Saturday 27 November 2021

 November 25th

Palazzo Di Cozzo
Blue Bayou
The Beatles: Get Back (streaming on Disney +)
Bad Luck Banging Loony Porn
Titane
Best Sellers

After last week's plethora of festivals (some still running), many mainstream releases are flooding the cinemas. As I always love to say, there's definitely something for everyone this week, but two of the films come with warnings of graphic sex and violence. Laugh, cry, ogle, ponder, tap your feet - it's all here. 

Palazzo Di Cozzo
Dir: Madeleine Martiniello
Length: 86 mins
© Sharmill - Franco spruiks his wares
on the Don Lane show
Who (of a certain vintage) could ever forget a stocky, thickly accented Italian hollering on TV "Grand Sale - comprade de Franco Cozzo!"? The man himself is lovingly presented in this delightful doco, covering his early days as an immigrant from Sicily to Melbourne, and tracing the establishment of his stores, featuring over-the-top baroque gilded Italianate furniture. The film is chock-full of nostalgic archival footage, interspersed with the man himself, reminiscing and telling us about his life. There are also some wonderful visits to the homes of his customers, folks who had saved really hard to buy themselves grand furniture that reminded them of their homeland. The doco is made with huge affection for Franco, and it's something that should totally charm viewers, especially Melburnians. 
4 - highly recommended

Blue Bayou
Dir: Justin Chon
Length: 117 mins
© Universal - a moving story of
family and injustice
Nominated for Un Certain Regard at Cannes this year, Blue Bayou is the emotionally gut-wrenching story of Antonio LeBlanc, a man who was adopted from Korea at the age of three, then given up to a variety of foster homes. Now married to Kathy (Alicia Vikander), he is a loving stepfather to little Jessie (Sydney Kowalske), and he and Kathy are expecting their own child. But when Antonio gets himself on the wrong side of a pair of policemen (one of them Kathy's ex-husband and biological father of Jesse), authorities dredge up his past and threaten to deport him. Although at times the film consciously tugs on the heartstrings, it is finely acted, with excellent chemistry between the three central cast members. It also examines a little known but highly fraught issue - that of a loophole in US law that allows adoptees without full citizenship to be under threat of deportation.
4 - highly recommended

The Beatles: Get Back
Dir: Peter Jackson
Length: 3 episodes x 2.5 hours each (approx)
Streaming on Disney+
© Disney - Beatles fans had
better not miss this one!
After not performing for two years, The Beatles ended up giving a live performance in 1969. It was to be their last ever. But first they had to write 14 new songs for the album and proposed film "Let It Be". Over the 21 days of this process, 60 hours of footage and 150 hours of audio were recorded. Now, in a tour-de-force of directorial  genius, Peter Jackson has crafted a record of it all, with the old film remastered, and the whole 3-part mini-series culminating in the live concert, performed on the London rooftop of Saville Row. The technical quality is stunning - crisp, clear, with magnificent close-ups and witty, albeit occasionally tedious conversations. 
None of this has been seen before and the insight into the creative rapport, especially between John and Paul, is a wonder to behold. Seeing the fab four as real people, not just mega-stars, is eye-opening. And being privy to their creative genius highlights the depth of their musicianship and overwhelming talent. I probably need to say you may want to be a fan to watch for so long, and many of the songs are heard umpteen times over, but this is an unmissable treat for Beatles fans, and an invaluable contribution to the history of modern music. 
4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn
Dir: Radu Jude
Length: 106 mins
© Potential - confronting, and enough food
for thought to last for weeks
Winner of the Golden Bear at Berlin Film Festival, plus many other awards and nominations, this film is something very different - confronting, shocking, funny, insightful, pornographic and, well, loony. Teacher Emi has her reputation impugned and faces potential dismissal when a private video of her and her husband having sex is uploaded to the internet. The film takes place in three parts - that is, after the opening scene which, be warned, is graphic unadulterated sex. Part one is where Emi walks though the streets of Bucharest, slow, and deliberate, the camera trailing her and the city. Part two is the where the director gives us a long dictionary of terms, some obscene, some political, others mundane, with visuals and satirical explanations, and the denouement is where Emi faces a kangaroo court of parents from the school. There is so much content in this film, it almost threatens to overwhelm the viewer, but as a commentary on the basic hypocrisy of human beings, it is creative and innovative. It's also a brave movie, having a large go at its country of origin, Romania, its politics and many of its people. In fact our unwitting porn star Emi is possibly the only decent person in the entire movie!
4 - highly recommended

