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Tár (2022)
9/10
Meticulously crafted. Blanchett in career best mode.
21 December 2022
Wow, so much to unpack. It may take me days to process this film. Firstly - Cate Blanchett - what a performance, it is absolutely stellar. Blanchett plays Lydia Tár, a successful classical conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. This is possible career best territory. The control Blanchett has whether speaking English or German is utterly spellbinding. The audience is given absolute plausibility that we are witnessing a world leading, uber intellectual, driven, workaholic composer conductor. I bought it.

Next - the direction. It is meticulously crafted, so well researched, from everything like the classical music, scoring, orchestral arrangements, music conservatories to the modern facets of life as a high profile professional in Berlin. There are minute details placed in this film, both in dialogue and in plot drivers that are there to symbolize the character arc that Tár goes through - right up until the very last scene, in which little devices and props are used to convey the situation Tár finds herself in. Director Todd Field has pulled off a master work here. At it's heart it's a character study, but it's also an extremely complex look at cancel culture, modernity, the high brow versus the low brow, institutionalised behaviour, abuse of power, separating art versus the artist, politicising art, personal morals regarding art and so much more. Much of the first half of the film feels like a European film, (perhaps to keep in tune with the location), as there are long scenes that are dialogue heavy and static cameras with barely any action to speak of; but the film is teaching the viewer about the lead character all the time and it demands heavy concentration. Fans of directors like Darren Aronofsky, Ruben Ostlund and Pablo Larrain may well love this film.

There is one long take scene that is so well directed and acted that the tension and angst is almost uncomfortable to watch. Other scenes are straying into psychological horror territory as the viewer is almost put inside the mind of the lead character and perhaps living a realisation of her actions. Blanchett is absolutely magnetic, intense, captivating and steals every scene.

Incredible film.
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8/10
Stunning frame composition, lovely urban myth.
13 September 2022
A group of elderly Italian men sit round a table and recount an old tale of a man named Luciano a century ago. Luciano resembles a young unshaved Donald Sutherland, who stumbles around a village permanently drunk. He's an anti-hero in this tale that is more of an urban myth than a conventional story.

The landscape and buildings are stunningly captured by cinematographer Simone D'Arcangelo, and it's possibly the most beautifully shot film of the year.

The film has echoes of Lucrecia Martel's 'Zama, Herzog's 'Aguirre' and even Leone's masterworks. Slow in places, but never anything short of captivating in terms of frame composition, it meanders into a lovely dreamlike climax. Italian cinema at it's finest.

8.3/10.
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Aftersun (II) (2022)
9/10
Absolutely Superb
6 September 2022
A moving film about a girl reminiscing on a holiday to Turkey taken with her estranged father 20 years prior. The use of music is terrific, the two central performances are very touchingly delivered (Paul Mescal and the young Frankie Corio). It is one of the films of 2022. The fact this is Charlotte Wells' debut feature is nothing more than astonishing. She delivers massive assurance and confidence in direction, which pushes the narrative forward very tenderly as the girl (Sophie) tries to reconcile her relationship with her father Callum in two separate timelines.

Along the way we are given snippets of her father's troubles. Wells' very cleverly weaves in a subtext that works to a crescendo in the last 10 minutes which includes one of the most brilliant transition shots in recent cinema (not hyperbole, it really is brilliant). The viewer is invited to join the dots on what has happened between the two timelines and there are several clues that help.

Wells' debut has a familiarity with the work of fellow Scottish director Lynne Ramsay, and in particular her film 'Morvern Callar'. This feels lie the birth of another great director.
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The Long Night (2020– )
9/10
Brilliant show. Emotional ending.
21 March 2022
Brilliant show. It gets a little convoluted in the middle due to all the timelines but the pay off in the last 10 minutes is incredible. So well acted and moving with some great plot twists.
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9/10
Hmmm.
8 September 2020
I watched this series for one reason only...to see if Spurs signed a striker. Turns out they didn't.
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9/10
Sign a striker
8 September 2020
In my opinion they should probably sign a striker. Any striker. Just someone who can play upfront. Even Mike Bassett had more than one striker in his team.
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Maborosi (1995)
10/10
Simply stunning
23 May 2020
My 9th Kore-eda and possibly my favourite. One of those where "every frame could be a painting". It's one of the most beautifully shot films I've ever seen. The photography is jaw dropping. We follow a young woman who has just had a tragic event occur - and how she copes with family and the lack of it, is what Kore-eda explores.

