Category Archives: Directors

A review: “Jours tranquilles à Clichy” [1990 France, Italy, Germany]

Too often in the history of cinema have we seen a legendary director bring an inspired piece of literature to film and completely miss, not only its central theme, but also the pulse. The culprit on this occasion of ‘artistic … Continue reading

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That stench, of a rotting world… “Baixio das Bestas” [2006 Brazil]

So exclaims Heitor to his neighbour and friend Mario, referring to falling standards of honour and respect within society. He ticks off a ‘permissive’ culture with ‘loose morals’, and castigates skimpily clad hostesses appearing on TV. He alleges that these occurrences are due … Continue reading

Posted in Brazil, Cláudio Assis | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Lifting spirits shatteringly: “The Mighty Angel” [2014 Poland]

Wojciech Smarzowski is one of the important directors working in Poland today, and his latest feature, “Pod Mocnym Aniolem” [Eng. Title: The Mighty Angel] is also among the grittiest and bleakest that he’s ever made. The film tackles the subject … Continue reading

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A film review: “El amante bilingüe” [1993 Spain]

Vicente Aranda isn’t particularly renowned for comedy, because he hardly makes any – passionate melodrama is his preferred cup of tea. That’s why “El amante bilingüe” [Eng. Title: The Bilingual Lover] stands out in his filmography, for trying to be … Continue reading

Posted in Ornella Muti, Spain, Vicente Aranda | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A film review: “Meisje” [2002 Belgium, Netherlands]

Dorothée Van Den Berghe’s début feature “Meisje” [Eng. Title: Girl] is about a young provincial woman who is determined to escape her mundane working-class existence, experience what it’s like to be ‘independent’, and get herself associated with refined culture in … Continue reading

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