Alien (dir. Ridley Scott): unique sci-fi/horror film with much to say about human society
Ridley Scott, “Alien” (1979) In the wake of news that Ridley Scott has started work
Brazilian Films | Portuguese-language Films
Elite Squad: powerful and thought-provoking study of police corruption and violence
Jose Padilha, “Elite Squad” (2007) An examination of corruption and brutality in a special forces
Latin American Films (Spanish language)
The Motorcycle Diaries: road trip through South America is a hard slog
Walter Salles, “The Motorcycle Diaries” (2004) A film about two guys in their 20s riding on
French and French-language Films | West African Films
Johnny Mad Dog: clear anti-war message let down by generic portrayal of film’s events
Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, “Johnny Mad Dog” (2008) A film of child soldiers set in an African
Inside Job: hard-hitting documentary about 2007/08 Global Financial Crisis
Charles Ferguson, “Inside Job” (2010) For many people, this incisive documentary on the immediate origins
True Grit (dir. Joel and Ethan Coen): revenge film plays straight and narrow with problematic heroine
Joel and Ethan Coen, “True Grit” (2010) Adapted from the 1968 novel of the same
Niloofar: moving story examines ideals of honour, tradition and predestination
Sabine el Gemayel, “Niloofar” (2008) That familiar maxim “Less is more” applies as much to
The Draughtman’s Contract: perhaps too multi-layered but enjoyable all the same
Peter Greenaway, “The Draughtsman’s Contract” (1982) British director Peter Greenaway’s first full-length feature film
The Shooting Party: stodgy, genteel film detailing decay of British nobility
Alan Bridges, “The Shooting Party” (1985) Mainly notable for being the last movie to feature James Mason
Orlando: lavish and lovely lightweight film with nothing to say
Sally Potter, “Orlando” (1992) Based on British writer Virginia Woolfe’s novel “Orlando: a Biography”, this