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richard_smither
Reviews
Madu (2024)
Excellent Film
This is a beautifully made film following Madu as he leaves his home in Nigeria to travel to a Ballet school in London.
Found by an instagram video posted by his family he is given the opportunity to follow his dreams of studying ballet and seeing if he has the ability to make it his life.
He fights against bullying, home sickness, cultural differences, his changing relationships with his family and most emotionally a problem with his sight.
During all these adversities he keeps pursuing his dream and it's very inspiring.
I will be following his career and hoping he finds contentment.
It's a beautiful directed, shot and edited film.
The Zone of Interest (2023)
Devastating
A masterclass of film production exploring one of the darkest periods of human life.
This is high wire filmmaking without any of the usual tropes and story crutches used in the vast majority of films.
The camera observes the natural environment and behaviour of the family of Rudolf Hoss as they live their lives next to the Auschwitz Concentration Camp. The juxtaposition is brutal and haunting. The sound design evokes feelings of industrial torture and the music is unique and helps convey the terror and evil that is being committed.
If there was any doubt that the genius of Under the Skin was in some ways a lucky strike then this film proves that Glazer and his team are fully in control of the craft and master filmmakers.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Another Cameron Masterclass
I wasn't sure about the film in the first hour. The story didn't immediately grip me but by the second hour i was falling in love with this family and the underwater world of Pandora.
Cameron has lost none of his directing chops. If anything this features some of his best work. While there's nothing particularly new in the storytelling it's all done so well and shows he's still one of the best directors working today.
The performances all round were excellent. I loved the connection with the whale and how that paid off throughout the story. You can see all the deeper themes woven into the film by Cameron.
Brilliant.
Sicario (2015)
Perfect
This is one of those films which doesn't put a foot wrong. Every moment has earned its place and is a key component in the overall film. It perfectly explores its world and theme with precision and authority.
Fantastic performances by all the leads and world class artistry from some of the best crew in the business. I still think this is one of Villeneuve's best films.
The music was iconic and it's sad to know the composer is no longer with us. A unique voice.
Interestingly the film originally opened with Benecio Del Toro's character drowning someone. This is one of the hidden and magical aspects of editing that it's removal created a better film. It allowed us to enter the film with Blunt as our protagonist and allowed Del Toro's character to be revealed slowly and intriguingly before he takes centre stage at the end.
This should score higher on imdb.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Stunning
A breath of fresh air and an incredibly accomplished film. Like watching the Matrix for the first time. Can't wait to see what this team do next. Highly recommended.
Dune (2021)
Masterpiece
This film joins an elite club as a true masterpiece of cinema.
The creative team behind Sicario, Arrival and Bladerunner combined with one of the greatest stories ever written to create a beautiful, mystical and powerful experience.
Villeneuve and his team achieved their true potential here and I can't wait to see the rest of story next year.
Don't Look Up (2021)
Exactly the type of film we need right now
Adam McKay is a genius and I loved this film.
What were the reviewers thinking?!
I'm still writing as apparently a review has to be over 15 characters. Obey the review police...
Mandy (2019)
Original and very funny
Diane Morgan is a genius and we're very lucky to have her on our screens. Hopefully she'll continue to get the backing needed to make programs like this.
Love it.
The Green Knight (2021)
Magnificent
Blown away by this technical masterpiece.
Reminded me of The Lighthouse and we have films from another young, master Director to look forward to.
The Lighthouse (2019)
Masterpiece
An extraordinary achievement. Pure cinema and one of the best films I've seen.
Whiplash (2014)
Impossibly good
This is a masterpiece film and it's the first film this Director ever made. A complete control of his craft on his first go. What an amazing film. I'm blown away.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Incredible
This is confirmation that Taika Waititi is a great writer and film director. It's more than I could have imagined it could be and beautiful made like his last few films. Time will confirm it's greatness.
Gisaengchung (2019)
Masterpiece
One of the best films I've ever seen.
Technically perfect with a great story which moves effortlessly from humour to social commentary to tragedy.
The best film of the year.