Italian and Italian-language Films
The Gospel According to St Matthew: a minimal neo-realist tale of struggle against corruption and injustice
Pier Paolo Pasolini, “The Gospel According to St Matthew / Il Vangelo Secondo Matteo” (1964)
The Handmaid’s Tale: a film affected by its own demonstration of how repressive societies suck the life out of whatever they touch
Volker Schlöndorff, “The Handmaid’s Tale” (1990) Based on the dystopian novel by Canadian writer Margaret
Deduction and reason versus propaganda in pursuit of the truth in “Through Sherlock’s Eyes: The Case of Alexander Litvinenko”
Alexander Korobko, “Through Sherlock’s Eyes: The Case of Alexander Litvinenko” (2015) Not only does this 23-minute
Kakekomi: historical soap opera drama labouring under several sub-plots to tackle serious social issues
Masato Harada, “Kakekomi Onna to Kakedashi Otoko” (2015) A light-hearted historical drama set in Japan
A Samurai Chronicle: an earnest and heavy-going lesson in how to live a good life with grace, compassion and humility
Takashi Koizumi, “A Samurai Chronicle” (2014) I’m afraid that these days the Japanese just don’t
Fear and Desire: an uneven debut meditating on the degradation of war
Stanley Kubrick, “Fear and Desire” (1953) Stanley Kubrick’s debut feature film may be an awkward
Essays | Multi-media Presentations
Vladimir Putin’s Valdai Speech (2015): in the midst of war, a plea for co-operation, mutual respect and trust leading to renewal and reconciliation
Vladimir Putin’s Valdai Speech at the XII Meeting (Final Plenary Session) of the Valdai International
This Changes Everything: simplistic globe-trotting essay based on faulty premises
Avi Lewis, “This Changes Everything” (2015) Billed as a film about climate change, this documentary
The Seafarers: a preachy recruitment film for trade union membership with unusual historical relevance
Stanley Kubrick, “The Seafarers” (1953) Stanley Kubrick’s first film made in colour turns out to
How I Ended This Summer: a meandering character study of two individuals coping with extreme isolation and one another
Alexei Popogrebsky, “How I Ended This Summer / Kak ya provel etim letom” (2010) Out