Logan’s Run: a flawed film with intriguing questions about the social contract
Michael Anderson, “Logan’s Run” (1976) Admittedly this film has not aged well over the past half-century: its sets look bad; its music soundtrack turns tired and…
nausika
Mary and the Witch’s Flower: visually attractive but otherwise a flat effort
Hiromasa Yonebayashi, “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” (2017) A visually very attractive family movie, clearly influenced by the Studio Ghibli animation style – indeed, director Hiromasa…
Small Things Like These: the power of one small act to catalyse social change and justice
Tim Mielants, “Small Things Like These” (2024) Adapted from the novella of the same name by Claire Keegan, “Small Things Like These” is an understated character…
My Neighbour Totoro: charm can’t compensate for a thin plot and weakly developed themes
Hayao Miyazaki, “My Neighbour Totoro” (1988) The film that brought Studio Ghibli to an international audience, “My Neighbour Totoro” may be charming and sweet, suitable for…
Mickey 17: a mishmash of ideas and themes needing proper attention and treatment
Bong Joonho, “Mickey 17” (2025) Based on the science fiction novel “Mickey 7” by Edward Ashton, “Mickey 17” takes that novel’s premise – a space colonist…
Ainda Estou Aqui / I’m Still Here: a story of self-transformation and resistance through memory let down by a poor plot
Walter Salles, “Ainda Estou Aqui / I’m Still Here” (2024) Based on Brazilian writer Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s memoir of the same name, “Ainda Estou Aqui /…
The Last Showgirl: psychological study of a woman in existential pain, in a trash culture
Gia Coppola, “The Last Showgirl” (2024) Running to 90 minutes, this psychological drama about an ageing showgirl packs in much nuance and conflict, more so than…
The Space Between Us: short film treatment with sketchy plot and underdeveloped characters
Marc S. Nollkaemper, “The Space Between Us” (2015) In a future post-apocalyptic world, where the air is toxic to breathe, and scientists are experimenting with giving…
British Films, Middle Eastern Films
Ceaseless Fire: where visuals say 1,000 words about moral depravity on display
Craig Murray, “Ceaseless Fire” (2025) Continuing his tour of Lebanon, UK citizen journalist Craig Murray visits southern Lebanon to find that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)…
Companion: a tale of self-discovery, transformation and freedom in harrowing circumstances of abuse and manipulation
Drew Hancock, “Companion” (2015) A low-budget sci-fi thriller film with a young cast and a deceptively simple, straightforward plot becomes a magnet for commentary on aspects…