Sheffield Doc/Fest Preview: What is Democracy?
Democracy is good. For decades this has been a universal truth widely accepted by those living in a country with a democratic system of government, and even those who do not. However, over the past few years, largely down to political events occurring around the world, we’ve begun to question this assumption. Characterised by factors …
Blu-Ray Review: The Defiant Ones
In 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for Lilies of the Field. He went on to become one of the most famous actors of his era and direct films in his own right. In a prodigious career, some of the highlights included: In the Heat …
Blu-Ray Review: Vigil
Whilst he may not be a familiar name to most outside of his homeland, Vincent Ward is without question one of the most influential and important film directors ever to have hailed from New Zealand. What Dreams May Come, which stars Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr, is unquestionably his most famous film. It won …
Sheffield Doc/Fest Preview: The Silence of Others
The Spanish Civil War was bitterly contested by the Republicans and Nationalists between 1936 and 1939. It was a bitter and bloody conflict, with atrocities committed on both sides. The Nationalists, led by Francisco Franco, were eventually triumphed. He ran Spain with an iron fist until his death in 1975. Francoist Spain became a right-wing …
Sheffield Doc/Fest Preview: Boys Who Like Girls
Gender-based violence is rife in countless places around the world. It’s shocking that in many cultures, women and girls are considered to be second-class citizens. Whilst men/boys get the opportunities, their lives are strictly governed by expected norms, whether they’re based on religious or social conventions. This is something which is commonplace and affects their …
Film Review: King of Hearts
Whilst today he may not get the credit or acknowledgement that some of his peers receive, Alan Bates was unquestionable one of the most versatile and well thought of British actors of his generation. Some of his more acclaimed roles are in Gregory’s Girl, Women in Love, The Fixer, Far from the Madding Crowd and …
Film Review: All the Wild Horses
Mongolia is the largest land-locked country in the world. During the 13th and 14th centuries, under the rule of the Khans, the Mongol Empire was the largest this world has ever seen. A large minority of Mongolians are still nomadic peoples, and with huge expanses of country to cross, they’re reliant on their animals. There …
Sheffield Doc/Fest Preview: The Lonely Battle of Thomas Reid
As the saying goes, a man’s home is his castle. And like castles some houses are passed down from generation to generation. However, the fact that you own something doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t be taken away from you. When big multi-nationals come calling they’re often not asking but telling. There are struggles taking …
Incoming – Jurassic Park: Fallen World
It’s been three years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles. When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a …
Blu-Ray Review: Den of Thieves
There’s something about a heist movie which seems to particularly chime with audiences in the States. The fascination of pitting the good guys against the bad guys and then blurring the lines. Rooting for the underdog and then watching the bad guy take down the system. Cat and mouse chases, outsmarting your enemy and pulling …