“He wouldn’t even have minded becoming a tortoise himself if it meant Mrs Silver stroking his shell each morning and whispering endearments to him.” —Roald Dahl, Esio Trot You will need but a moment in the company of Heilika Pikkov’s film and its subject, the octogenarian Russia... Read More »
In 2003 after the invasion of Iraq United States-led forces, in conjunction with the new government began to use Abu Ghraib prison to house detainees. In early 2004 reports and photographs began to emerge showing the systematic and horrific abuse of prisoners by military police p... Read More »
Oh to walk in England’s green and pleasant land. So cherished is this image, the words, first written by William Blake, now form part of England’s unofficial anthem. Ben Wheatley’s England does not entirely conform to the sentiment bellowed out by thousands at sporting events. Th... Read More »
“There’s too many things changing in life,” a barmaid says after proudly showcasing the two hundred-plus year-old flagstone floor on which her institution stands in The Irish Pub, Alex Fegan’s warmly funny crawl cum cultural study. Hers is one of twenty-two bars the documentary f... Read More »
Plot, structure, pacing, characters worth caring for, eliciting believable and good performances from actors and action sequences that make sense are not strong points for director Paul W. S. Anderson (not to be confused with one of the best living and working directors Paul Thom... Read More »
I like to think this is a safe place. A place where we can be candid with one another. I am very sensitive to the nature of spoilers. In all of my reviews I make a point of not going into too much detail when providing a synopsis, and generally focus my review on the execution of... Read More »
There’s something irresistible about a good historical epic. Perhaps it’s the opportunity to major on spectacle that allows for a uniquely cinematic experience. With a vast number of moving parts, Aleksander Ford’s 1960 picture is certainly an experience. Epic in scope, scale and... Read More »
There is something glorious about Good Night, and Good Luck. Not only does it document a legendary stand by a highly respected newsman against the paranoia induced by the Red Scare of the 40s and 50s, it does so in an electric, vibrant way unlike many films set in the 50s and in ... Read More »
Winner of the Palme d’Or (Golden Palm) at Cannes, Wajda’s Man of Iron (1981) documents Polish solidarity during the 1980 workers strike at the Gdansk shipyards. Sequel to Wajda’s critically acclaimed Man of Marble (1977), Man of Iron continues the story of Mateusz Birkut (Jerzy R... Read More »
There’s an unforgettable moment that plays out during the final moments of Matej Minac’s documentary, Nicky’s Family. The film documents the story of Nicholas Winton, the man who would eventually be dubbed “The British Schindler” due to the fact that he arranged for the transport... Read More »
