Category Archives: Cinema

Should artists stay above politics? “Werk ohne Autor” [2018 Germany]

Though this is not the central theme, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, in his Oscar-nominated semi-biographical epic “Werk ohne Autor” [Eng. Title: Never Look Away], poses a rarely discussed question; Are artists – as liberators, revolutionaries, and thinkers, letting themselves down … Continue reading

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A brief film review: “Alanis” [2017 Argentina]

Anahí Berneri captures a moving and at times probing portrait of a young mother and sex worker in her drama “Alanis”. But instead of the gloom and melancholy usually associated with films delving into the subject, it is surprisingly positive … Continue reading

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A load of bull: “El árbol de la sangre” [2018 Spain]

And they end up being as attention-gathering as only a Julio Medem can manage (apart from Bigas Luna, of course). While the bulls and cows in his latest drama, “El árbol de la sangre” [Eng. Title: The Tree of Blood] might bear … Continue reading

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Grow more pineapple! “Der Geschmack von Leben” [2017 Germany]

No, this is not a new UN directive concerning public nutrition (though it might be a refreshing idea), but it might increase demand for pineapple if Roland Reber and his vlogging protagonist Nikki’s advice to drink more pineapple juice is … Continue reading

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Love and War: “Zvizdan” [Croatia 2015]

Dalibor Matanic’s film “Zvizdan” [Eng. Title: The High Sun] gives a unique perspective on a topic rarely discussed with frankness by people in what was once Yugoslavia; their hitherto simmering discontent leading to and following the rebirth of their respective nations. Using two … Continue reading

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