DVD Review: Revolution: New Art for a New World
Over the centuries art and politics have often been inextricably linked. No more so than in times of political upheaval, social strife and nationalistic tensions. Art can be used as a form of protest, especially when free speech is severely restricted or non-existent. The 1917 Revolution was possibly the most important moment in Russian history. …
Incoming: Free Fire
Bold, breathless and wickedly fun, Free Fire is an electrifying comedy-thriller about an arms deal that goes spectacularly and explosively wrong. Acclaimed filmmaker Ben Wheatley propels the audience head-on into quite possibly the most epic shootout ever seen on film as he crafts a spectacular parody—and biting critique—of the insanity of gun violence. Everyone’s got …
Film Review: Don’t Knock Twice
The two leads in Don’t Knock Twice, the new film from Caradog W. James, have had distinctly different entrance points into genre cinema. Katee Sackhoff has starred in commercial horrors such as Oculus and White Noise: The Light. On the other hand, Lucy Boynton has featured in two staunchly independent films by Oz Perkins; February …
Incoming: Ghost in the Shell
In the near future, Major (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world’s most dangerous criminals. When terrorism reaches a new level that includes the ability to hack into people’s minds and control them, Major …
Blu-Ray Review: Seoul Station
Train to Busan was a blessed release. Not only was it one of the best action films of 2016 it also breathed life into the stale genre of zombie movies. Yeon Sang-ho’s film pitched the apocalypse against the background of societal decay. The Korean director, responsible for The King of Pigs and The Fake, returns …
Film Review: Tickling Giants
There’s been a lot of coverage on screen about the Arab Spring, especially relating to Tunisia and Egypt, but little focus on the impact on the media in those countries. Probably because just about every network is in thrall to the authorities, so it’s a difficult angle to pursue. However, documentary filmmaker Sara Taksler struck …
Blu-Ray Review: Rivers and Tides
Whilst many of today’s artists shun watercolours and oils in favour of more modern materials, there’s something rather magical about nature captured on canvas. Landscapes of trees, mountains or rivers can bring a little piece of the countryside into a home. British artist Andy Goldsworthy has an entirely different approach to his work. Rivers and …
Film Review: Lone Wolf and Cub (Criterion Collection)
Manga plays a significant role in Japanese culture, which is difficult for outsiders to fully grasp. Several series have managed to embed themselves into the public consciousness, along with TV spinoffs and film franchises (not to mention an eclectic array of merchandise). Lone Wolf and Cub is one of the most famous. The first two …
Blu-Ray Review: Repulsion
Catherine Deneuve has been one of the most recognisable female faces in European cinema for decades now. However, her three best performances came in a short period between 1964 and 1967. The first is the colourful and charming musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Then there’s possibly her most famous role in Luis Buñuel’s Belle de …
Incoming: Age of Shadows
Based on real events, the action takes place during Japanese-occupied Korea of the 1920s, when the fight for freedom became as dangerous as it was highly sought-after. Song Kang-ho plays Lee Jung-Chool, a Korean police captain in the Japanese police force with a special mission: infiltrate and deceive the armed resistance fighting for independence. Age …