FIlm Review
Film Review: Armed with Faith
Since 9/11, the US and most of the Western world have waged a ‘War on Terror’ across much of the Middle East. This has taken form as wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Libya, or in tactical and drone strikes across a swathe of nations. Whilst we’ve seen a growing number of terror attacks in …
Film Review: Ask the Sexpert
It wasn’t so long ago that sex education was nigh on inexistent in both America and the UK. Whilst we’ve come a long way, there are many who wish to take us back to the 1950s. And although it could be argued that there’s too much ‘information’ in Western magazines and websites aimed at teens, …
Film Review: Berlin Syndrome
There a few things more frightening than the thought of being held captive. All alone and your life in the hands of a deranged psychopath. Cinema has revelled and revolted in this sub-genre. These films range from the disgusting (Hostel), the bizarre (Salo, Black Snake Moan), the terrifying (Audition), to the tremendous (Misery). Berlin Syndrome, …
Film Review: Geek Girls
Words such as ‘nerd’ and ‘geek’ have been used to bully and stigmatise for decades. Humans, it seems, don’t like people who are ‘different’. Thankfully, these terms are beginning to be reclaimed by a new generation. Indeed, geek culture has even become trendy or something to aspire to. Technological advances have made the likes of …
Film Review: A River Below
Modern technology has brought many benefits, but few more transformative than the ability to easily and cheaply document life. Most people carry a camera in their pocket. Activism has moved from a participatory group event to something easily done online. What every media campaign now needs is that one picture which will capture the public’s …
Film Review: Der Müde Tod
Undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in early cinema, Fritz Lang’s work defined many genres. Metropolis is the most important science-fiction film ever made. M became a forerunner to film noir. Spione remains a benchmark for espionage drama. His earlier films oscillated between expressionism and populist thrillers. Whilst nowhere near as well known, this …
Film Review: After the Storm
Whilst modern Japan might be a country known for its work ethic and bizarre sub-cultures, it has always maintained a staunch emphasis on family. Yasujirō Ozu, whose specialised in quiet family dramas, was one of the greatest directors of his generation. In a similar vein, Hirokazu Koreeda’s work focusses on inter-generational connections. Following-on from the …
Film Review: The Shepherd (El Pastor)
There’s something about rooting for the underdog which brings people together. Whilst traditionally cinema has reflected this in sport movies (such as Rocky, A League of Their Own or Cool Runnings), there’s been a more politicised shift of late. Whether that be Daniel Blake in Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or winner or Marion Cotillard’s Oscar-nominated performance …
Film Review: I Am Not Madame Bovary
It’s almost impossible for anyone outside of East Asian to truly understand the power of stardom in Japan, Hong Kong, Korea and China. To the outsider, it can be truly baffling and scary. Hollywood have been slow to catch on, but is beginning to capitalise in these markets. Take Fan Bingbing, she’s such a huge …
Film Review: Machines
In the digital age with so many distractions, it’s unusual just to stop and observe. Our attention spans are increasingly under assault and modern filmmaking inexorably reflects this. However, documentary filmmaking is an area which can offer a refreshing alternative. The most famous modern example is the ‘Qatsi’ trilogy, but Mauro Herce’s 2015 film Dead …