although mostly in film buff circles), but this is the first film of his I have seen. Based on the real life capture and escape of an American in Laos during the early stages of the Vietnam war. Christian Bale plays Dieter and once again shows the extent he will take his craft. It is a fresh healthy Dieter who takes off on a mission in 1965, 6 months later it is an emancipated man who leaves the jungle. While the escape plays a big part in the movie the interactions of the 6 prisoners in the camp forms the central part of this story. As various levels of madness infect the prisoners. Bale is an odd performer and I have mixed feelings about his performances and the film while showing interesting characters just lacks something to make it great, rather than good or very good.
Why See It? A look at madness in a different setting.
Stars: Christian Bale, Marshall Bell
IMDB
Werner Herzog is a famous director (although mostly in film buff circles), but this is the first film of his I have seen. Based on the real life capture and escape of an American in Laos during the early stages of the Vietnam war. Christian Bale plays Dieter and once again shows the extent he will take his craft. It is a fresh healthy Dieter who takes off on a mission in 1965, 6 months later it is an emancipated man who leaves the jungle. While the escape plays a big part in the movie the interactions of the 6 prisoners in the camp forms the central part of this story. As various levels of madness infect the prisoners. Bale is an odd performer and I have mixed feelings about his performances and the film while showing interesting characters just lacks something to make it great, rather than good or very good.
Why See It? A look at madness in a different setting.
Alexandra
2007 Dir: Alexandra Sokurov (“Russian Ark”)
IMDB
Before the film: I have chosen to see this film because it is the director of ‘Russian Ark’ (which I still have not seen).
Well I was not disappointed, although tiredness from last nights lack of sleep was hard to overcome at times during this gentle film. I have been seeing a few films about ordinary people in what to me are extraordinary situations, but to many people around the world is a daily reality. Alexandra is a woman visiting her grandson at a military camp in what I assume is Chechnya. It is a look at ordinary people dealing with war, both sides are shown to be just like the other. A can not point to great aspects of this film, nothing stands out, it just draws you in with a wonderful lead character and performance.
Why See It? To see that both sides in a war are people.
IMDB
Before the film: I have chosen to see this film because it is the director of ‘Russian Ark’ (which I still have not seen).
Well I was not disappointed, although tiredness from last nights lack of sleep was hard to overcome at times during this gentle film. I have been seeing a few films about ordinary people in what to me are extraordinary situations, but to many people around the world is a daily reality. Alexandra is a woman visiting her grandson at a military camp in what I assume is Chechnya. It is a look at ordinary people dealing with war, both sides are shown to be just like the other. A can not point to great aspects of this film, nothing stands out, it just draws you in with a wonderful lead character and performance.
Why See It? To see that both sides in a war are people.
Black Snake Moan
2006 Dir: Graig Brewer
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake
IMDB
Before the film: I have only heard a little about this film, but the main reason for choosing it is the presence of Samuel L Jackson and Christina Ricci.
A very good film about overcoming affliction and finding a purpose when ones life takes an unexpected turn. While these 2 subjects are not deeply fleshed out the film is not a shallow one. It seems Samuel L Jackson can sing the blues. There is some great blues music in this film. It is almost mandatory for SLJ to use the MF phase in his films and this one provides us with multiple examples. Christina Ricci’s performance fluctuated from superb to melodramatic and Justin Timberlake surprised me with an acceptable performance. As a drama with laughs this is well worth a viewing.
Why See It? A slightly unusual look at redeeming someone.
Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Christina Ricci, Justin Timberlake
IMDB
Before the film: I have only heard a little about this film, but the main reason for choosing it is the presence of Samuel L Jackson and Christina Ricci.
A very good film about overcoming affliction and finding a purpose when ones life takes an unexpected turn. While these 2 subjects are not deeply fleshed out the film is not a shallow one. It seems Samuel L Jackson can sing the blues. There is some great blues music in this film. It is almost mandatory for SLJ to use the MF phase in his films and this one provides us with multiple examples. Christina Ricci’s performance fluctuated from superb to melodramatic and Justin Timberlake surprised me with an acceptable performance. As a drama with laughs this is well worth a viewing.
Why See It? A slightly unusual look at redeeming someone.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Inland Empire
2006 Dir: David Lynch
Stars: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons
IMDB
Before the film: I have a vague memory of reading a very bad review of this film, but it is still David Lynch. He can be slow to make his point in film and very hard to fathom, but this very thing makes seeing his films appealing. The audience is not spoon fed, but is left wondering. Perhaps his peak of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet are behind him, but I am drawn in, in the hope of experiencing something at that level again.
