MUBI
Film Review: A Chiara
The eternal debate over nature versus nurture will no doubt rumble on until the final days of humankind, but it’s undeniable that both factors play crucial roles in shaping and determining where someone ends up. However, the path we choose is often determined by a number of large and small decisions we make over the …
Film Review: Pleasure
Of all the sectors of the job market, the adult film industry isn’t known for its commitment to diversity and gender rights. Indeed, much of what makes it onto popular websites is dubious, to say the least. Porn valley no longer turns out bored housewives and randy plumbers. Consumers want their entertainment hard and nasty, …
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 …
Sundance Review: The Worst Person in the World
Three is the magic number. This is particularly the case for many independent directors who want to bring their vision to the big screen but need more time to do it. The concept of a thematic trilogy helped the likes of Krzysztof Kieślowski (Three Colours), Park Chan-wook (Vengeance), Antonioni (Alienation), Wim Wenders (Road Movie), Roman …
Film Review: Cow
Andrea Arnold is undoubtedly one of the greatest living British filmmakers. While she has always been brimming with ideas and opinions, the Dartford native has been on a long journey since her time as a host on Number 73. However, it was clear from her Oscar-winning short Wasp and feature debut Red Road that she …
Film Review: Azor
Historically, many European and North American businessmen have come unstuck trying to make deals in Latin America. This failure can be attributed to many factors. The area has a history of unstable and authoritarian governments. Corruption is often rife and legalities can seemingly fluctuate from person to person. Then there’s crime, which is normally fuelled …
LFF Review: Notturno
Gianfranco Rosi is a filmmaker whose focus has squarely been on the underdog. Whether that’s migrants searching for a new home or squatters living on the fringes. The Italian documentarian has the unique accolade of winning the two highest awards at Venice and Berlin. However, it was undoubtedly his 2016 film Fire at Sea, which …
LFF Review: Zombi Child
Whilst the debate around streaming versus cinema shows no sign of abating anytime soon, it’s clear that the likes of Netflix have the advantage of numbers. The ability to reach a wide audience is one of the major perks for directors choosing this platform. Bertrand Bonello’s 2016 film Nocturama was bought by the streaming giant …
Film Review: The Image Book
When it comes to grumpy old men, there are few who can claim to be in the same league as the famed Gallic curmudgeon Jean-Luc Godard. The French auteur has been grinding his teeth about cinema for decades now despite being one of the country’s most famous film aficionados. Films are apparently dead, yet he …
Film Review: Touch Me Not
The Berlinale (or the Berlin International Film Festival, to give it its proper title) is one of the highlights of the European film calendar. It’s absolutely huge, boasting the biggest public attendance of any film festival in the world. Its crown jewel is the Golden Bear, and when it comes to the big prize the …