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Reviews
Knives Out (2019)
Not what I was expecting.
Thought this was going to be more of a Cluedo style farce and it wasn't. Enjoyed it, but not what I was expecting (or what the trailer presented it as) and for that, it's a little disappointing
Mandy (2019)
Hillarious
Love, love this - very funny and well acted with a load of well known faces. Hope there's going to be some more of these as I'm not ready to say goodbye to Mandy yet!
The Miners' Hymns (2010)
Archive footage is excellent
A breathtaking film about the Durham mining communities - strongest and most powerful during the archive footage in the mines which captures the claustrophobic conditions. Aerial footage from the present day seems unnecessary, but overall adds to the film. Haunting score adds beautifully to the atmosphere and calmness of the majority of the film.
Legend of the Witches (1970)
Not quite the documentary it claims, but still good
Extraordinary film. Passes itself off as a documentary, but the rituals are obviously staged for the camera and although there is the presence of noted Wiccans Alex and Maxine Sanders, the covens feel slightly too young and nubile to be entirely convincing. Still a very interesting watch, and there are undoubtedly elements of truth and documentary to it.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Not faultless, but good fun nonetheless
Decent romp through Eurovision cliches with plenty of cameos from Eurovision royalty. Fails to quite capture the scale of the contest and probably could have done with being about 30 mins shorter, but on the whole a decent effort and pleasant watch.
Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet: Quarantine (2020)
Quite simply perfect
Funny, inspiring, heartbreaking. Captures the current mood perfectly. Simply wonderful
Sparrows Can't Sing (1963)
Well you don't own the freehold!!
Wonderful British kitchen-sink comedy/drama from Joan Littlewood. Wonderful, beautiful Barbara playing the titular Maggie makes this film a true delight and a snapshot of the East End in the early 60s. Was it really like this? Who cares. A thoroughly enjoyable and repeatable watch.
Modern Times (1936)
Smile
Timely satire of modernity and capitalism. The master at work in some of his funniest and most technical scenes.
Hôtel du Nord (1938)
Atmosphere by the bucket
Quite simply a sublime, perfect film. From the opening shot passing under the bridge (recreated in reverse for the final shot), you are brought into a world of Parisian intrigue courtesy of the inhabitants of the Hotel du Nord. Tour de Force performances from Arletty and Annabella, along with smouldering Bogart-esque machismo from Louis Jouvet. Finally available to stream in the UK from Apple, this was a very welcome reunion with Marcel Carné's treasure.
La grande bouffe (1973)
Interesting, but leaves questions unanswered
Bizarre film - captures the decadence of the bourgeoisie but doesn't really capture the reasons for their desire to end it all, or their choice of this method. All characters undoubtedly unhappy in their various ways, but not explicitly explored. Interesting and decadent, not as shocking now as at its release I expect. Worth a couple of hours.
La passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928)
A classic of the era and a non-traditional portrayal?
Undoubtedly moving and claiming historical accuracy, Breyer's much lauded but seemingly polarising film provides the silent era with one of its best remembered and highly praised classics. Although the camera work is somewhat erratic, and Falconetti's performance gives out more fear and panic than has been traditionally attributed to this historical figure, the film provides an atmospheric and uncomfortable journey towards a surprisingly harrowing and graphic execution. Definitely one to watch, not sure I'll rush to watch again.
Piccadilly (1929)
Silent but deadly watchable
Sublime British silent film starring the enchanting Anna May Wong. Is she the heroine or the bad guy? Can't make up my mind. Either way, recommended. If only for the score and the dance numbers - feels like you're literally in the 20s