Movie Reviews

Swimming Pool

Movie Reviews, ZA Nominated / By

Swimming Pool is a 2003 psychological thriller film directed by François Ozon and starring Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier. The film is set primarily in the south of France and focuses on the relationship between a British mystery author and a young, enigmatic woman.

Sarah Morton (Charlotte Rampling), a successful British mystery writer, is feeling burnt out and uninspired. Her publisher, John Bosload (Charles Dance), offers her the use of his secluded vacation home in the south of France to help her relax and find new inspiration. Sarah reluctantly agrees and heads to the French countryside.

Upon her arrival, Sarah begins to enjoy the peace and quiet of the house and starts to make progress on her new novel. However, her tranquility is soon disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Julie (Ludivine Sagnier), John’s free-spirited, sexually provocative daughter. The two women initially clash due to their stark differences in personality and lifestyle, but as time goes on, they develop a complex and tense relationship.

As the days go by, Sarah becomes increasingly intrigued by Julie’s promiscuous behavior and starts to incorporate elements of Julie’s life into her novel. The line between fiction and reality begins to blur, and Sarah finds herself becoming more and more entangled in Julie’s world. This ultimately leads to a series of events that force both women to confront their darkest secrets and question their true selves.

Swimming Pool is a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller that explores themes of identity, desire, and the power of the creative process. The film is known for its visually stunning cinematography, strong performances from its lead actresses, and its enigmatic and thought-provoking narrative.

Theeb

MA Nominated, Movie Reviews / By

Theeb (2014) is a Jordanian adventure drama film set during World War I. The story follows Theeb, a young Bedouin boy, who must learn the harsh realities of life in the desert as he embarks on a perilous journey with a British officer and his Bedouin guide. Theeb’s older brother, Hussein, is initially asked to help guide the British officer to a secret destination, but Theeb insists on joining them.

As they traverse the treacherous Arabian desert, the group encounters dangerous obstacles and a series of betrayals. Theeb, whose name means “wolf” in Arabic, must rely on his instincts and adapt to the harsh environment to survive. The film explores themes of survival, loyalty, and the loss of innocence while providing a unique perspective on the cultural and historical context of the region during World War I.

First Cow

Movie Reviews, TS Nominated / By

First Cow (2019) is an American drama film set in the 1820s in the Oregon Territory. The story revolves around two men, Otis “Cookie” Figowitz, a skilled cook, and King-Lu, a Chinese immigrant. Both men are seeking their fortune in the untamed wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.

When they come across the territory’s first and only dairy cow, owned by a wealthy landowner, they devise a plan to steal its milk under the cover of night. Using the stolen milk, Cookie makes delicious “oily cakes,” which they sell at the local market, quickly gaining popularity and success. However, their secret operation becomes increasingly risky as their business thrives and draws more attention.

The film explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of the American Dream while providing a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the Pacific Northwest. The slow-paced, atmospheric storytelling is complemented by stunning cinematography and a focus on the simplicity and beauty of nature.

Argentina 1985

KS Nominated, Movie Reviews / By

In 1985, two years after the fall of the military dictatorship in Argentina, a group of young lawyers led by prosecutors Julio César Strassera and Luis Moreno Ocampo take on the monumental task of bringing to justice the top commanders of the junta that ruled the country with an iron fist for seven years. Facing threats, intimidation, corruption and bureaucracy, they gather evidence, interview witnesses and survivors, and prepare for the historic Trial of the Juntas, where they will face nine generals accused of crimes against humanity. The trial is broadcast live on television, exposing the horrors of the dictatorship to the public and the world. As the trial progresses, Strassera and Moreno Ocampo face personal and professional challenges, as well as ethical dilemmas about how to pursue justice without compromising their principles or endangering their lives. The film culminates with Strassera’s closing argument, where he invokes the slogan “Nunca más” (“Never again”) to demand accountability and prevent future atrocities.

Grave of The Fireflies

KS Nominated, Movie Reviews / By

Grave of the Fireflies (1988) is a Japanese animated war drama film based on the 1967 semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka. Directed by Isao Takahata, this Studio Ghibli film is a poignant tale set in Japan during the final months of World War II.

The story follows the lives of two siblings, 14-year-old Seita and his younger sister, Setsuko, who are left orphaned and struggling to survive after their city, Kobe, is devastated by an American firebombing raid. With their father away at war and their mother killed in the raid, the children are forced to rely on each other for support. Seita takes it upon himself to care for Setsuko as they face the grim realities of hunger, illness, and the harshness of life during wartime.

The film provides a deeply moving portrayal of the human cost of war, focusing on the resilience and spirit of the children amid suffering and loss. Grave of the Fireflies is often considered one of the most powerful anti-war movies ever made, as well as one of the greatest animated films of all time.

Master and Commander

EK Nominated, Movie Reviews / By

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) is an American epic historical war-drama film directed by Peter Weir and adapted from the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O’Brian. The film is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey (played by Russell Crowe) and his close friend, the ship’s surgeon Dr. Stephen Maturin (played by Paul Bettany).

