Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World (2011)

Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World: Directed by Robert H. Gardner. With Mohammad Al-Asad, Sheila S. Blair, Jonathan M. Bloom, Afshan Bokhari. In our post-9/11 world, a greater understanding across cultures is more important than ever before, yet the purpose of this program is not simply to provide political or historical context. Rather it is to explore and celebrate the great richness of Islamic art and architecture throughout the world to peer into extraordinary palaces and mosques, decorated with exquisite gardens, ceramics and paintings, to watch the play of light and space, and to sense the sheen of delicate textiles, of gold and silver work, and of rock crystal and precious gems.

“Maggie Q Channels u0026quot;Jane Wicku0026quot; in u0026#39;The Protegeu0026#39;. Lionsgate Films looks to close out the 2021 Summer Movie scene with The Protege. This stylish film is a must see for action film fans.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAfter professional assassin, Samuel L. Jackson, discovers an orphaned girl in Vietnam in 1991 he makes her his Protegeu0026#39;. Jump thirty years later and Maggie Q embarks on an assignment that unfolds into a revenge mission. Michael Keaton stars as an adversary with an elevated interest in this sophisticated, highly educated and intelligent, but deadly woman.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIt all ties together in a highly watchable and visually interesting action film that is probably best experienced in theaters, but will hold up on streaming and POD.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMartin Campbell, who directed the most realistic action film in the James Bond universe, Casino Royale, starring Daniel Craig, as well as Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnanu0026#39;s, The Foreigner, is at the helm on this one and he does a great job. The movie is well paced, the plot twists are worth the investment of intellectual capital. The action and fight choreography does not take a second seat. It is the culmination of Campbellu0026#39;s long career in the action genre, with the appropriate comedic accents.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe cast is the strength of this one. Samuel L. Jackson is what you expect from him, and that is fine. He has great screen presence. Maggie Q, as the complex and erudite star who is as deadly as anyone in film, is very good. From relative obscurity a decade ago she starred in a number of roles that have culminated in this commanding lead. She plays the part close to the vest; however, reveals enough to have the audience as intrigued in her as Keaton is throughout the film. She is tough and gritty, smart,and sexy. I see more in her near future, including, potentially, additional films in this series.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMichael Keaton is the stand out in this one. While, throughout his career, he has challenged the conventional notions of his characterization as a likable comedic lead, he still never ceases to surprise at his range of talent and grit. At almost 70 he evokes strength, and sexuality in the role of a smart and charming hitman that is as deadly as he is personable. Every scene he is in in this film is a delight. His chemistry with Maggie Q, evoking a Mr. u0026amp; Mrs. Smith vibe makes this more than a gritty action film. Keaton is a huge part of this filmu0026#39;s appeal.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe supporting cast is solid.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn the wake of the John Wick films, and the success of Bob Odenkirku0026#39;s, Nobody, action film fans have high expectations for action and violence in this genre. This film delivers. Gun fights. Motorcycle chases. Hand to Hand Combat. Interesting stunts. u0026#39;The Protegeu0026#39; is an homage to many great action films.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe film is Rated R for violence, language, brief nudity, and sexuality.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI hope u0026#39;The Protegeu0026#39; is the first in the series.”