Memoria: a tight closed narrative loop with no chance of forgiveness or redemption
Elísabet Ýr Atladóttir, “Memoria” (2013) A creepy psychological character study, “Memoria” is very depressing to
The Backwater Gospel: a darkly grim Gothic satire on religious fanaticism, mob rule and the fear of death
Bo Mathorne, “The Backwater Gospel” (2011) In a total running time of just over nine
The Kinematograph: a familiar and bittersweet story done better by others
Tomek Baginski, “The Kinematograph” (2009) Here is a bittersweet story of a lone inventor labouring
The Wolf of Wall Street: a film of empty and numbing spectacle and comedy sketch
Martin Scorsese, “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) Adapted from the 2007 memoir by the
Australian and New Zealand Films
Zero: not quite reaching the levels of infinity in ambition and scope
Christopher Kezelos, “Zero” (2011) A heart-warming little short that could have been a lot more
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The Syrian Diary: a valuable historical document giving an alternate viewpoint on the Syrian civil war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