A personal journal of film and documentary reviews, and reviews of anything else that intrigues me.
German and German-language Films
Oliver Hirschbiegel, “Downfall” (2004) This is an incredible and masterly fictional dramatisation of the last 14 days in the life of Adolf Hitler over April –…
Baek Seungbin, “Members of the Funeral” (2008) An interesting little gem from South Korea that’s flown under the radar of many movie websites, this film probes…
Hayao Miyazaki, “Princess Mononoke” (1997) When I first saw this movie about a decade ago, like everyone else I was bowled over by the stunning animated…
Alfred Hitchcock, “The 39 Steps” (1935) Very loosely based on John Buchan’s novel “The Thirty-Nine Steps” – it’s best if you don’t read the novel first…
Hi all, Wow, I’ve racked up reviews of over 100 films on this little blog site already! I’ve been fortunate enough to find a lot of…
French and French-language Films
Jean-Luc Godard, “Bande à part” aka “Band of Outsiders” (1964) Once upon a time, the French had a knack for making gangster and pulpy crime movies in…
German and German-language Films
Fritz Lang, “M” (1931) During the 1920’s and early 1930’s, Germany played unfortunate host to some extremely vicious serial killers, one of whom, Peter Kürten, inspired…
Kim Kiduk, “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter … and Spring” (2003) Presented in five episodes that mimic the yearly cycle of the seasons, this film follows a…
French and French-language Films
Jean-Luc Godard, “Contempt” (1963) Partly set among some stunningly postcard-perfect islands rising out of the Mediterranean Sea, “Contempt” is a great-looking film that showcases the young…
French and French-language Films
Jean Renoir, “The Rules of the Game” (1939) When you hear that a rich French marquis decides to have a huge party at his country estate…