FIlm Review
Film Review: Billie
Billie Holiday was one of the most influential singers of her generation. Working within the music industry for over twenty-five years, she had an iconic voice which was beloved by millions. Lady Day, as she was Christened by friend and collaborator Lester Young, began her career singing in nightclubs in Harlem. By the late 1930s …
Film Review: Voodoo Apocalypse
Whilst they might have been the ‘toilet circuit’ of US cinemas, grindhouse theatres have fulfilled a vital function since the early 20th century. Although their heyday was unquestionably in the 1970s, the market for these kinds of low-budget, trashy, ultra-violent and sexually explicit films was swallowed up over the next decade by the popularity of …
Film Review: Love Child
Immigration has become one of the hottest topics throughout Europe over the last decade. Whilst this influx of migrants has become something of a political football, it’s easy to lose sight of the personal stories behind these journeys. Every asylum case is different. Each refugee has their own tale to tell. Unique hardships and traumas. …
Film Review: Fantastic Fungi
When you hear the word ‘fungi’ the automatic response is to think of mushrooms. Possibly due to their popularity as a pizza topping! However, the fungus kingdom contains an extraordinary diverse and rich range of organisms, including mould and yeasts. They play a vital role in our ecosystems and are often greatly misunderstood. More and …
Film Review: Blood Vessel
Over the years, Nazis have proved very popular in horror movies. Obviously, it’s easy to hate one of Hitler’s minions but the rumours around occult obsessions and nefarious medical experiments make for rich pickings. Then there’s the fact that the Third Reich was inherently evil. This has resulted in a raft of popular films, including …
Film Review: Looted
Whilst the Tory government’s destruction of traditional industries during the 1980s was arguably just speeding-up the inevitable, it left scars which are still evidence in today’s Britain. Communities which have never really recovered, leaving towns and cities to decay. The traditional industrial heartland of the north of England was badly hit. With the decline of …
Film Review: Luxor
Whilst she might not be instantly recognisable to many, Andrea Riseborough is one of the most talented young British actors working in films and television today. Indeed, she seems to look different in just about every role she takes on. Her versatility is her strength, from playing Maggie Thatcher to brilliant performances in Shadow Dancer, …
Film Review: Song Without a Name
Given the turbulent nature of South American politics, it’s unsurprising that so much of the continent’s national cinema focuses on social injustice. During the Franco era in Spain and the Pinochet era in Chile, there were many documented cases of child trafficking. Whilst not as well known, there were similar crimes being committed during the …
Film Review: A Call to Spy
It should go without saying, but when it comes to wars, terrorism and conflicts intelligence is key. Good intel is often the difference between victory or defeat. The difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of people. The role Bletchley Park played in the Allies winning World War II is well-documented, but the …
Film Review: Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins
The state of politics across the world is probably at its most lamentable levels since World War II. To say that it’s a profession which is currently attracting intellectuals would be like saying that fish have dire need of more hats. However, not far behind is the noble journalist; a mix of untalented grafter and …