Film Review: Moloch
While new religions might have taken-over the job of social control in most countries nowadays, folklore used to play a huge part in community life. While the new god(s), on the face of it at least, are more palatable, the old ones preyed on fear. Lurked in the dark, waiting to pounce. Demanding tribute or …
Film Review: This is GWAR
You might never have heard of GWAR but if you’ve ever seen them live you would never forget the experience. There is certainly no other band quite like them. Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984 by a loose collective with a shared punk ethos, GWAR is a heavy metal band who go on stage as …
Film Review: A Dark, Dark Man
During the dissolution of the Soviet Union at the end of the twentieth century, most of the satellite states took the opportunity to declare their independence. As Russia gradually dipped its toes into capitalism, other nations took their own paths. Today, mostly thanks to oil and gas production, Kazakhstan dominates Central Asia. However, political reforms …
Blu-Ray Review: Treasure of the Ninja
The ninja or shinobi have formed part of Japanese legend and folklore for hundreds of years. These mercenaries or ‘assassins for hire’ have managed to obtain an aura of mystery and are often viewed as almost supernatural beings. With special powers and abilities forming much of this myth. This was transplanted into film, across Asia, …
Fantasia Review – Orchestrator of Storms: The Fantastique World of Jean Rollin
There are few directors who have been so overlooked, misunderstood and derided as Jean Rollin. While he was classed as part of the Euro cult movement, the Frenchman didn’t easily fit into any genre or box. His work has often been dismissed as simply sexploitation or even pornography. In fairness, under the pseudonyms of Michel …
Blu-Ray Review: Red Sonja
Few actors can claim such an interesting history as Arnold Schwarzenegger. Born in Austria to a father who was a member of the Nazi Party serving in the Wehrmacht, he had a strict Catholic upbringing. As a teenager he began weightlifting and it changed his life. Using his fame as Mr. Olympia to smash his …
Blu-Ray Review: Tenebrae
Sometimes life is stranger than fiction, but usually it’s the other way round. Occasionally, true events correspond closely to the story of a book, film or TV programme. These copycats usually become obsessed with the source material and feel driven to act on some perverse compulsion. Thankfully, these cases are rare, but are also fascinating …
Film Review: She Will
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Scotland carried out numerous witch trials, resulting in thousands of deaths according to historical estimates. Many more than their English neighbours. This disparity can be attributed to many factors, but the end result remains the same. It goes without saying that the vast majority of these victims were women. …
Film Review: Executive Order
The last couple of decades have seen a worrying jolt to the right in world politics. Especially in countries where you’d not necessarily expect it. With religious fundamentalists and extreme nationalists trying to role back decades of hard-won rights for women and minority groups. This is often done under the banner of ‘democracy’ but in …
Film Review: The Deer King
Japan is blessed with breathtaking vistas. A natural world which is characterised by rugged mountain terrain, lush verdant forests and rocky coastlines. With most of the human population densely crowded into narrow coastal plains, the flora and fauna are largely free to flourish. Rich and varied, thanks to the country playing host to a range …