So far this year, I’ve already watched  57 films — both at home and in theaters; commercial and independent releases. I’m not a movie blogger but occasionally I run across a film that I feel like I have to share. Here are two that you’ve probably missed.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks (2014)

Director: Arthur Allan Seidelman

Screenplay: Richard Alfieri

Actors: Gena Rowlands and Cheyenne Jackson with cameos by Julian Sands and Rita Moreno

Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Teaser: A retired woman hires a dance instructor to give her private dance lessons at her home — one per week for six weeks. What begins as an antagonistic relationship turns into a close friendship as they dance together. (More)

 

Based on the short-lived, two person Broadway play, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is a charming little film full of schmaltz. It received only a very limited theatrical release.

I found it to be laugh-out-loud funny and heart-warming.

The on-screen chemistry between Rowlands and Jackson is some of the best I’ve seen in years. I was completely engaged from beginning to end.

In spite of the title, this is not a dance film. It is a film about unlikely connections and how they can enrich our lives.

My rating: 9 Stars (out of 10)

Eden’s Curve (2003)

Director: Anna Misawa

Screenplay: Jerry Meadors, Hart Monroe

Actors: Trevor Lissauer, Julio Perillán

Running Time: 1 hour, 31 minutes

Teaser: A coming of age romantic drama set in 1972 based on real life events. This is Peter’s story; an 18 year old boy who takes a journey through a conservative southern all-male university in order to discover himself. With the help of his roommate, Joe and his roommate’s girlfriend, Bess, Peter begins to explore more about himself and his values only to be crushed by those who love him. The path becomes blurred and treacherous and Peter learns that only by relying on the strength of strangers will he be able to heal himself. The decisions he makes when confronted with this new truth will affect him forever. (More)

 

The Merchant Ivory film, Maurice (1987) came to mind while watching Eden’s Curve. I believe that’s because of the haunting mood and dreamy-like quality of the storytelling.

This film didn’t pull me in immediately but once it did– I was hooked. Younger audiences may have a hard time relating to the difficulties of coming of age and coming out exemplified in this film. (Times have changed.) For me, there was a direct connection.

Sexual situations play a prominent role in this film, which might not be for everybody.

This small budget Indie film is beautifully done.

My Rating: 9 Stars (out of 10)

I know I haven’t gone into great detail here but hope to entice you enough to discover these films for yourself as I did.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks and Eden’s Curve are available on DVD and currently available to stream for free with an Amazon Prime membership.