There are bikes, cars and trains, signalling journeys to new beginnings. The sound design moves from trains to nature and waves to show us how the young woman is feeling. There are homages to the likes of de Sica. 'Maborosi' means 'trick of the light' in Japanese, there are lots of scenes with shimmering lights and ethereal effects, not unlike those used by Kieslowski to perhaps convey an other worldy presence. There's a shot where a light bulb rocks next to a clock - light and time coexisting together, Kore-eda is showing us the central theme of the film. This is a must watch for all cinephiles, it is one of the greatest films I have ever seen.

Life is just a puzzle. Don't even try and solve it.
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Age Out (2018)
7/10
If you're into cinematography - watch this film
11 February 2020
How can one of the least talked about films of the last couple of years - have such insanely good photography? It is truly beautiful. Frame after frame after frame - I couldn't look away. Anybody who is into cinematography should watch this movie, and you'll be dazzled.

The DoP is Jeff Bierman, who seems to have done a few music videos before this. The close ups, shots of nature, lateral camera movements, colour shcemes etc are breathtaking. It's like a Trey Shults movie photographed by Emmanuel Lubezki. That's not an exaggeration. It really is that well shot. Director AJ Edwards is another that has apparently worked with Mallick - and it really shows.

The cinematography is the best thing about the movie, which tells the story of an orphan trying to make a fresh start in life after being released from a care home. It's like the lovechild of Short Term 12 and American Honey with an indie crime movie element thrown in. Tye Sheridan is Tye Sheridan, and there are nice turns from Geoffrey Wright and Imogen Poots, but Caleb Landry Jones steals the show, so much so that I'm sure he's destined to be a huge star once he's given the right lead role. The guy can act.

The plot is a tad thin and somewhat predictable, which lets the movie down somewhat. The melodramatic 3rd act doesn't help. But the astounding cinematography bumps the rating back up again.
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The Farewell (I) (2019)
8/10
I laughed and I cried. A lovely film.
8 November 2019
Very sweet family drama that packs a punch or two. It's wonderfully directed with clever language ploys and culture clashes at the forefront. The premise is stated upfront - a Chinese family try to keep their Grandmother from knowing that she is terminally ill. Hard to review without spoilers, it's a complete roller-coaster of emotions (that's a cliche but it's true). There are moments of hilarity (the cemetery scene especially) and moments of pure emotion (most of the scenes towards the end). I went in to this film blind, and found myself googling everything about it 2 mins after the credits rolled.

The Farewell is a film about saying goodbye to a person, but also has lots to say about saying goodbye to culture, family traditions, places and values. It deals with these things very sensitively. I found myself comparing it to the films of Hirokazu Koreeda alot of the time, mostly because of the family aspect.

I've never heard of Awkwafina, but she was completely brilliant in this, and most of the rest of the cast held their own too. Even the real life family member of the Director.

There are a couple of flaws (we didn't need the little bird for instance). But otherwise it is a very lovely movie which I expect will feature in alot of people's top 10's of 2019.
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7/10
It's just nice.
4 November 2019
Nice. It's just a nice film. Not bad, not great. Just nice. Directed by Logan Marshall Green, it's only around 80 minutes long. An ex con finds an abandoned baby in a dumpster and tries to figure out his next move.

Ethan Hawke isn't at his best but he does a good job. Elaine Hendrix is the standout even though she has about 8 minutes screen time.

