Tag Archives: film review
The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928): “Will I be with You tonight in Paradise?”
A work of intense beauty, The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928, dir. Carl Theodor Dreyer) is a silent film which has absolutely stood the test of time. This film chronicles the trial, imprisonment and execution of Joan of Arc at the hands of the English in 1431. Starring Maria (Renée Jeanne) Falconetti as the […]
“Is it worth paying for a ticket?”: American Hustle (2013)
Warning: I’m about to write something that might be really unpopular. David O. Russell’s American Hustle (2013) is an examination of the ups and downs of life as a hustler. We follow two con artists as they seek to work out their relationship with one another, as the biggest heist of their conning career escalates beyond their […]
Holy Motors (2012): “Our life is about to change.”
Do you have a particular ability to tolerate the ambiguous? Are you comfortable watching films that test the limits of suspension of disbelief? Then I would suggest watching Holy Motors (2012), directed by Leos Carax. In this film, Denis Lavant plays Monsieur Oscar, a mysterious individual whose job involves attending mysterious appointments – of which […]
Anna Karenina (2012): “Romantic love will be the last delusion of the old order.”
Based on one of my favourite books of all time, by the magnificent Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina (2012) is a tragic story about love and lust, society, marriage, loyalty, and the conflict between traditional and modern Russian values. It centres on the titular character Anna (Keira Knightley), who is in a stable but monotonous relationship […]
Daisies (1966): “Nobody understands anything.”
A truly whimsical spectacular, Vera Chytilová’s Daisies (1966) is one of those films that all fans of the surreal should see. Initially banned by Czechoslovak authorities due to “depicting the wanton”, Daisies tells the story of two young girls named Marie, who become aware that society has become spoiled. Since society has gone bad, they […]
Movie 43 (2013): Quick-shot review!
OMG, you guys, get ready for the craziest and most outrageous comedy you’ve ever seen in your whole entire life! Just kidding, it’s horrible. Movie 43 (2013) was directed by 13 people and has an extensive cast of familiar faces. There are two different versions of the film. The version I watched was structured around the premise that some […]
A Single Man (2009): “Sometimes awful things have their own kind of beauty.”
Written, directed, and produced by prominent fashion designer Tom Ford, A Single Man (2009) is based on the book of the same name by British author Christopher Isherwood. Set in 1962, it tells the story of George Falconer, a university professor who has recently lost his partner in a horrible car accident. We follow George (Colin Firth) […]
Blackfish (2013): “They’re not your whales.”
Once you see this film, you will never want to visit a marine park or zoo ever again. You will be motivated to stick up for defenseless creatures who can’t speak for themselves. Blackfish (2013) tells the story of Tilikum, the killer whale who is currently performing at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. Tilikum has been […]
Skyfall (2012): “A storm’s coming.”
I’m a pretty big fan of the James Bond films, as a direct result of my partner who has been obsessed with the series since he was a child. My top three are Live and Let Die (1973), Moonraker (1979), and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). I recently re-watched Skyfall (2012), the 24th in […]
Battle Royale (2000): “Life is a game. So fight for survival and see if you’re worth it.”
Around this time of year, film snobs all around the world are crying: “Why should I watch The Hunger Games when I can just re-watch Battle Royale?”. Well, you can watch both since they’re not 100% the same, and they both have their own, very distinctive message for viewers. Battle Royale (2000), directed by Kinji […]
FILM GRIMOIRE 