In Captivity: freedom versus slave comfort and security in a future dystopian hell
Michael Koerbel, “In Captivity” (2011) Superficially in the style of a “Truman Show” situation comedy, this short film is an amusing riff on what a future…
nausika
Together Forever: maudlin romance tragedy becomes a tale of murderous greed and a revenge vendetta
Rebecca C Scott, “Together Forever” (2022) A well-made film, driven almost entirely by its characters’ dialogue, turns what could have been a maudlin romance tragedy into…
The Rebellious Colony of Mali: an introduction into the geopolitics of western Africa
Carlton Meyer, “The Rebellious Colony of Mali” (Tales of the American Empire, 14 October 2022) A handy introduction into the geopolitics of western Africa and why…
An appealing heroine stuck in an unoriginal plot in “Alita: Battle Angel”
Robert Rodriguez, “Alita: Battle Angel” (2019) Based on Japanese manga artist Yukito Kishiro’s cyberpunk “Battle Angel Alita” series, this film works as both an origin story…
Laboratory Conditions: tight little mystery film with an unexpected horror twist
Jocelyn Stamat, “Laboratory Conditions” (2017) A very tight little film with an unexpected twist, “Laboratory Conditions” initially presents as a crime or murder mystery starting in…
Batman Begins: lengthy superhero origin film juggling psychology study and action
Christopher Nolan, “Batman Begins” (2005) I admit that getting to watch this film in its entirety took ages – I was put off by its length…
Downside Up: a sweet comedy about acceptance risks patronising its actors and Down syndrome people
Peter Ghesquiere, “Downside Up” (2016) A sweet-natured film exploring concepts of normality and difference by turning them upside down, “Downside Up” may unintentionally get up quite…
British Films, North American Films
See How They Run: a light-hearted comedy mystery crime caper plays with crime genre elements to question the notion of authenticity
Tom George, “See How They Run” (2022) Here is a fun and light-hearted comedy mystery crime caper which pays homage to Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” and…
Chinese and Chinese-language Films
Australia’s Natural Gas Dilemma: an example of domestic scarcity amidst natural abundance
“Australia’s Natural Gas Dilemma” (Asianometry, 26 September 2022) Despite being the world’s leading natural gas exporter, exporting US$25 billions’ worth of LNG to Asia, Australia also…
Pelosi’s Power: a glowing hagiography with nothing significant to say
Michael Kirk, “Pelosi’s Power” (2022) Purporting to be an examination of the career and legacy of US Congress representative Nancy Pelosi, the current Speaker of the…