A personal journal of film and documentary reviews, and reviews of anything else that intrigues me.
Takashi Miike, “Blade of the Immortal” (2017) Condensed from 30 volumes of manga into a single work of about 140 minutes, this film was probably always…
British Films, Eastern European Films
Dorota Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, “Loving Vincent” (2017) Most viewers will probably be bowled over by the use of oil paintings on canvas as animation cels…
Denis Villeneuve, “Blade Runner 2049” (2017) In its own leisurely way, “Blade Runner 2049” is a very absorbing, even hypnotic film with stunningly beautiful sets that…
Latin American Films (Spanish language)
Pablo Larraín, “Neruda” (2016) Very loosely based on an episode in Chilean poet-politician Pablo Neruda’s life, when he and his wife Delia were forced to go…
Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, “Spring” (2014) A rather long and thin character study romance that’s equal parts comedy, drama and gore-blimey slimy body horror makes up…
French and French-language Films
Chris Marker, “Sans Soleil” (1983) Picture yourself receiving a letter from a long-time friend who has been living and travelling for many years in Japan, Iceland…
John Cameron Mitchell, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” (2001) A feisty little number showcasing John Cameron Mitchell as a director, actor, scriptwriter and singer, “Hedwig and…
Guy Maddin, “My Winnipeg” (2007) An unusual blend of memoir, documentary and dark fantasy, Guy Maddin’s “My Winnipeg” probably does more to promote his home city,…
Chinese and Chinese-language Films
Wong Kar Wai “2046” (2004) If ever a film could be considered typical “art house” with an emphasis on visual candy, music substituting for emotion and…
Jafar Panahi, “Tehran Taxi” aka “Jafar Panahi’s Taxi” (2015) Banned by the Iranian government in 2010 from making films, director Jafar Panahi nevertheless managed to make…