Today has not been a good day for viewing. Many years ago film reviewers saw ‘Blue Velvet’ and generally canned it, it is now considered a classic. So I wonder if in years to come I will change my mind about this film. At 3 hours long, this film is about 3 hours too long. Ok that may be a little extreme, but about half the film should be consigned to the cutting room floor. A film to confuse the viewer, Laura Dern’s character is caught up in a gypsy curse associated with the film she is about to make. What is real, what is imagined, what is part of the film she is making? Who cares? Given the level of actors (although Derns’s work has been patchy in the past) in this film and the quality of the crew David Lynch would have had access to, I must assume that the student level quality of the film is deliberate. Lighting, camerawork, acting, dialogue, theme and editing all seemed part of a student film where being all mysterious is meant to be clever.
Why See It? Give me some time to think about this, ah, because you need sleep, or you want to see all of David Lynch’s films.
Stars: Laura Dern, Jeremy Irons
IMDB
Before the film: I have a vague memory of reading a very bad review of this film, but it is still David Lynch. He can be slow to make his point in film and very hard to fathom, but this very thing makes seeing his films appealing. The audience is not spoon fed, but is left wondering. Perhaps his peak of Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet are behind him, but I am drawn in, in the hope of experiencing something at that level again.
Today has not been a good day for viewing. Many years ago film reviewers saw ‘Blue Velvet’ and generally canned it, it is now considered a classic. So I wonder if in years to come I will change my mind about this film. At 3 hours long, this film is about 3 hours too long. Ok that may be a little extreme, but about half the film should be consigned to the cutting room floor. A film to confuse the viewer, Laura Dern’s character is caught up in a gypsy curse associated with the film she is about to make. What is real, what is imagined, what is part of the film she is making? Who cares? Given the level of actors (although Derns’s work has been patchy in the past) in this film and the quality of the crew David Lynch would have had access to, I must assume that the student level quality of the film is deliberate. Lighting, camerawork, acting, dialogue, theme and editing all seemed part of a student film where being all mysterious is meant to be clever.
Why See It? Give me some time to think about this, ah, because you need sleep, or you want to see all of David Lynch’s films.
A Man Vanishes
1967 Japan Dir: Shohei Imamura
Stars:
IMDB
This film is like an overindulgent directors cut. Truth/Fiction, the point is made and then the film goes on for 20 minutes, or more, longer showing a you did/I didn’t argument. I sat there almost begging for the film to finish. The first part of the film is very slowly paced, but almost brilliantly creates a documentary style/feel. Unfortunately that does not help save the film.
Why See It? You are a film student.
Stars:
IMDB
This film is like an overindulgent directors cut. Truth/Fiction, the point is made and then the film goes on for 20 minutes, or more, longer showing a you did/I didn’t argument. I sat there almost begging for the film to finish. The first part of the film is very slowly paced, but almost brilliantly creates a documentary style/feel. Unfortunately that does not help save the film.
Why See It? You are a film student.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Boxing Day
2007 Australia
Dir: Kriv Stenders
Stars: Richard Green (Chris), Tammy Anderson (Donna)
IMDB
Tense, fantastic, best so far. Like ‘The Boys’, from a few years ago, this is an intense family drama. Chris is a man sorely tested on Boxing Day as he tries to straighten his life out. This low budget film shot in 1 week after just 2 weeks rehearsal shows that a great film does not need a huge budget to be created. While I found some small issues with the way it has been filmed, it is definitely a highly recommended film.
Why See It? To see a strong tense human drama.
Dir: Kriv Stenders
Stars: Richard Green (Chris), Tammy Anderson (Donna)
IMDB
Tense, fantastic, best so far. Like ‘The Boys’, from a few years ago, this is an intense family drama. Chris is a man sorely tested on Boxing Day as he tries to straighten his life out. This low budget film shot in 1 week after just 2 weeks rehearsal shows that a great film does not need a huge budget to be created. While I found some small issues with the way it has been filmed, it is definitely a highly recommended film.
Why See It? To see a strong tense human drama.
Dry Season
2006 Chad/France
Stars: Ali Barkai (Atim), Youssouf Djaoro (Nassara)
IMDB: ?
