Chinese and Chinese-language Films | North American Films
The Farewell: thin plot, poor characterisation should have farewelled this film
Lulu Wang, “The Farewell” (2019) As a character study of an individual torn between her
Tag: Comedy
Hail Satan? – fun film about a Satanic movement with a serious message about social justice and religious hypocrisy and oppression
Penny Lane, “Hail Satan?” (2019) Funny and serious at the same time, tight and well
Parasite: tale of two families is a stinging attack on capitalism and social hierarchy
Bong Joonho, “Parasite / Gisaengchung” (2019) A stinging attack on capitalism in South Korean society
British Films | North American Films
Rocketman: the rise and fall and rise again of a beloved British rock / pop icon, with no reference to social and music trends
Dexter Fletcher, “Rocketman” (2019) Rather than playing as a straight biopic – a template that
The Chaperone: preferring a character stereotype over portraying the life of a real revolutionary cultural icon
Michael Engler, “The Chaperone” (2018) A film of self-discovery and self-transformation leading to personal freedom,
Ana by Day: exploring identity and the limits of freedom and pursuing one’s dreams
Andrea Jaurrieta, “Ana by Day / Ana de Dia” (2017) You feel vaguely dissatisfied with
Masha and the Bear (Season 1, Episode 17: Recipe for Disaster): Masha and kasha aren’t a good mix
Oleg Uzhinov, “Masha and the Bear (Season 1, Episode 17: Recipe for Disaster)” (2009) Despite
Italian and Italian-language Films
Loro: a portrayal of political corruption and debauchery seduced by its own excess
Paolo Sorrentino, “Loro / Them” (2018) Originally made in two parts totalling three hours, this
Vice: satirical biopic is as empty as the man it lampoons
Adam McKay, “Vice” (2018) A rather patchy satirical study of the life of former US
French and French-language Films
Normandy Nude: a light-hearted if flat comedy with a message about exploiting people and land for profit
Philippe le Guay, “Normandy Nude / Normandy Nue” (2018) One of a distinctly French genre