Tag Archives: drama

The Wicker Man (1973): “You’ll simply never understand the true nature of sacrifice.”

Robin Hardy’s supernatural horror The Wicker Man (1973) focuses on a mysterious society that has preserved its original, ancient ways of life and religious traditions into the 20th century. Police Sergeant Neil Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to the mysterious, remote Summerisle in order to investigate the disappearance of a young girl; a disappearance which the […]

The Handmaid’s Tale (1990): “Give me children, or else I shall die.”

Based on Margaret Atwood’s book of the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale (1990, dir. Volker Schlöndorff) is set in a future America named the Republic of Gilead, where society has been reconstructed to preserve human life. After a destructive nuclear war, politics and society have been completely merged with religious doctrine to ensure that the […]

CPD’s John Hughes Blogathon: Beethoven (1992)

Does anyone else have very fond childhood memories of this film? I certainly do! I wrote this review as part of Cinema Parrot Disco‘s amazing John Hughes blogathon. So far, several excellent Hughes films have been featured, as well as some iconic music and quotes from his films. Do check it out! Without further ado, […]

“Is it worth paying for a ticket?”: Her (2013)

Set in a future Los Angeles where technology has become more advanced and integrated with daily life, Her (2013) tells the story of Theodore Twombley, a professional letter-writer who has become increasingly socially isolated after splitting up with his ex-wife. One day, after seeing an advertisement for a new form of advanced operating system (OS), […]

“Is it worth paying for a ticket?”: Blue Is The Warmest Colour (2013)

Based on a graphic novel of the same name by Julie Maroh, Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013, dir. Abdellatif Kechiche) tells the story of Adèle, a high school student who is blossoming into adulthood. Adèle has a fairly regular life, she enjoys studying and has some good friends and a potential boyfriend. One day, […]

Camp Takota (2014): “You had to be there.”

The Holy Trinity of Youtube – Grace Helbig, Mamrie Hart, and Hannah Hart – have joined forces to create a nostalgic film all about friendship and achieving your dreams. Camp Takota (2014) tells the story of Elise (Helbig), who is a sort-of-miserable publishing assistant who dreams of having her own book in print one day. She also […]

“Is it worth paying for a ticket?”: The Great Beauty (2013)

Paolo Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty (2013) follows the daily and nightly life of Jep Gambardella (Toni Servillo), an infamous socialite living in Rome. In his 20s, Jep moved to Rome and wrote an extremely successful novella, which he has lived off ever since. Now, aged 65, the emperor of Rome’s nightlife, he comes face to […]

Ordet (1955): “Why is there not one among these believers who believe?”

Based on a play by Kaj Munk of the same name, Carl Theodor Dreyer’s Ordet (1955) tells the story of the Borgen family, who are farmers living in the Denmark countryside. The film focuses on three sons: Mikkel, whose wife Inger is pregnant; Anders, who seeks the hand of local tailor’s daughter Anne; and Johannes, […]

The Hunt (2012): “The whole town is listening.”

The Hunt (2012), directed by Thomas Vinterberg, approaches some familiar themes with a very unique approach and focus. Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) works at a kindergarten, where he has a great rapport with the kids he looks after. He’s also a single dad hoping to gain custody of his only son. When a young girl at […]

“Is it worth paying for a ticket?”: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is based on a memoir of the same name by prolific, filthy rich ex-criminal Jordan Belfort. The film follows the events of the book, starting with Jordan as a beginner stockbroker. He’s hoping to become successful on Wall Street, when all of a sudden the big stockmarket crash of […]