O Brother, Where Art Thou? – a layered film of renewal and redemption aiming at easy targets for comedy
Joel Coen, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000) An amusing road film based on Homer’s
Australian and New Zealand Films | British Films
Murdoch (Part 2): slap-dash documentary with racy tone is a damp squib
Janice Sutherland, “Murdoch (Part 2)” (2013) As I suspected, the second half of this series
Spring Breakers: surprisingly well-made and sarcastic film about the search for a meaningful life
Harmony Korine, “Spring Breakers” (2012) Contrary to most reports I’ve seen or heard about this
Australian and New Zealand Films | British Films
Murdoch (Part 1): the rise and rise of outsider newspaper owner turned media empire king-maker
Janice Sutherland, “Murdoch (Part 1)” (2013) Here be the story of the rise and rise
Fair and balanced bashing of Fox News on “Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism”
Robert Greenwald, “Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism” (2004) An impassioned documentary intended to rouse
French and French-language Films
Nathalie: lightweight psychology piece touches on double standards of modern capitalist society and its effects on people
Anne Fontaine with Wladimir Yordanoff, “Nathalie” (2003) Trust the French to do upper middle class
Oolong or Wulong? a talk on Oolong tea at The Tea Centre, Sydney
“Tea and Conversation with David Lyons: Oolong Tea” at The Tea Centre, Sydney, 27 April 2013
Latin American Films (Spanish language)
No: historical drama lacks passion and the full context of Pinochet 1988 referendum
Pablo Larraín, “No” (2012) Set in late Pinochet-era Chile when the old dictator general, under
The Hidden Fortress: majestic epic tale of honour, loyalty and friendships across social barriers
Akira Kurosawa, “The Hidden Fortress” (1958) Inspiration for George Lucas’ “Star Wars: A New Hope”,
Five Easy Pieces: a sad commentary on the rootless and nihilist condition of American society
Bob Rafelson, “Five Easy Pieces” (1970) One of the saddest films I have seen, “Five