It suffers from a few mis-steps early on because of character choices, and there is one terribly hokey voice over moment towards the end but it did the job for a Saturday night movie.
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Shoplifters (2018)
9/10
Phenomenal interpretation of human nature
10 March 2019
Koreeda is astonishingly adept when telling us about the natural, humanistic traits of humans and family life. This film is utterly absorbing, real, sad and engaging.

I'm still digesting this movie but I'm pretty sure it's one of the best of 2018 and possibly one of the bst films I have ever seen. It is an absolute gem. A superb tale of love, kinship and what it means to be family. Morals are queried, and formalities are tested. Lily Franky and those 2 children are impeccable. The dialogue and characters are perfect.

Hirokazu Koreeda is a master of cinema.Beautiful, beautiful film..
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7/10
Flawed Lynch homage with some nice moments
5 December 2018
David Robert Mitchell's second feature feels so much like a homage to Lynch and Hitchcock that it almost gets lost in it's own tribute at times - even down to the beer brand. I couldn't stop thinking about Mullholland Drive all the way through, which took away some of the shine from what should have been a very interesting film in it's own right.

There are some really interesting moments of mystery and trippy delight that really captures Los Angeles in the same way Lynch managed to. But where Mullholland Drive excelled was in staying power right to the end and the ability to make the viewer intrigued well after the movie had finished. 'Silver Lake' does that to a point but has so many references / puzzles / guessing games that the final 20 minutes seems more of a chore than a crescendo. The amount of movie / pop culture / music references is insane and I agree with another reviewer that this could all be a nod to Mitchell's own experiences of trucking around Hollywood wondering where his next move is going to take him.

I still think this could be a cult classic in years to come and is a tidy enough paranoid thriller. There's also a comedic element that fits in well. But it does lack that punch that makes me want to delve into it further. Maybe that's on me. I'm not sure.
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The Rider (2017)
9/10
The #1 film of 2018
28 November 2018
Where to start with The Rider......it's good. It's very good, but it is overly sentimental in parts. There are certain elements that just seem to be trying a little too hard to tweak emotions. But that's the only bad thing I can say about it. From here on in, we're only talking goodness.

This is almost an experimental hyper real concept film. Real life South Dakotan Rodeo folk playing themselves, in a loose, fictionalized version of events that happened a few years ago. And it's extraordinarily well done. I have absolutely no idea how Director Chloé Zhao got the actors to act like they did, other than to just be themselves I guess. Which is literally what they were doing. The story focuses on Brady, a talented Rodeo rider who is recovering from serious injury (played by Brady Jandreau). Then his father is played by his real life father (Tim Jandreau). His sister is played his actual sister.....and so on.

There are some heart-breaking scenes in which Brady goes to visit an old friend Lane Scott, played by....Lane Scott, who has some real life history of his own that probably needs looking up after you've watched the movie.

The plot and substance of the movie itself focuses on the tough lives of Rodeo communities in the Pine Ridge Reservation area. The harsh, unforgiving reality and pressures of life are shown as well as how important family and friendship is.

'God's Own Country' was near the top of my movie list last year, and the same DoP Joshua James Richards nails it again here. There are some truly stunning shots of the landscape as well as some really tender moments showing Brady's highs and lows. There is one particular scene where Brady breaks in a horse for a farmer that is hugely compelling. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen it was so real. At this early stage I'm tempted to rate it as a 9 out of 10.

It is a huge achievement.
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8/10
Realism & Magical Realism combine. Superb.
21 November 2018
It's pretty incredible that this is Director Jeremiah Zagar's first feature, which he also co wrote. The movie is based on a novel and focuses on Jonah the youngest of three brothers growing up in a volatile family environment. We follow Jonah's escapism into magical realism as he tries to forget the harshness of his surroundings. The dialogue and acting from all is brilliant, especially from the three young boys.

Cinematographer Zak Mulligan shot most of it on film and cites Ken Loach and the documentary 'Street Wise' as big influences on the movie. The grainy effect of film captures the nostalgic feel of the narrative and helps the viewer get into the 1980s vibe.