Atim’s father was killed before he was born during Chad’s recently ended 40 year civil war. The Ministry for Truth and Justice has just announced an amnesty for all war criminals. With his grandfather’s blessing Atim goes to find and kill Nassara, the man who killed his father, but how do you kill a man you get to know. Vengeance is not always an easy thing when you are not a killer. An engaging interplay between these two complex characters. Whilst the film could have used a little more ruthless editing, it is the strong performances of Ali Barkai and Youssouf Djaoro, along with a strong script that leaves me no choice but to recommend this film.
Why See It? An interest in themes of vengeance and well developed characters.
Stars: Ali Barkai (Atim), Youssouf Djaoro (Nassara)
IMDB: ?
Atim’s father was killed before he was born during Chad’s recently ended 40 year civil war. The Ministry for Truth and Justice has just announced an amnesty for all war criminals. With his grandfather’s blessing Atim goes to find and kill Nassara, the man who killed his father, but how do you kill a man you get to know. Vengeance is not always an easy thing when you are not a killer. An engaging interplay between these two complex characters. Whilst the film could have used a little more ruthless editing, it is the strong performances of Ali Barkai and Youssouf Djaoro, along with a strong script that leaves me no choice but to recommend this film.
Why See It? An interest in themes of vengeance and well developed characters.
Paraguayan Hammock
2006 Paraguay/Argentina/the Netherlands/France/Austria/Germany
Dir: Paz Encina
Stars: ?
IMDB
Slow, glacially slow. An aged couple set up a hammock and sit on it quietly arguing about anything they talk about. The dog barking, the dog not barking, their son who has gone off to war and not yet returned are frequent points of dissension. There are only 8 camera positions in the whole movie and the long lasting static long shots had me almost wishing for some shaky hand held shots. I struggled to stay awake at times. While the film did have tranquillity, boredom overrode the tranquillity.
Why See It? To see the interaction of a long married couple in an outdoor play-like setting.
Dir: Paz Encina
Stars: ?
IMDB
Slow, glacially slow. An aged couple set up a hammock and sit on it quietly arguing about anything they talk about. The dog barking, the dog not barking, their son who has gone off to war and not yet returned are frequent points of dissension. There are only 8 camera positions in the whole movie and the long lasting static long shots had me almost wishing for some shaky hand held shots. I struggled to stay awake at times. While the film did have tranquillity, boredom overrode the tranquillity.
Why See It? To see the interaction of a long married couple in an outdoor play-like setting.
2 Documentaries
The Book That Shook the World
IMDB:
I have no memory of the Little Red School Book that caused controversy, around 1972, here in Australia and in many other countries. My main problem with this documentary is the lack of current day pro-censorship (except Keith Windshuttle) people. I do not know if this was a deliberate bias in the making, or if all those who were apposed at the time are now dead or no longer willing to talk about it. The archival footage of Don Chip (pre Democrats) and Mary Whitehouse were some of my favourite parts of the show. As this was a Danish / SBS co-production it should be shown on SBS some time in the next year.
Why See It? As a starting point for a discussion on censorship, or for a little bit of recent Australian history.
Big Dreamers
IMDB:
Tully and the Golden Gumboot. This documentary was not as good as ‘The Book That Shook the World’. While that focused on the events through the people, ‘Big Dreamer’ is about the personalities in and around Tully. This is a bit of light entertainment. The short interludes with others who have created, or appreciated various ‘big’ attractions around Australia are treated with kindness, although the sniggers from the audience at some of these people suggests maybe the treatment was not that kind.
Why See It? A bit of light entertainment, that it much more palatable than reality TV.
Glue
2006 Argentina
Stars:
Adolescent sums up this movie. Lucas is a 16 year old boy living in either suburban or small town Argentina. Life is awkward, about sex, mostly only getting with oneself. This movie is not a matured one and given it is about teenage issues it seems appropriate. A slow start needs to be overcome, but once moving the lives of the characters draw you in. Like ‘Once’ I had an issue with shaky hand held shots, which takes a little time to adjust to. ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ is a recent film similar to this one, although with a different focus. It is likely if you enjoyed ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ you will enjoy this film.