Titane
Dir: Julie Ducourneau
Length: 108 mins
© Kismet - sex, violence
and sadness

Winner of the prestigious Palme D'Or at Cannes this year, here's another film from a provocative director whose last film, Raw, featured a family of cannibals. Aged 7, Alexia (Agathe Rousselle) is badly injured in a car crash, and has a titanium plate inserted in her head. As an adult she works as a sexy dancer, gyrating on the bonnets of cars at auto shows, teasing men. Meantime a series of unsolved murders and missing children are all over the news. Alexia decides to have a change of identity, taking the persona of one of the missing kids, a boy named Adrien. The lad's father Vincent (Vincent Lindon) opens his arms to his "returned son". To say more would spoil the surprises of this extraordinary film, which - WARNING - is not for the faint-hearted. With graphic violence and body horror, it will disturb some people, but for those willing to stay the course there are rich rewards, and challenging questions about identity, gender and what constitutes family. Cinematography is vivid and in your face, the soundtrack rocks, while the lead performances capture a dramatic, and at times moving, chemistry between a parent desperate to have his child back, and a psychologically damaged woman. A film you won't forget - if you're brave enough!
4 - highly recommended

Best Sellers
Dir: Lina Roessler
Length: 102 mins
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOGOhGgmHRI
© Rialto - Caine is at his most
curmudgeonly best
Harris Shaw (Michael Caine) is a reclusive author, who once had a best-selling book, put out by a now failing publishing house.  Lucy Skinner (Aubrey Plaza) has inherited the business from her father, and is desperate to get another top title to put the publishing house back on track. She tracks down Harris, only to find he is a hard-drinking, cantankerous old man. But he has a manuscript, needs money, and reluctantly agrees to touring to promote the new book. There is plenty of predictability in this lightweight amusing tale, but of course the big drawcard is Caine, who is perfect for the role. The more interesting aspect of the plot is the commentary on the role of social media, as the cranky author goes viral with his unorthodox ways of dealing with the crowds of young folk who flock to hear him. It's not earth-shattering, but makes for a light entertaining diversion.
2.5 - maybe



Tuesday 16 November 2021

 November 17th

The Rescue
Italian Film Festival -  in Melbourne - 19 Nov - 12 December
Melbourne Queer Film Festival - 18 - 29 November
Japanese Film Festival - in Melbourne 18 Nov - 5 December

We are inundated with film festivals. Three start this week in Melbourne, including the Italian and the Japanese which are ongoing in other states. Plus an inspiring doco on the rescue of the Thai soccer team from the flooded caves (not to be confused with other films dealing with the same topic). All the films from the festivals come highly recommended! 

The Rescue
Dir: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Length: 114 mins
© Madman - people said it was impossible - 
rescuers proved them wrong
In 2018 the entire world became galvanised by a dramatic news story. 12 young Thai boys from a soccer team and their coach had wandered into a cave system and become trapped by rising flood waters due to the monsoon rains. So began one of the most daring rescues, involving thousands of people from around the world. How do you make a documentary film of an event that has already happened, and during a pandemic when you can't travel to the location? Amazingly, the filmmakers got their heads around all of this, and have come up with a much-awarded doco that is thrilling, engrossing, and inspiring - despite us already knowing the outcome. Amazingly and fortuitously, it turned out that the Thai Navy SEALS had taken 87 hours worth of footage. This, combined with reenactments, interviews with participants, and carefully constructed maps of the cave system all combined to create a movie showing the gargantuan rescue effort from everyone's point of view. Including of course the now famous Aussie 
Dr Richard Harris, cave diver and anaesthetist, responsible for the audacious plan of sedating the boys so they could be swum out of the cave. This is a film-making project par excellence, shining a light on the (very scary) sport of cave diving and on two English proponents who were instrumental in plotting the rescue. The film feels so inclusive, and is a shining testament to what can happen when humanity, self-sacrifice, determination, global cooperation and bravery come together.
4 - highly recommended

ST ALi Italian Film Festival
Melbourne: 19 November until 12th December
At Melbourne's  8 Palace cinemas
For times, venues, films and bookings, visit: www.italianfilmfestival.com.au

