Category Archives: Cinema

“La Sirga” – a review [2012 Colombia]

William Vega makes an assured directorial début through “La Sirga” [Eng. Title: The Towrope], an allegorical thriller-drama set in a off-season tourist spot by a great lake, high in the Andean region of Colombia. A young Alicia (Joghis Arias) arrives … Continue reading

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Affectionate portrait of a working class family, “Life is Sweet” [1990 United Kingdom]

When I watched Mike Leigh’s “Life is Sweet” for the first time all those years ago, it didn’t particularly make a strong impression – it was well made alright, but it was also as if I knew these characters all … Continue reading

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Brisseau’s take on old-age and loneliness, “La fille de nulle part” [2012 France]

It appears Jean-Claude Brisseau is finally mellowing – his latest film “La fille de nulle part” [Eng. Title: The Girl from Nowhere] is surprisingly subdued, both in scope and budget, as he goes back to basics by even casting himself … Continue reading

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Battle of the sexes dressed in Sixties’ Groove, “Femina ridens” [1969 Italy]

Contrary to critics who enthusiastically slap Piero Schivazappa’s “Femina ridens” [Eng. Title: The Laughing Woman] with the ‘sexploitation’ label, it is actually a stylish erotic thriller, with some genuine interest in discussing feminism. The unfortunate tag is perhaps largely to … Continue reading

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Claudia Goytia in “Rojo Orgásmico” [2012 Mexico]

“Rojo Orgásmico” is the first film by Christian González that I’ve come across, even if he appears to have been making films for ever. Perhaps because, as in this case, his films tends to aim at a niche local audience. … Continue reading

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