Most of the themes centre around your general coming of age type tropes (Peer pressure, belonging, family dynamics etc) but the real strength of the film is putting the viewer into the headspace of Jonah. Making us live those slices of time and fantasies that he does. There is one scene in particular where the camera swings round to complete a reveal that practically left my jaw on the floor it is done so well.

Fans of films like 'Moonlight', 'The Florida Project', 'Mud, 'Beasts of the Southern Wild' and of Directors like Andrea Arnold might enjoy this one.

Jonah's a young boy, a bit different from his brothers, trying to make sense of the world.

Great film.
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10/10
Completely and utterly stunning
26 October 2018
What a stunning film. A real experience. One of those you almost let wash over you like a dream. John Bailey's photography is absolutely mesmerizing and it has to be one of the most jaw droppingly beautiful films I've ever seen. Fantasy and fiction merge with the real life of Mishima and play out within the stories written by him. What a concept. The film explores Mishima's state of mind, his grasp of how art and reality converge, his patriotism and loyalty to the Japanese state and sexuality. It also has that nihilistic / self destruction theme that is often prevalent in Schrader / Scorsese projects.

Total art.
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Thunder Road (2018)
7/10
Shouldn't work. Does.
23 October 2018
It's not often I enjoy a film with such constant tonal shifts throughout, but I did with this one. The film essentially made me laugh, made me emotive and made me think - which is all a viewer can ask for really. Right from the extraordinary opening monologue, the film grabs the viewer and reels you into the heady mix of comedy and tragedy. Some are going to hate this movie because of that. There are moments of black comedy placed into scenes of real drama - which shouldn't really work. But it does. For me at least.

The focus is on single parenting, life, stress, happiness, anxiety, mental health, love. Jim Cummings wrote, directed and starred in it - and you can tell he totally believed in this project by the performance he puts in. Although he can possibly be accused of overracting at times, he is quite brilliant at others. There are some flawed moments - some real "wtf" scenes with a potential dealbreaking third act.

The placement of comedy is the talking point in many places. But overall I would recommend this movie for those who are suckers for an indie dramedy. 7.5 / 10.
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Eighth Grade (2018)
7/10
Lovely film
28 September 2018
Lovely film. Fine central performance from Elsie Fisher. Some laugh out loud moments. Some toe curlingly gutwrenching moments. Features the best use of Enya ever, and some other brilliant music cues. Very nostalgic as regards high school, growing pains and teenage angst, but also very sweet the way it deals with teenage-parent relations. Reminded me of 'Say Anything' and 'Almost Famous' in that respect. 7.5/10
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Tully (2018)
8/10
The painful realities of motherhood
18 July 2018
Jason Reitman directs another Diablo Cody script, and they nail it. It's a tale of how difficult motherhood is. How the pressures of family life can lead to such insane, stressed and disconnected times. Charlize Theron's performance is nothing short of amazing. She is phenomenal in this film. And also had to look the part too.

Although I'm a dad not a mum, the depiction of the whirlwind blur of parenthood really resonated with me....pretending everything is well to everyone, doing things that you think you should not the things you want. The routine, the monotony, the sacrifice of parenthood, it all culminates in an interesting 3rd act, which is a large tonal shift but a good one. This will be near the top of my Films of 2018 list.
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The Isle (2000)
7/10
Beautiful but gruesome
14 June 2018
Wow, where to start with this. Ki Duk Kim has always been a divisive director, with his films showing slow burning, very natural, almost spiritual human traits. This though is like a magnified version of a Ki Duk Kim film. It's low budget, set in a single location, stunningly beautiful, very gruesome in parts, explicit and controversial. It centres around a lonely woman (Hee Jin) who delivers bait to tourist fisherman. What we see unfold is a symbolism heavy ride into a twisted / tumultuous relationship between Hee Jin and a visitor. It's full of breathtaking cinematography, sparse dialogue and one of the most stomach churning suicide attempts I've ever seen on screen. As usual with Ki Duk Kim, water as a symbol is featured heavily, and so are animals and nature. Quite why certain little creatures are sacrificed on screen I'm not sure though. A warning to anyone who is easily offended by animal cruelty - don't watch this movie.