Yes, I know I reviewed it when it opened interstate, but let's refresh your memory, as this long-awaited festival finally opens in Melbourne. Always a showcase of magnificent films from Italy, this year's festival features a Roberto Rossellini retrospective, with a restored version of the classic Rome, Open City as the closing night movie. Another couple of interesting retro films are Marriage Italian Style and Visconti's The Leopard. As always, the festival features award winners,  including Nanni Moretti's Three Floors and To Chiara, which won the Director's Fortnight prize at Cannes. To see the five films I reviewed on 22nd October go to:
Plus I add an extra, previewed at the media launch.

To Chiara: A nominee for the numero uno award at Cannes (Grand Prix), this film is set in Calabria, opening with the lavish 18th birthday party of Guilia, Chiara's big sister. Chiara and her father Claudio adore each other, but soon enough the 15-year-old discovers what her father does to create the family's wealth. Director Jonas Carpignano has cast an actual entire family to help create the powerful sense of bonding and connection, and it works a treat as we feel drawn totally into their world. There is no sense of judgment; more just an exploration of what it means for this young, strong-willed girl to have her world turned upside down. The film employs a lot of close-up camera work to draw viewers in, while the constant undercurrent of unease and danger makes for tense viewing. Moral and philosophical question underpin the narrative, but are never laboured, while young Swamy Rotolo is a revelation as Chiara.

Japanese Film Festival
Melbourne: November 18th - December 5th
Showing at ACMI and Palace Kino
For all the info on dates and films: https://japanesefilmfestival.net/
It's the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Film Festival with a fabulous selection of features spanning many genres. Here's a few I've previewed, all most worthy contenders, to whet your appetite. 


Sumodo: If, like me, you always thought sumo wrestling was just about super fat guys pushing each other about, this highly-acclaimed doco should set you straight on the skill and tradition behind Japan's national sport. The film follows the lives of two particular wrestlers, tracking their gruelling training regime and the many contests they enter, until they face each other in the ring. The ancient sport has much ritual and elements of Shinto religion in it, and the wrestlers are revered. The film is an intriguing insight into a way of life and the finer details of the sport (not to mention what they have to eat to achieve those bodies!)  


Hokusai: Many people know the renowned woodblock print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa (see poster, left), but know nothing of the artist who created it. Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) lived in Japan at the time of the Tokugawa Shogunate, a repressive regime that saw the arts as something corrupt and immoral. This film traces the life of the artist, alternating perspectives of him as a young, arrogant hot-head, through to his old age, as he struggles to continue creating. As a study of an artist and of the socio-political life in Japan there is plenty of interest here. 


Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist: 
Fans of Japanese animation will revel in this biographical film looking at the life and work of a man considered to be one of the greatest animators ever. Dying at 46 of cancer, Kon only produced four feature films, but they all are in a league of their own, dealing with such weighty themes as fame and obsession. The French director of this film interviews fans, along with renowned movie people who have been heavily influenced by Kon's work. Seeing this made me want to track down all four films and watch them, and as a long time fan of Studio Ghibli work, I relished getting an alternate insight into Japanese anime.  


Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes: I'm not a huge fan of Japanese comedy, but this zany film is both creative and funny. It's also one of those sci-fi time loops that can do your head in! A young man living above his own cafe discovers that a TV screen downstairs can show what is happening in the future - but only two minutes ahead. Other characters get involved, and as they rush up and down stairs, attempting to mirror screens into infinity, things get crazier by the minute. The action is non-stop, and while on one level the film's basic premise is simple, the whole things turns into a convoluted and challenging idea, that is both fun and thought-provoking. Apparently it was shot in one take on an i-phone!  


The Deer King: This animated feature film is directed by two men who once worked at Studio Ghibli, and it shows in the beautiful painterliness of the animation. The story is complex, layered, and has some eerie resonance for today's world. The hero, Van, is a man who fought oppressors, escaped prison and rescued young Yuna who he takes as his daughter. Meantime, people are trying to combat a killer disease spread by wolves, and a young doctor is charged with finding a cure. The movie works on macro-levels of lofty themes of war, imperialism, and science versus ignorance, but also has an intimacy with relationship and family themes. You'll need to concentrate on the rich plot, but it's a rewarding and beautiful watch. 

