Beasts of the Southern Wild: a celebration of life and hope in the struggle against catastrophe and sinister forces
Benh Zeitlin, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” (2012) Can’t be very many films where the
Tag: Coming of Age Films
Abandon the Knife: film on female genital mutilation fails to address wider context behind the practice
Sara Nason, “Abandon the Knife” (2011) This documentary on female genital mutilation will always be topical as
The Trip (dir. Kihachiro Kawamoto): lesson on Buddhist attitude to suffering falls short on what it should teach
Kihachiro Kawamoto “Tabi (The Trip)” (1973) Very striking little animation piece, reminiscent of an extended
Sara in 10 Minutes: portrait of a young orphan girl expresses hope for a better life
Sadaf Foroughi, “Sara in 10 Minutes / Sara Dar Dah Daghighe-h” (2007) This is a
Asparagus: colourful surreal exploration of female sexuality
Suzan Pitt, “Asparagus” (1979) A stunning and very colourful film short with a distinct animation
The Cranes are Flying: expressive and soulful film of hope despite the tragedy of war
Mikhail Kalatozov, “The Cranes are Flying / Letyat zhuravli” (1957) A soulful film of hope
Arrietty: disheartening social conservatism and narrow prospects for a plucky heroine mar a charming film
Hiromasa Yonebayashi, “Arrietty / Karu-gurashi no Arrietti” (2010) A charming offering from Studio Ghibli, based
Fireworks: an ambivalent and powerful celebration of sexual attraction, submission and sadomasochism
Kenneth Anger, “Fireworks” (1947) Quite a remarkable debut film this is from a 17-year-old Kenneth
Young and Innocent: a girl finds truth and wisdom through deception in light-hearted crime thriller comedy
Alfred Hitchcock, “Young and Innocent” (1938) A plucky teenage girl aids a young man on
Jumping (dir. Osamu Tezuka): experimental short snapshot of the human condition through a child’s viewpoint
Osamu Tezuka, “Jumping” (1984) Boing! BOING! BOI-I-I-ING-G-G!!! Here comes “Jumping” by the legendary Osamu Tezuka,