FIlm Review
Blu-Ray Review: Black Peter
Making films under the curtain of censorship is an extremely precarious and potentially life-threatening undertaking. It can easily lead to a very short career. This is what makes the achievements of the Czech new wave film-makers even for impressive. The likes of Miloš Forman, Věra Chytilová, Ivan Passer, Jiří Menzel and Pavel Juráček put the …
Blu-Ray Review: Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards!
After the end of World War II, Japan spent the best part of a decade in dire straits. When it did finally begin to emerge from a deep Depression, it no longer had its old confidence or self-belief. Previously strong nationalistic tendencies were eschewed in favour of copying its conquerors. American culture streamed into Japanese …
Blu-Ray Review: The Boondock Saints
Whilst Willem Dafoe has a distinct look, his ability as an actor has often been overlooked. However, his Best Supporting Actor nomination for The Florida Project this year was the third Oscar he’s been up for (the other two were Shadow of a Vampire and Platoon). His most iconic roles have probably come in films …
Film Review: Ideal Home
In Alan Partridge, Steve Coogan created a character who is not only hugely popular with British audiences but also put Norfolk and Linton Travel Tavern on the map. However, outside of playing the mercurial radio show host, TV presenter and woman’s man (citation needed), Coogan has struggled to gain a foothold on the big screen. …
Film Review: Mom and Dad
It’s only normal to approach parenthood with at least a hint of trepidation. There’s no special pill or bestselling novel that can prepare you for the trials and tribulations to come. It’s normal to pick things up as you go along and second time round is usually a lot easier. There’s no denying the invisible …
Film Review: Vagabond
Celebrating her 90th birthday this year, Agnes Varda remains one of the treasures of French cinema. Beginning with her first feature, La Pointe Courte, in 1954, she has spent decades making thought-provoking, intelligent and insightful films. In her latter years, she’s chosen to focus on making documentaries, but remains best-known for her narrative work. Most …
Film Review – Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda
Ryuichi Sakamoto has many strings to his bow but he’s best known for his work as a composer and musician. As a musician, he was a member of the pivotal Yellow Magic Orchestra and has also released 16 solo albums. His music spans genres, through techno to electronic and classical. His most famous work is …
Blu-Ray Review: Dark River
For many years, the British film industry has rightly been accused of being London-centric; often dominated by gritty urban dramas, dire comedies or ridiculous ‘mockney’ gangster films. Thankfully, there’s been a noticeable shift over the last few years. Introducing more variety of locations and diversity of stories. Clio Barnard has championed Yorkshire. Her first film, …
Sheffield Doc/Fest Review: Under the Wire
Given the sheer logistics and geography of current ‘war zones’, not to mention the erosions in protections traditionally bestowed on journalists, ‘citizen reporters’ are becoming much more important. However, they don’t necessarily have the same impact as those working within print media in the West. Even with all the dangers involved, heightened by the rise …
Blu-Ray Review: The China Syndrome
Jane Fonda was undoubtedly one of the most successful actors working in Hollywood during the 1970s. During that decade, she won two Oscars (for Klute and Coming Home) and was nominated for a further two gongs. With that success came great power and influence. Fonda was, and continues to be, active in many left-wing causes; …