The Fable: Based on a manga (Japanese graphic novel,) this is the story of a hitman, ordered by his boss to take a year off, under threat of death if he kills anyone. A somewhat crazy mish-mash of many genres, the film combines humor, romance, high-powered action and general mayhem. Though I couldn't totally grasp the plot, what with yakuza, computer nerds and more, it made for entertaining viewing. The lead actor especially, along with an impressive female lead character in a wheelchair, lifts it above the mundane. 

Melbourne Queer Film Festival 
Melbourne: 18 - 29th  November 
ACMI, Nova, Village Shepparton & Ballarat; Jam Factory
Many films also available online (https://tix.mqff.com.au/Events/Type/MQFF%20Plus)
For all times, venues, films and bookings, visit: mqff.com.au

Every year I encourage you all, wherever you sit along the gender spectrum, to check out this festival. There is something for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation - the themes reflect issues that affect the lives of all human beings, and it's a chance to catch ground-breaking films that usually don't get a mainstream release. And this year you can go to cinemas or watch from the comfort of your lounge-rooms. Here's a selection I recommend:

Finlandia
: One of the most visually stunning films I've seen in a long time, Finlandia is set in Oaxaca, Mexico, among a community known as Muxes, people born as men, who present as women, and are even considered a third gender (like the Hijras in India). A young clothing designer Marta is sent over from Spain to be inspired by (think steal) the clothing ideas from the Muxes, who are famed for their glorious colorful fabrics and innovative designs. There are many plot threads to this film - the prejudice of locals towards the muxes, and of a father towards his son, the touching friendship developed between Marta and one of the muxes, a young boy's search for his identity, and a mystical wall of rock they all go to to weep and divest themselves of sorrows. Not to mention the ever-present threat of earthquakes. The vibrant color, contrasted with desert stark landscapes and sublime lighting makes for a visual treat while the emotional impact of the tight-knit is paramount. 

See You Then: At a mere 75 minutes, this film packs a real punch. Naomi meets up with Kris ten years after the couple have broken up. Kris, her then boyfriend of three years has since transitioned to a woman, while Naomi has married and had two children. The two walk, talk, dine and reminisce, and inevitably recriminations and regrets surface, plus some life-shattering revelations. This is a superbly performed, naturalistically scripted two-hander with many issues raised that all of us can relate to, regarding decisions made that affect one's life for ever. 
A fascinating article on Pooya Mohseni, the Iranian trans woman who plays Kris:

Seyran Ates - Sex, Revolution and Islam: This inspiring and important doco introduces us to a Turkish-born woman who now lives in Germany and is a lawyer. She is also one of the first female imams in Europe, running her own mosque with a philosophy on non-segregation between men and women, and welcoming to people of all sexual persuasions. Seyran believes Islam must change from within to defeat extremism and sexism, and for her pains she lives with death threats and under constant police protection. As we trace Seyran's journey we also meet female imams from China, and learn of Seyran's ongoing work not only in liberalising Islam, but in combating violence against women and for the rights of sex workers and LGBTQI communities. Excellent viewing.

A Distant Place: Jin Woo works on a remote sheep farm in Korea, while also raising 4-year-old Seol. The locals in the closed community are not aware that Jin Woo is gay. Life goes smoothly until his lover Hyun Min turns up, closely followed by Jin Woo's twin sister. Their presence threatens to turn his world upside down. This is understated, emotionally powerful film-making, with nuanced scripting, and pitch-perfect acting from all (especially the little child playing Seol). Cinematography makes exquisite use of broad sweeping landscapes, as well as telling close-ups of the characters. This is the sort of powerful film-making about human emotion and struggle that really stands out. 

Fanny: The Right to Rock: I love music docos and this one ticks all the boxes. A pair of sisters who moved from the Philippines to California founded the group Fanny in their teens. From the late 60s to the mid 70s, the band played hard-driving rock, but were constantly referred to in a sexist manner, as if men had all the rights to  play this style of music, and women had none. They had a couple of big hits, then disbanded. But in 2016, now nearly into their seventies, the women re-formed a new band, recording and performing live, despite one of them having had a stroke. This is the sort of uplifting story that can inspire women, especially older women, to just "go for it". Terrific commentary from the likes of Bowie's lead guitarist  and rocker Bonnie Raitt add to the film's interest.