Why See It? To see a take on adolescent life
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Once (85 min)
2006 Dir: John Carney
Stars: Glen Hansard (Guy), Markéta Irglová (Girl)
A love story, a musical, neither, both. The unnamed leads (guy and girl) are would be musicians, well trying to get a musical career people. The story starts when girl talks to guy while he is busking. From there it is a story of music and possible love. Filmed, at times, in a style similar to documentary, the variable quality of the image is distracting in the early part of the film. The shaky hand held shots and graininess of the image gives the film a home made feel, like a movie that had a budget for only part of the filming. Does this add to the charm of the film, yes, but with the downside of the distraction. The music is a folksy pop (like John Butler or Ben Lee). Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová both perform the music wonderfully, with some lovely songs of longing. The music and the performances of these two are truly delightful
Why See It? You enjoy folksy pop music and endearing characters.
2006 Dir: John Carney
Stars: Glen Hansard (Guy), Markéta Irglová (Girl)
A love story, a musical, neither, both. The unnamed leads (guy and girl) are would be musicians, well trying to get a musical career people. The story starts when girl talks to guy while he is busking. From there it is a story of music and possible love. Filmed, at times, in a style similar to documentary, the variable quality of the image is distracting in the early part of the film. The shaky hand held shots and graininess of the image gives the film a home made feel, like a movie that had a budget for only part of the filming. Does this add to the charm of the film, yes, but with the downside of the distraction. The music is a folksy pop (like John Butler or Ben Lee). Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová both perform the music wonderfully, with some lovely songs of longing. The music and the performances of these two are truly delightful
Why See It? You enjoy folksy pop music and endearing characters.
Back For MIFF 2007
Well I am back for the Melbourne international film festival, after a 2 year break. Today I saw Ulzhan and Once (see reviews in other posts). Tomorrow it is off to see Teeth, Exterminating Angels and a couple of short films. Hope you enjoy my reviews.
Ulzhan (105 min)
2007 Dir: Volker Schlöndorff
Stars: Philippe Torreton (Charles), Ayanat Ksenbai (Ulzhan), David Bennent (Shakuni)
A road movie, a character paly, a mysterious stranger in an unfamiliar land. Charles is a man on a mission he arrives in Kazarhstan by car, but is soon heading east by foot. Despite, or is it because of, his mission he shows little care for anything, his passport, possessions, life or those he meets. As with all road movies it is the journey that is important and a key part of the journey is the people encountered. Ulzhan and Shakuni areCharles’s 2 main encounters. Charles’s journey is not an action packed one (eg Thelma and Louise), nor is it serene (a la Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). The fascination with this movie is what draws the characters together and scenes of Kazarhstan. Unfortunately what draws Ulzhan to Charles does not seem to have a discernable reason and this is a failing of the movie. There was also a short period near the end of the movie were it dragged. This occurred not long after some questions are answered, maybe it is the unanswered questions that hold you interest.
Why See It? You are interested in seeing the journey of a careless man.
2007 Dir: Volker Schlöndorff
Stars: Philippe Torreton (Charles), Ayanat Ksenbai (Ulzhan), David Bennent (Shakuni)
A road movie, a character paly, a mysterious stranger in an unfamiliar land. Charles is a man on a mission he arrives in Kazarhstan by car, but is soon heading east by foot. Despite, or is it because of, his mission he shows little care for anything, his passport, possessions, life or those he meets. As with all road movies it is the journey that is important and a key part of the journey is the people encountered. Ulzhan and Shakuni areCharles’s 2 main encounters. Charles’s journey is not an action packed one (eg Thelma and Louise), nor is it serene (a la Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring). The fascination with this movie is what draws the characters together and scenes of Kazarhstan. Unfortunately what draws Ulzhan to Charles does not seem to have a discernable reason and this is a failing of the movie. There was also a short period near the end of the movie were it dragged. This occurred not long after some questions are answered, maybe it is the unanswered questions that hold you interest.
Why See It? You are interested in seeing the journey of a careless man.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Miami Vice
USA 2006
Dir: Michael Mann
Stars: Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Li Gong
In a word: Hypermacho
Where was Sonny's aligator? They do not walk in 'Miami Vice', they swagger. They do not talk, words come out in stuccato. Colin Farrell and most of the cast looked like they had been freshly cut from a forrest. For an action film there was only a few action set pieces, which was good. So what was the plots: drugs, guns, deception, desire, does it matter? Overall a disappointing film. It may have been Michael Mann's intention to portray a serious image of undercover work, or to have the stuccato speach represent gun fire, it did not work for me.
Why see it? Some lovely South American scenery, you have a thing for one of the stars, you watched the TV show.
