Monthly Archives: August 2013

Everything can be justified in war – “Voyna” [2002 Russia]

Aleksey Balabanov looks at the Chechen conflict through the eyes of a liberal-but-nationalistic Russian in his war-time drama, “Voyna” [Eng. Title: War]. But I somehow also get the feeling that he’s mocking us Brits in the process. The film pulls … Continue reading

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Nothing is as it seems, in “Hipnos” [2004 Spain]

David Carreras’ début feature “Hipnos” is a sincere attempt at psychological horror – and even if it may have its tiny flaws, it is a decently executed thriller with some impressive production values. Dr. Beatriz Vargas (Cristina Brondo) has just … Continue reading

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“Loft” – a cautionary tale for would-be philanderers [2010 Netherlands]

OK, the film might not quite say that – but Antoinette Beumer’s thriller “Loft”, the remake of a Belgian original based on Bart De Pauw’s screenplay, comes pretty close to telling us that extramarital affairs are harmful to people’s well-being. … Continue reading

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Cinema-magic through simplicity – “Kozijat rog” [1972 Bulgaria]

I’ll start my Bulgarian focus with Metodi Andonov’s mesmerising “Kozijat rog” [Eng. Title: The Goat Horn], a timeless drama of tragedy and revenge told in the classical cinematic language of master filmmakers the world over. It is a pure and … Continue reading

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Playing with film and light – “Post Tenebras Lux” [2012 Mexico]

Carlos Reygadas (of Batalla en el cielo and Stellet Licht fame) is no stranger to pushing the envelope and has as many ardent admirers as hardened cynics. But there is no denying the fact that he is one of the … Continue reading

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