Tove:
Tove Jansson (Almo Poysti) will be known to lovers of the Moomin children's books as their author. But her rich life involved so much more, both personally and artistically. This wonderful Finnish/Swedish co-production begins in 1945 in Helsinki, where Tove aspires to be a painter, lives a Bohemian life, takes a married lover, and subsequently has a passionate lesbian love affair with theatre director Vivica. All the while her Moomin books are developing, as is her need to discover her independence and her true self. Fine dramatic fare, deserving of its many awards and nominations. 

The Goddess of Fortune:
A top pick of mine from last year's Italian Film Festival, is this award-winning film from director Ferzan Ozpetek (I adored his 2003 film Facing Windows). Boasting a stellar cast of Italy's top actors, it is the story of long-term partners Arturo (Stefano Accorsi) and Alessandro (Eduardo Leo), whose lives are disrupted when old friend Annamaria (Jasmine Trinca) reappears in their lives. Jealousies, disruptions, parental longings, and family secrets abound in this warm, witty delightful film that features terrific performances from all, including the kids.

 


 

 






Wednesday 10 November 2021

 November 11th

No Time to Die
Sydney Film Festival - until 21st November
Respect
Dolly Parton (streaming on Netflix)

The long-awaited latest James Bond film hits cinemas today. It's been worth the wait. A terrific biopic on Aretha Franklin is in your local cinema. Meantime, while Sydneysiders hit their festival in-cinema, many films from the Sydney Film Festival can be accessed Australia-wide online. And for those still staying home, a great doco on Dolly Parton is on Netflix. 

No Time To Die
Dir: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Length: 163 mins
© Universal - he's back! Daniel Craig's
final outing as Bond is a winner.

How to review this one without giving away any vital plot points? Here goes: James Bond (Daniel Craig) has retired from active service and is enjoying a romantic time with his beloved Madeleine (Lea Seydoux), about whom a lot more is revealed in the opening sequence. But he cannot escape the past, and after an attempt on his life he believes Madeleine has betrayed him. Five years later he is leading a modest, reclusive life in Jamaica, but before long he is lured back into active service, only to confront an enemy who poses a threat to the entire human race. Enough said of plot! For Bond aficionados, there is plenty of consolidating of  important plot threads from previous 007 films. Many of your favorites are back: Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Wishaw as the techno-gadget king Q, and Naomie Harris as Bond's staunch friend Moneypenny.  New faces are Lashana Lynch as kick-ass new agent Nomi, and Ana de Armas as Paloma, a ruthless killer in glamor gowns.The women are all 
strong and independent, and fortunately the old Bond exploiting of females has all but disappeared. Jeffrey Wright is back as Leiter, crazy Christoph Waltz reprises Blofeld, while Rami Malek makes an entry as Safin, a new arch-villain. Sets are splendid, as is the impressive wardrobe (apparently the Bond styling is sending the clothing market insane!) Stunning settings such as Matera in Italy, along with locations in Jamaica and Norway make for gorgeous viewing, and it goes without saying there is plenty of the usual heart-stopping action. What I especially love is the vulnerable aspect Craig brings to Bond; even if he does the usual trouncing of ten enemies in one go, he somehow feels more real on an emotional level than ever. And there are some super surprises to knock your socks off. I hope that's enough said to get you in to see it! It's a great ride.
4 - highly recommended

Sydney Film Festival
Until November 21st: sff.org.au
Newsflash: streaming online Australia-wide: https://ondemand.sff.org.au/
You don't have to jump on a plane to Sydney to enjoy a great selection of this year's festival films which are streaming online. I've already reviewed three excellent docos which are in the festival some weeks ago, and here's another chance to catch them:
A Fire Inside: The NSW firefighters battle horrific blazes
Under the Volcano: doco on George Martin's music studio in the Carribean
The Bowraville Murders: an unsolved murder devastates the Australian Indigenous community
Since then I've caught a couple more excellent films that are part of the streaming program:

The Rhumba Kings
An uplifting and joyous film, with
important historical content 
When people think of the Congo they may think of war, disease, gorillas, coltan, poverty - seldom would the word music pop into one's head. But, as this fabulous doco shows, Congo is home to an uplifting, vibrant and brilliant music genre, the Congolese Rhumba. This uplifting doco shines a light on the music that is part of Congo's national identity, and featured large in the people's battle to free the country from colonial oppression. Wonderful archival footage shows the early bands developing their own unique sound, and the unbridled joy of the people as they cut loose to dance, a rare escape from the white man's yoke. Interviews with musicians, music historians, and of course the infectious music itself, all combine to make an entertainment that will have you dancing in your seat. Director Alan Brain lived 7 years in the Congo and spent 9 years making a film 
that is unmissable for music lovers, and also for those interested in African history.
4 - highly recommended

ShoPaaPaa
The actor invites us into his challenging
life during Covid lockdown
Veyd (Shekhar Bassi) lives with a hugely challenging degenerative spinal condition. When Covid strikes in London, he is especially vulnerable and therefore spends his time permanently in isolation, seeing only his little niece and nephew from the window. Here's the thing - Bassi actually does suffer from this condition, and he collaborated on this remarkable film with Aussie director Molly Reynolds, to make something that is an intersection between documentary and fiction. For 90 minutes his character shuffles around his home on crutches, delivers his philosophy of life to the camera, suffers a couple of nasty falls, but generally presents himself with optimism, grace and dignity despite his life being constantly on a knife-edge. I've never seen anything quite like this, and was amazed to find this one-person film didn't flag for a moment for me. My interest in Veyd remained constant, and his life's circumstances and attitude are something we can only learn from. All this is such a credit to an impressive creative (and long-distance) collaboration between a director and her main man, who gives us the privilege of entering his world.
4 - highly recommended 

Respect
Dir: Liesl Tommy
Length: 145 mins
In cinemas
© Universal - Jennifer Hudson gives it her all
as the Queen of Soul
Aretha Franklin, known as the Queen of Soul, dominated the R'n'B scene for several decades. This biopic begins with her as a talented small child (Skye Dakota Turner), making her name as a singer in the choir of the church where her father (Forest Whittaker) preaches. We then follow the trajectory of her rise to stardom. Jennifer Hudson plays Aretha, with a voice as big and beautiful as the Queen herself. Hudson is perfect in the role. The film itself follows a fairly standard narrative arc, and seems to gloss over many of the deeper aspects of the singer's life, making it blander than it could otherwise have been. But as a chronicle of the stunning artistry and great songs, and to hear Hudson channel the great woman, it's well worth seeing.
3.5 - well recommended

Dolly Parton: Here I Am
Dir: Francis Whately
Length: 90 mins
Streaming on Netflix
© Netflix - Parton is an icon
of country music
Some people make fun of Dolly Parton, branding her a "dumb blonde" hillbilly singer. This doco shows her to be quite the contrary - a talented songwriter, savvy businesswoman and self-aware of her consciously created larger-than-life image. The huge hits "Nine to Five" and "I Will Always Love You" are just two of thousands she has written. The film shines light on what drives Dolly, and is confirmation that no-one has ever seen her without her make-up and wigs!  We find out the story behind the hit "Jolene", and discover her talents as an actress starting in 1980 with the film 9 to 5. With plenty of great archival footage, interviews with friends and other musicians, and of course with the gal herself, this is totally entertaining stuff, and, for lovers of country music, a must-see.
4 - highly recommended
 
 

Wednesday 3 November 2021

November 5th

British Film Festival
Prisoners of the Ghostland

Finally we have a festival launching in cinemas. The always terrific British FF comes to a cinema near you. And for fans of Nic Cage there's a seriously weird streaming release that could possibly become a cult favorite. 

British Film Festival
November 3rd until December 1 - Melbourne opening on November 5th
Palace Cinemas
For all the info on places, dates and films: https://britishfilmfestival.com.au
Here we go with an in-cinema festival presenting top-class films from "the old country". Fans of Timothy Spall will be delighted to find him starring in three films, music lovers can catch a David Bowie biopic, and Clapton lovers will revel in his Lockdown Sessions. Favorite actors like Colin Firth, Olivia Coleman, Michael Caine and more are featured. There is also a retrospective of seven films from the seventies, including A Clockwork Orange and The Go-Between. I'm fortunate to have seen an excellent selection to recommend to you. All films are worthy contenders with my wholehearted recommendations being Boiling Point and Eric Clapton.  

