Blood and honey

Kendall Barrow

In the Land of Blood and Honey

When it comes to Angelina Jolie, let’s just say I’ve always been on “Team Aniston.” I’m not a fan. But I can’t help but notice — and acknowledge — that most everything the woman touches turns to gold.

Already an acclaimed actress, Jolie takes a turn behind the camera in her directorial debut, "In the Land of Blood and Honey." The drama takes place amid the Bosnian War and tells the story of a soldier, Danijel, fighting for the Bosnian Serbs, who re-encounters Ajla, a Bosnian held captive in his camp. Once potential lovers, the pair now find their relationship has taken a turn for the dark side with their allegiances uncertain.

Not only did Jolie direct the Golden Globe nominated film, she wrote it. Jolie is known for using her celebrity to bring attention to political issues and I have no doubt this film will do the same. From the reviews thus far, it appears Jolie paints a grim, albeit truthful, picture of the war and its effect on humanity. No doubt this will be a hard film to watch. But, like most films where the content is painful to see, the performances are often the most memorable and enjoyable. I am hoping this is the case. Who knows? Maybe after this weekend I will be one step closer to Team Jolie.

The film opens this Friday, Feb. 3, at Circle Cinema. It runs 127 minutes and is rated R. For more information, visit circlecinema.com or call 592-FILM(3456).

Lay of the land

For as long as I can remember I have loved design. The moment I walk into a space — whether residential, industrial or commercial — I immediately begin imagining how I would design and furnish the space. It is almost instinct, but I have a feeling my mother’s appreciation for quality furnishings, constant antiquing and repeated rearranging of our furniture may have played a part in this quirky trait of mine. Regardless of its origin, my love for design spills over into every aspect of my life. Simply walking down a street, I’m often amazed at the architecture of even the most simple of buildings. It would seem the film "Urbanized," which opens this weekend at Circle Cinema, was designed just for me. The film presents an insightful look at modern urban design. Director Gary Hustwit reveals the strategies and processes of the world’s foremost architects, policy makers and builders. "Urbanized," which runs 85 minutes and is not rated, is the final documentary in Hustwit’s Design Trilogy. For more information, visit circlecinema.com or call 592-FILM(3456).