Terrence Malick's latest film, a cerebral drama about an Austrian farmer during World War 2, is an engrossing and powerful portrait of idealism. The film centres around a choice that is obviously admirable now but - at the time - brought huge negative consequences on the individual: refusing to fight for the Nazis. The film … Continue reading A Hidden Life (Review)
Category: Films
Bombshell (Review)
To be honest, this expose of sexism at FOX News is more controlled explosion than bombshell. It touches on important content in an accessible, and often important, way but it certainly doesn't want to ruffle too many feathers. In Bombshell, a number of conversations are very well handled, especially the more quiet and human moments … Continue reading Bombshell (Review)
El Topo (Reissue) (Review)
Where do you begin with a film like El Topo? Famously one of the strangest films ever made and, arguably, the progenitor of the midnight movie. It's a slice of complete madness endorsed and supported by the likes of Yoko Ono and John Lennon (look it up), and now it's back in cinemas to befuddle … Continue reading El Topo (Reissue) (Review)
1917 (Review)
There's no denying the technical brilliance of 1917. It's a precision crafted piece of filmmaking that shows incredible skill and talent from almost all involved. For a lot of people, this technical skill will fade into the background and will support a gripping - if unexceptional - WW1 drama, a tale in which two soldiers … Continue reading 1917 (Review)
Humanising Iran: Two Films by Abbas Kiarostami
Now is a good time to explore the diverse world of Iranian cinema. When countries are targeted by other nations, these countries coalesce into something homogenous: they become a singular entity rather than a collection of people. It's easy to view a country by way of its regime or by way of its outward facing … Continue reading Humanising Iran: Two Films by Abbas Kiarostami
Frozen 2 (Review)
Obviously, I am not the target audience for Frozen 2. However, this didn't stop me from resonating with the original - and from being hugely impressed by it. To a certain extent, Frozen 2 is also very impressive - primarily visually. It is a stunning technological achievement but is full of real artistic beauty. The … Continue reading Frozen 2 (Review)
The Two Popes (Review)
In a BBC interview, Jonathan Pryce (who plays Pope Francis) talked about the 'emotional moment' when The Two Popes was screened at the Vatican. The Pope didn't attend the screening, but a cardinal who was both close to Benedict and Francis (the film focuses on the relationship between this pair) noted their enjoyment and referred … Continue reading The Two Popes (Review)
Dolemite is my Name (Review)
Part way through this film, a writer (played my Keegan-Michael Key) talks about his want to make art that does more than just entertain. Dolemite is my Name is a film that somewhat informs but that definitively entertains. This is fitting, as this film is all about the rise of comedy (and filmmaking) legend Rudy … Continue reading Dolemite is my Name (Review)
Atlantics (Review)
David Foster Wallace once wrote that every love story is a ghost story. It’s an evocative statement that cuts to the core of the everyday nature of ghosts - not ethereal beings but the literal past clinging onto the present. Atlantics, the remarkable debut feature from Mati Diop (that scooped the Grand Prix at Cannes), … Continue reading Atlantics (Review)
Little Women (2019) (Review)
Quite simply, Greta Gerwig's Little Women is one of the all time great literary adaptations. This is not only because it's a spectacular film in its own right but because of how well it transfers source material from page to screen. Louisa May Alcott's classic novel has had an impact far larger than the book … Continue reading Little Women (2019) (Review)
Assorted Opinions 