© Brit FF - tensions simmer in
a high-end restaurant
Boiling Point: With 10 nominations to its name, this fine film takes us to a high end restaurant, where chef Andy (Stephen Graham) and his staff are juggling preparations, table service, and tempers. This is truly a brilliant performance from Graham, and the entire cast; you feel like you are on the spot, in the kitchen, experiencing more tension than is bearable. The film is done in one extraordinary real-time shot, and captures Andy juggling personal and business dramas with his work, all exacerbated by demanding guests, an unexpected health inspector, and problems with staff and the restaurant manager. A thrilling, totally immersive film.

© Brit FF - behind the scenes
in the bubbly industry
Sparkling: The Story of Champagne
 Who doesn't love a glass of bubbly, and what's not to love about this charming doco featuring the great champagne houses of France? There's a bit of history of the delicious beverage, and informative interviews with winemakers of such great houses as Dom Perignon, Pommery, Pieper Heidsieck, and more. But the real surprise is the Brits now buying into the industry, marketing their sparkling white, and taking some top prizes, much to the chagrin of the French! And with climate change, there may be more forced collaborations between the two countries' industry - sacre bleu! This is effervescent viewing, light, lovely and fun.  

© Brit FF - age has not wearied him -
Clapton as good as ever
Eric Clapton: Lockdown Sessions - 
 When Clapton's concert at Albert Hall was cancelled due to the pandemic he headed to a gracious house in the beautiful English countryside, set up a studio, and made a recording with his small band of bass, drums and keyboards. Almost like a sequel to his Unplugged album, this is a session to delight Clapton fans and music lovers - a showcase for musicianship par excellence. The doco is also a lovely behind the scenes look at the guys and their long-standing relationship with each other, playing seamlessly together as if they can read each other's minds. Great to see the not-so-young at the top of their musical game. There are old favorites, some interesting covers and plenty I'd never heard - just an immersive total enjoyment.

© Brit FF - the nightmare of
trench warfare
The War Below: 
There's never a lack of films telling true 
World War 1 stories from yet another angle, this time, that of the coal-miners who were co-opted into the war effort. Their job was to tunnel from the Allied trenches under no-man's land, through to the German trenches and set off bombs. A solid, serviceable film, it pays homage to the unsung heroes whose efforts saved many lives. 

© Brit FF - this unusual film
features a great perf from Spall
The Grand Duke of Corsica
: Alfred Rott (Timothy Spall) is a renowned architect with a most cantankerous nature. He's commissioned 
to build a mausoleum by an eccentric man (Peter Stormare) living in Malta. At the same time a crew is there making a film set in the 1200s about St Francis curing a leper. Things get dire when a malaria epidemic hits. Spall is at his sour-faced, crude-mouthed best, Stormare is pretentious and histrionic as the self-appointed Grand Duke, and the whole film is peppered with philosophising and illness, all adding up to a rather perplexing but nevertheless intriguing and unusual movie experience. The whole epidemic theme is treacherously close to home!

© Brit FF - insightful look at several generations
of family and creativity
My Father and Me: Nick Broomfield is a famed documentary film-maker but here he turns the camera upon himself and his relationship with his father. Maurice Broomfield was a renowned photographer of industrial subject matter. Sounds potentially dull, but is anything but! The film shines a light upon Maurice's spectacularly impressive body of work, that's actually starkly beautiful. The doco also examines the family's relationships, and the creative differences between father and son. There are some lovely intimate moments and nostalgic old home films, along with an intriguing family history involving more cultural clashes between members of the extended family, some from Europe and others who were dyed-in-the-wool Brits. 

Prisoners of the Ghostland
Dir: Sion Sono
Length: 100 mins
Streaming on major platforms
© Umbrella - what a mash up
of genres. Cage at his craziest
After Nicolas Cage's fine turn in the recent Pig, he's back, as mad as he ever was. The Japanese director has made a "weird science fiction horror action crime film", the plot of which totally eludes me, but seems like a mash-up of samurai, western and sci-fi genres. Cage is a criminal, sent out by "the governor" (a creepy old dude in a Texas style outfit) to rescue his daughter (Sophia Boutella) from the Ghostland, which looks like a place out of a Mad Max movie. Suffice to say, this will possibly become a cult movie - a wild action ride  and some seriously well-crafted scenes in terms of settings. 
2.5 - maybe - for Cage fans, definitely