Inside Llewyn Davis: a tricksy film that does no justice to the early 1960s American folk music scene
Ethan and Joel Coen, “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013) Inspired by and based loosely on the
Tolerantia: a plea for religious tolerance and diplomacy over war
Ivan Ramadan, “Tolerantia” (2008) An animated 3D short made in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2008, “Tolerantia” is
Middle Eastern Films | Russian and Soviet Films
The Syrian Diary: a valuable historical document giving an alternate viewpoint on the Syrian civil war
“The Syrian Diary” (Rossiya 24, 2013) Made for Russian television, this documentary follows Rossiya 24
North American Films | Northern European Films
Dancer in the Dark: a manipulative film with a conservative and disheartening message
Lars von Trier, “Dancer in the Dark” (2000) Lars von Trier’s one attempt at making
Floating Weeds: a graceful work of compassion for human frailties
Yasujiro Ozu, “Floating Weeds” (1959) In the hands of a lesser director, the soap opera
Review of Films I’ve seen in 2013
Dear Readers, Another year has passed, it’s time for another summary of what I consider
Philomena: a gentle film gingerly side-stepping the exploitation of young women and their children for profit
Stephen Frears, “Philomena” (2013) A gentle film about an elderly woman searching for the son
British Films | Russian and Soviet Films
Hidden truths revealed (or maybe not) on “Sputnik: Orbiting the World with George Galloway (Episode 2)”
George Galloway and Gayatri Pertiwi, “Sputnik: Orbiting the World with George Galloway (Episode 2)” (RT.com,
Kwaidan: a lesson in four parts about having contact with the spirit world
Masaki Kobayashi, “Kwaidan” (1964) Often billed as a horror film, “Kwaidan” is in fact a
The Eel: tale of redemption labouring under too many complex abstract themes
Shohei Imamura, “The Eel / Unagi” (1997) Japan’s boys in blue have an enviable record