Monday, December 17, 2012

Starbuck

December 17, 2012




I saw this French Canadian film on a KLM flight I recently took. I have not heard of it, and the title was not catchy, however when I read in the information that there will be an American version to be done, I became curious so I went on to watch it. I did not regret it.

For a movie that began with the uncomfortable scene of a guy donating sperm in a sperm bank. From such an inauspicious beginning, what unfolds is actually a heartwarming story of David Wozniak (Patrick Huard), a middle-aged man whose life of non-commitment changes radically when he discovers that he had actually fathered more than 500 kids via his multiple sperm donations done when he was a young man under the code name of "Starbuck". When 143 of these kids file a class suit against their anonymous biological father "Starbuck," will David reveal his secret identity? If he does, how will he face all of these newly-arisen paternal responsibilities?

Of course, there are scenes which may look cheesy for some, but viewed with the proper attitude without cynicism, these scenes are actually quite nice and even touching. Since David's kids are all young adults already with individual personalities and problems, his approach to each one would have to be different based on the situation each kid is in. The public controversy and discussion that arose when the news of the "Starbuck" case hit the tabloids is also very thought-provoking.

This film was an unexpected delight. It was good to know afterward that this movie actually received multiple nominations and even won awards at the Genie and various film festivals. I am glad I caught it before the American version. It would be interesting to compare the treatment of the story.

16 comments:

  1. Haven't seen or heard this movie. Will check it out and see how I can relate it at the RH Bill controversy. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. "He fathered 533 kids single handedly" .. now that's what I call a movie tagline hahaha. Interesting plot, hope to be able to find a copy of that movie.

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    1. I have to agree that the tagline is hilarious, Rain! The word "single-handedly" gets a totally different meaning in this sense. Haha!

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  3. looks controversial movie. i can just imagine how much children starbuck has! where can i check it out?

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  4. I like the concept of the twist of suddenly having more than 500 children and how this would interact with his middle age woes with 143 also claiming parental support.

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  5. That's a whooping 500+ kids to rationalize your retirement pension. A remote possibility, but it could happen. Looks like a sensible movie to watch out.

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  6. Hahaha. The title really does not help. It sounds like "coffee" and I know you know what I mean.

    But after reading a synopsis of the movie, it does sound interesting.

    Any news on who is directing the American version of this film?

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  7. Hi Ia. I am not sure who is the director. But the Hollywood version will be produced by Dreamworks (Steven Spielberg) with Vince Vaughn in the lead role.

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  8. That is right, Alwin. I don't think having Vince Vaughn as Starbuck would make me watch the remake. Also, American versions of foreign films tend to be unnecessarily sappy or cheesy. What you think?

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  9. Honestly, I don't usually watch subtitled movies but recently I must admit I appreciate foreign films with subtitles. They have a great story, with great acting and a lot of values to learn,laughs and so much more. I have to check this out. Thanks for the recommendation

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  10. Haven't seen this movie but we tend to get a lot of Canadian and British films from our DVD suplier so I'll watch out for this one.

    I miss watching inflight movies. traveling with family is just too exhausting I try to sleep as much in plane.

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  11. I watched this one during inflight. It was subtitled and reading it made me understand more. Yes, common n donating a sperm cell but the reason why explain here. Weird but its the reality.

    Jinkee Umali

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    1. Which airline did you catch it on? I caught this on a KLM flight.

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  12. This sounds interesting, I will try to look for it at a video rental shop to see if they have a copy of Starbuck and try to watch it too. =)

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  13. this seems to be a controversial yet exciting one :D I have to check this out

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  14. I haven't heard of this movie yet, but it seems interesting. I'll try to get a copy. Hopefully I can watch this too :)

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