With Netflix (in most territories) adding the entire Ghibli back catalogue (minus Grave of the Fireflies) over the next three months, it's the perfect time to either revisit or visit the collection. If revisiting, why not write about them? Great idea. Welcome to 'Ghibli: The Netflix Batch,' a collection of essays inspired by each film. … Continue reading Laputa: Castle in the Sky (Ghibli: The Netflix Batch)
Category: Films
Gillespie Awards 2020 (My ‘Oscars’)
For some reason, the Academy won't let me have any control - never mind complete control - over their process. Perhaps because of this, they keep making terrible decisions! So, here are my awards. Criteria: released in the last 12 months in the UK and seen by me. If it's not nominated and I haven't … Continue reading Gillespie Awards 2020 (My ‘Oscars’)
The Lighthouse (Review)
There are moments of undeniable brilliance in Dave Eggers' second feature. The atmosphere is consistently superb and the performances are outstanding. In addition to this, it's a film of obvious technical brilliance - a brilliance that is complemented by a clear sense of style. However, the Lighthouse does also feel like a purely stylistic exercise. … Continue reading The Lighthouse (Review)
The Farewell (Review)
Cinema, at its best, has the wonderful ability to make the personal and specific feel universal. The Farewell is about a very specific experience on a cultural and individual level - an experience that, in many ways, will be alien to so much of its viewership. However, The Farewell never feels insular or alienating; it … Continue reading The Farewell (Review)
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (Review)
With only three films under her directorial belt, Marielle Heller has already become one of the most dependable and interesting names in the business. Consistently, she has shown an ability to make films that enhance and transcend their subject matter - adapting existing sources in fascinating and surprising ways. This trend is perhaps best shown … Continue reading A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (Review)
The Personal History of David Copperfield (Review)
Unsurprisingly, the writer and director who managed to glean comedy from Stalinist Russia has managed to make an accessible and charming comedy out of a Dickens novel. Obviously, anybody versed in Dickens will know that comedy is actually something the famed writer is good at; however, it is not his primary mode and it is … Continue reading The Personal History of David Copperfield (Review)
For Sama (Review)
For several years, it has been hard to escape news about the turmoil in Syria. This being the case, exposure has been very surface level and tinged with prejudice - glossed over by disgusting vitriol towards necessary migration. For Sama is a document of the 'Battle of Aleppo' - which roughly spans 2012-2016 - from … Continue reading For Sama (Review)
Uncut Gems (Review)
Thrillers don't get much better than Uncut Gems. This latest film from the Safdie Brothers (who gave us the excellent Good Time) is brilliantly overwhelming and deeply stressful in the best way possible. The film's success is due to a multitude of factors but its most obvious asset is a mesmerising turn from the oft-awful … Continue reading Uncut Gems (Review)
The Holy Mountain (Reissue) (Review)
If you haven't seen Alejandro Jodorowsky's The Holy Mountain, you owe it to yourself to do so. If you're quick you can find it on the big screen in a beautiful restoration; if not, watch it on the biggest screen you can. I can't guarantee you will enjoy it - you may even hate it … Continue reading The Holy Mountain (Reissue) (Review)
Parasite (Review)
There's something inherently appealing about a film that's able to be consistently surprising; however, there's something really special about a film that is able to stay utterly consistent at the same time. Parasite is a film that trades in escalation and increasing levels of conflict - a film that keeps adding more spinning plates through … Continue reading Parasite (Review)
Assorted Opinions 