Dir: Michael Mann
Stars: Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Li Gong
In a word: Hypermacho
Where was Sonny's aligator? They do not walk in 'Miami Vice', they swagger. They do not talk, words come out in stuccato. Colin Farrell and most of the cast looked like they had been freshly cut from a forrest. For an action film there was only a few action set pieces, which was good. So what was the plots: drugs, guns, deception, desire, does it matter? Overall a disappointing film. It may have been Michael Mann's intention to portray a serious image of undercover work, or to have the stuccato speach represent gun fire, it did not work for me.
Why see it? Some lovely South American scenery, you have a thing for one of the stars, you watched the TV show.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Clerks II
USA 2006
Dir: Kevin Smith
Stars: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Rosario Dawson
In one word: Twisted
The boys of Quick stop are back, along with Jay and Silent bob. Jay (Jason Mewes) seems to have toned it down a little, Randal (Jeff Anderson) has not. Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal are working at Mooby's (remember the big evil corporation from 'Dogma'). Becky (Rosario Dawson) is there boss and Elias (Trevor Fehrman) is the geek co-worker who Randal hassles constantly. Dante is about to get married and move to Florida, and Randal is going to miss his best/only friend, but does Randal want to get married. That pretty much covers the plot, but you are not seeing this film for the plot, but the dialogue, and that is as good as ever. So if you have liked any of the Kevin Smith movies this film should be on your to see list, but it does not need a big screen, although who wants to wait.
Why see it? You like to laugh at twisted jokes, basically you are a little (or a lot) warped, or you would like to see a dialogue film.
Links: IMDB
Dir: Kevin Smith
Stars: Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Rosario Dawson
In one word: Twisted
The boys of Quick stop are back, along with Jay and Silent bob. Jay (Jason Mewes) seems to have toned it down a little, Randal (Jeff Anderson) has not. Dante (Brian O'Halloran) and Randal are working at Mooby's (remember the big evil corporation from 'Dogma'). Becky (Rosario Dawson) is there boss and Elias (Trevor Fehrman) is the geek co-worker who Randal hassles constantly. Dante is about to get married and move to Florida, and Randal is going to miss his best/only friend, but does Randal want to get married. That pretty much covers the plot, but you are not seeing this film for the plot, but the dialogue, and that is as good as ever. So if you have liked any of the Kevin Smith movies this film should be on your to see list, but it does not need a big screen, although who wants to wait.
Why see it? You like to laugh at twisted jokes, basically you are a little (or a lot) warped, or you would like to see a dialogue film.
Links: IMDB
Monday, July 17, 2006
The Devil Wears Prada
USA 2006
Dir: David Frankel
Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathwaway
In a Word: Stylish
A chick flick that guys can enjoy. A very funny movie. Meryl Streep and Anne Hathwaway put in brilliant performances along with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. While the rest of the cast are ok, at best. This film though is very focused on the 2 leads. The best way for me to describe this film is to say it is a milder version of 'Swimming with Sharks' (a very good black comedy from a few years ago). Meryl Streep plays Miranda Priestly bitch boss from hell. Anne Hathaway plays Andy Sachs a wantabe journalist who is using the job of Meryl's assistant's assistant to make connections. This ends up being a bit of the clash of slob (Anne) versus the fashionista (Meryl), or should that be fascistista. Anne's inevitable transformation to stylish clothes horse has a ring of her Princess Diaries movie. What makes this movie is the many jokes that just work beautifully and the fine performances from the leads.
Why See It? Because you wish to sit down and have a laugh with just a dash (a very small dash) of seriousness.
Links: IMDB
Dir: David Frankel
Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathwaway
In a Word: Stylish
A chick flick that guys can enjoy. A very funny movie. Meryl Streep and Anne Hathwaway put in brilliant performances along with Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. While the rest of the cast are ok, at best. This film though is very focused on the 2 leads. The best way for me to describe this film is to say it is a milder version of 'Swimming with Sharks' (a very good black comedy from a few years ago). Meryl Streep plays Miranda Priestly bitch boss from hell. Anne Hathaway plays Andy Sachs a wantabe journalist who is using the job of Meryl's assistant's assistant to make connections. This ends up being a bit of the clash of slob (Anne) versus the fashionista (Meryl), or should that be fascistista. Anne's inevitable transformation to stylish clothes horse has a ring of her Princess Diaries movie. What makes this movie is the many jokes that just work beautifully and the fine performances from the leads.
Why See It? Because you wish to sit down and have a laugh with just a dash (a very small dash) of seriousness.
Links: IMDB