The story begins with Aubrey’s ship, the HMS Surprise, being attacked by a superior French warship, the Acheron. After the encounter, Aubrey becomes determined to capture or destroy the enemy vessel, which has been causing significant damage to the British navy in the Atlantic Ocean. The film chronicles the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between the two ships, as well as the evolving friendship between Aubrey and Maturin, who bond over their shared love of music and spirited debates on science, politics, and the ethics of warfare.

Throughout the journey, the crew of the HMS Surprise faces various challenges, from intense naval battles to treacherous weather conditions and personal conflicts. Master and Commander is renowned for its attention to historical detail, thrilling action sequences, and rich character development, offering a captivating and immersive portrayal of life at sea during the early 19th century.

Citizen Kane

Movie Reviews, YA Nominated / By

Citizen Kane (1941) is an American drama film directed by and starring Orson Welles, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Herman J. Mankiewicz. Often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, Citizen Kane revolutionized filmmaking with its innovative narrative structure, deep focus cinematography, and groundbreaking special effects.

The film’s plot revolves around the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane (played by Orson Welles), a wealthy newspaper magnate based on the real-life figures of William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. The story begins with Kane’s death and his enigmatic last word, “Rosebud.” This sparks a search for the meaning behind the mysterious word by a reporter named Jerry Thompson, who interviews those who knew Kane throughout his life.

Through a series of flashbacks, the audience learns about Kane’s rise to power, his pursuit of political ambitions, and his complex relationships with those around him. As Thompson delves deeper into Kane’s past, he uncovers the many contradictions and complexities of the man, revealing a portrait of a deeply flawed individual whose relentless pursuit of wealth, power, and success ultimately leaves him isolated and unfulfilled.

Citizen Kane is celebrated for its innovative storytelling techniques and powerful themes exploring the human condition, ambition, and the corrupting influence of power. The film’s influence on modern cinema cannot be overstated, as it continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Shoplifters

Movie Reviews, ZA Nominated / By

Shoplifters (2018) is a Japanese drama film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The film tells the story of a makeshift family living on the fringes of society, bound together by their shared struggles rather than blood relations. Shoplifters won the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, marking the first time a Japanese film had won the prestigious award since 1997.

The story revolves around Osamu Shibata (played by Lily Franky), a part-time construction worker, and his wife, Nobuyo (played by Sakura Ando). The couple, along with their makeshift family, survives on low-paying jobs and shoplifting. One day, while Osamu and his young son, Shota, are out shoplifting, they come across a little girl named Yuri, who appears to be neglected and abused. Osamu and Nobuyo decide to take her in, despite their financial struggles.

As the family welcomes Yuri into their unconventional and loving home, secrets about the family members begin to surface, revealing their complicated pasts. The film explores themes of family, love, poverty, and morality, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a family and prompting viewers to question societal norms.

Shoplifters is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film, praised for its sensitive storytelling, nuanced character development, and outstanding performances by the ensemble cast.

Mongol

MA Nominated, Movie Reviews / By

Mongol (2007) is an epic historical drama film directed by Sergei Bodrov. It tells the story of the early life of the legendary Mongolian leader, Genghis Khan, who is known for establishing the largest empire in history by uniting various nomadic tribes in Central Asia.

The film focuses on the young Genghis Khan, born as Temüjin, played by Tadanobu Asano. The story starts with his childhood, as he is raised by his father, a tribal chieftain, and his mother. It follows his life through various trials and tribulations, including his father’s murder by a rival tribe, his own kidnapping, and enslavement. Despite these hardships, Temüjin remains determined to claim his rightful place as the leader of his tribe and to reunite the Mongolian people.

Throughout the film, Temüjin’s relationship with his wife, Börte, played by Khulan Chuluun, and his blood brother, Jamukha, played by Honglei Sun, are central to the story. Their complex relationships, shaped by love, loyalty, and rivalry, contribute significantly to Temüjin’s development as a leader.

Mongol is a visually stunning film that showcases the vast landscapes of the Mongolian steppes, as well as the brutal and often harsh life in 12th-century Central Asia. The movie provides an insightful look into the early life of one of history’s most influential figures, offering a humanizing portrayal of Genghis Khan that goes beyond his reputation as a ruthless conqueror.

The Last Detail

Movie Reviews, TS Nominated / By

The Last Detail (1973) is an American comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby and based on the novel of the same name by Darryl Ponicsan. Starring Jack Nicholson, Otis Young, and Randy Quaid, the film tells the story of two U.S. Navy petty officers, Buddusky (Nicholson) and Mulhall (Young), who are assigned to escort a young sailor named Meadows (Quaid) to a naval prison.

Meadows has been sentenced to eight years of incarceration for a minor offense—stealing $40 from a charity box. As the trio embarks on their journey from Virginia to the naval prison in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Buddusky and Mulhall take it upon themselves to show Meadows a good time before his imprisonment. They introduce him to various experiences, such as drinking, fighting, and visiting a brothel, all in an effort to give the naive and inexperienced sailor a taste of real life.

Throughout the journey, the three men form a strong bond and develop genuine affection for one another. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of military life. The Last Detail is notable for its strong performances, particularly by Jack Nicholson, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his role as Buddusky. The film is a mix of humor and pathos, offering an insightful look at the human side of those serving in the military.