FIlm Review
GFF Review: La Civil
Mexico has many social, economic and political problems but one of the most pernicious and devastating is that of kidnappings. It has been an ongoing problem, but one which has increased markedly since the start of the century. Criminal gangs began abducting in greater numbers to raise funds through ransoms, but many victims are never …
Film Review: Young Plato
The troubles began sometime in the late 1960s. It’s impossible to identify a precise date but needless to say there had been tensions, on and off, between unionists and nationalists for generations. This conflict lasted for the best part of thirty years, operating across a strict sectarian divide. Whilst peace has largely been maintained since, …
Film Review: Offseason
Some of the greatest horror films conjure up an atmosphere of the uncanny. Set in insular communities where there’s something not quite right, but you just can’t put your finger on it. Whether it’s the pagan old ways of The Wicker Man or the Lovecraftian nightmare of In The Mouth of Madness, the off-kilter environment …
Film Review: Great Freedom
Franz Rogowski is fast-becoming one of the best actors working in European cinema today. His breakthrough came in Sebastian Schipper’s Victoria back in 2015. He’s gone on to star in Transit and Undine (Christian Petzold), A Hidden Life (Terrence Malick), the Golden Bear nominated I Was at Home, But… (Angela Schanelec) and Freaks Out (Gabriele …
Film Review: Huda’s Salon
Living, working and raising a family in a disputed territory has countless dangers, not least the instability caused by a fluctuating political landscape. Peril awaits round every corner, and you’re never quite sure how your day will go. Even if you force any misgivings to the back of your mind and concentrate on living your …
Film Review: The Long Walk
Every culture has its myths, legends and ghosts. Good and bad spirits which either help or hinder the hapless human who stumbles into their path. These creatures usually reflect the societies which they inhabit. Where there has been a tragedy or trauma, they often act as a mirror or conduit for guilt or recriminations of …
Film Review: La Mif
There are almost 2,500 children’s homes in the UK and that figure is on the rise. These institutions play a vital role in bringing up young people when there is no suitable parent or guardian around to take on the responsibility. However, they are critically underfunded, understaffed and riddled with a myriad of issues. Many …
Film Review – The Pilot: A Battle for Survival
One of the most romantic, and indeed dangerous, jobs during World War II was that of a pilot. Fifty-one percent of Britain’s Bomber Command crew died during the conflict and while most lost their lives in combat many also perished in accidents and on training exercises. It wasn’t a career for the faint of heart …
Film Review: The Burning Sea
There’s nothing like a good, or even bad for that matter, disaster movie. They’re the very definition of cinematic escapism. The bigger and dafter the better. The they don’t usually stand up to scrutiny is neither here nor there. Hollywood is keen to oblige, but Harald Rosenløw-Eeg has other ideas. He’s now written three really …
Film Review: Hard Hit
If you think about it, it’s far too easy for someone to make a bomb. Anyone can theoretically do it at home with ingredients widely available on the high street. There’s probably even a Youtube video for it! It’s a device which can work so well in film, especially when it’s used in conjunction with …