What does it all mean in the end? I'm torn between it being an entire metaphor for how difficult relationships can be / an exploration into gender roles or a simple descent into madness tale. Maybe all 3. It is a heck of an experience though. Think of a Pedro Almodóvar movie mixed with a bit of Takashi Miike, maybe with a bit of Haneke in there too, and you may get the picture.

It's beautiful yet gruesome. I have to take a mark off for the animal cruelty, as it is bordering on unacceptable levels at times, but it still gets a 7.5/10
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Lean on Pete (2017)
8/10
If you like to cry at movies watch it.
8 June 2018
Well this was a surprise. Once in a while a film grabs you by the emotions and even if you think you're being drawn in to some sentimental tearjerker, you can't help but be transfixed by it and sucked into the whirlpool. This film got me right in the feels. It follows young Charley who's about to lose alot. There are very good turns from Charlie Plummer as the lead and Steve Buscemi as the grumpy horse trainer. The film doesn't wallow in it's own sentimentality but rather toughens you up for the final act. Which makes it more devastating. The horse is just a sideshow character really - a plot point to move the story on. The real show is Charley and how he is such a strong character that he needs this stuff in his life to get to the next chapter. And that last scene - that ruined me. It was so delicately played by Plummer. It's perfectly paced and at times looks and feels like a gritty modern western. Recommended for those who like to cry at movies.
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10/10
A truly phenomenal film
8 June 2018
Phenomenal account of two explorers, 30 years apart, trying to find a mysterious healing plant in the Amazon jungle. We follow their journeys and see how the amazon is set to be torn apart by 'whites'. The shamen that is the last of his tribe leads both expeditions and teaches the explorers what it is to dream, be alive and at one with nature.

There is one unforgettable moment when the expedition party encounters a rubber plant extractor.

David Gallego's photography and the sound editing is just incredible. It's a unique spiritual experience. A remarkable film.
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120 BPM (2017)
8/10
Powerful, tragic film but with a pay off
8 June 2018
Tragic account of the early 90s AIDS epidemic, and the actions of a group of activists in Paris. It's a very dialogue heavy film but also intertwines a tender love story. Nahuel Pérez Biscayart is absolutely astounding as 'Sean'. And the acting is so hugely impressive across the board, it almost feels like the viewer is attending the activists weekly meetings at times. A powerful film.
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8/10
Epic, powerful path to self destruction
8 June 2018
This is an epic film. Everything from the sound editing to the acting, the fight scenes and the way it looks is mesmerizing. There's a scene at the beginning where the grinding of the water mill sounds like the beating of a woman's heart just before she is brutally attacked, which is followed up by a more suggestive motion of the mill's inner workings. Metaphors like that help create the tension which is cranked up throughout. I couldn't help thinking while watching it, that this movie must have been a massive influence to modern day film-makers like Quentin Tarantino.

The most noticeable thing though is the lighting. It's used to great effect in most scenes to project shadows and silhouettes.

If I had to criticise it, I would say the ending is slightly abrupt, but that's being a bit harsh. Overall it's a highly stylish, brutal tale of a samurai on the path to self destruction
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7/10
Beautifully Baffling
8 June 2018
Baffling. Extraordinary. Pigs. Barely any dialogue. Beautiful looking. Directed by Shane Carruth (Primer), It's very challenging - so much so that I'm not even sure repeat viewings will shed any more light on it. It's definitely one for cinema purists who like to watch cerebral movies. In that respect it's more of an experience than a movie aligned with Terence Malick and Darren Aronofsky material. What's it about? The cycle of life? genetics? religion? morality? ethics? Probably all these things. What's clear is that Shane Carruth operates on a level that is different to most of us!
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Head-On (2004)
9/10
One of the greatest Love Stories this century
8 June 2018
Really. It is.

Absolutely brilliant. One of the greatest love stories I've ever seen in film. Still processing it really. Devastatingly real.
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