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On Movies - running on empty

Ever watch a film that left you feeling worn out at the end? Exhausted from identifying with the physical and emotional stresses endured by the characters in the film? That's this week's theme at The Bumbles Blog. In addition to gathering those films about running on empty, I'm focusing on women who out of desperation (poverty, threats of harm etc.) wind up in situations that make them go "on the run."

Thelma and Louise (1991) - Start out running away from their oppressive lives and end up running from the law.

Maria Full of Grace (2004) - A pregnant 17 yr old becomes a Colombian drug runner.



Run Lola Run (1998) - A woman has 20 minutes to run around (literally) and find big bucks to save her boyfriend's life.

Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) - A new widow, along with her son, make a run for a fresh start in life. One of my all time favorite films.

Frozen River (2008) - A woman's dire economic circumstances compel her to run illegal immigrants across the Canadian border. Her smuggling takes her on a perilous route that includes a frozen river. Excellent film. Melissa Leo deserved the Oscar for her performance.

Film Indie Spirit Awards 2011

On the eve of the Oscars, there's another awards show honoring films with "Independent Spirit." In some ways, I enjoy this more than the Oscars and the Golden Globes. The Indie Spirit Awards will air at 10 pm Saturday on the Independent Film Channel (IFC).

Here are the nominees for the best film and director of 2011:

Best Feature
127 Hours
Black Swan
Greenberg
The Kids Are All Right
Winter’s bone

Best Director
Darren Aronofsky, Black Swan
Danny Boyle,127 Hours
Lisa Cholodenko, The Kids Are All Right
Debra Granik, Winter’s Bone
John Cameron Mitchell, Rabbit Hole

Do you make it a point to see independent films?
How would you vote in these two categories?