The film is presented by the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency of the Russian Federation, so it’s clear that we’re not in for a wacky, drug-induced journey, but rather a narrative that explores the insidious nature of trafficking, which is never going to be a fun ride.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Vice→

It is refreshing to see a side of this conflict often not presented, as most of our media’s coverage of Palestine is devoted to terrorists and suicide bombers. The most powerful message that comes through, however, is of abject pessimism about the chance of conciliation.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Salt of This Sea→

The story is told non-sequentially, with excerpts from retrospective interviews with Ben’s parents, teachers and schoolmates hinting at the disaster still to come. This technique is more and more commonplace, but it certainly works in Ben X to engender a sense of dread as the bullying continues and Ben’s isolation grows.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Ben X→

Having not seen any of Doillon’s previous work, I can’t say whether fans will enjoy his newest offering. This film is unlikely to please casual cinemagoers, that’s for sure, and will test the patience of even the most tolerant of cinema buffs.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Just Anybody→

The Wave is a powerful and at times horrifying film that uses the natural advantage of its setting to make comment on the preconceptions and prejudices that must exist in a country still coming to terms with its past. Excellent performances from its leads combined with an amazing ‘based on real life’ premise allow the film to resonate on several levels.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Wave→

Robert Thalheim has crafted a subtle film, often using one or two lines of dialogue that will hint at one standpoint, or a brief sequence of events that will provoke consideration of another.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading And Along Come Tourists→

The cast, many of whom appear here in their first feature film, are universally excellent, with standout performances from Boufares and particularly Herzi, who is simply wonderful as Rym and was rewarded with the Cesar for Best Young Female Hope.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Secret of the Grain→

Screen portrayals of religious fanaticism are often prone to caricature, yet it is films like The Kite Runner that inform us of its true effects. The terrifying changes that are represented as occurring in Afghanistan during the Russian and Taliban eras are almost a sidenote to the individual story of redemption that forms the heart of the film.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading The Kite Runner→