THX1138: surprisingly intelligent dystopian sci-fi film serving as both allegory and social criticism
George Lucas, “THX1138” (1971) Before he became famous for his “Star Wars” series of films,
Tag: Coming of Age Films
Spring Breakers: surprisingly well-made and sarcastic film about the search for a meaningful life
Harmony Korine, “Spring Breakers” (2012) Contrary to most reports I’ve seen or heard about this
The Hidden Fortress: majestic epic tale of honour, loyalty and friendships across social barriers
Akira Kurosawa, “The Hidden Fortress” (1958) Inspiration for George Lucas’ “Star Wars: A New Hope”,
Five Easy Pieces: a sad commentary on the rootless and nihilist condition of American society
Bob Rafelson, “Five Easy Pieces” (1970) One of the saddest films I have seen, “Five
French and French-language Films
Thérèse Desqueyroux (dir. Claude Miller): straight story-telling narrative turns psychological study into mere historical soap drama
Claude Miller, “Thérèse Desqueyroux” (2012) Claude Miller’s swansong film is a historical drama piece starring
Cabaret: fine performances undermined by weak plot and underdeveloped themes
Bob Fosse, “Cabaret” (1972) Loosely based on a Broadway play and a 1950s film which
French and French-language Films
Augustine: period drama struggles under weighty issues of psychology, women’s sexuality and misogyny
Alice Winocour, “Augustine” (2012) In the early years of the twentieth century in France, the
The Impossible: a real human story is the ultimate victim in this pedestrian disaster movie
Juan Antonio Bayona, “The Impossible / Lo Impossible” (2012) Someone should have told Ewan McGregor
French and French-language Films
Thérèse Desqueyroux (dir. Georges Franju): a skilfully made psychological study of much emotional depth
Georges Franju,” Thérèse Desqueyroux” (1962) A remake of this film with Audrey Tautou as the
Australian and New Zealand Films
Action thriller and soapie drama format in “Underground: the Julian Assange Story” wastes actors and themes
Robert Connolly, “Underground: the Julian Assange Story” (2012) Fictionalised dramatisation of an episode in the