Posts Tagged: Drama
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
This crime drama is a tense 2 hrs 20 min watch. Three stories rolled into one provide changes of perspective and pace which culminate in a satisfying experience. It is not a masterpiece by any means but The Place Beyond
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
This crime drama is a tense 2 hrs 20 min watch. Three stories rolled into one provide changes of perspective and pace which culminate in a satisfying experience. It is not a masterpiece by any means but The Place Beyond
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
Steven Soderbergh’s breakthrough cinematic debut is a series of cleverly-written sequences involving interactions between some or all of four very distinct characters. Sex, Lies, and Videotape is a study of how people think they know themselves and how their perspectives can
Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989)
Steven Soderbergh’s breakthrough cinematic debut is a series of cleverly-written sequences involving interactions between some or all of four very distinct characters. Sex, Lies, and Videotape is a study of how people think they know themselves and how their perspectives can
Amour (2012)
We are big fans of Austrian director Michael Haneke here on Wonderful Cinema. We have already reviewed Funny Games (1997) and Caché (2005). Now we turn our attention to his latest - an exceptional film. Amour a.k.a. Love is a beautifully crafted piece
Amour (2012)
We are big fans of Austrian director Michael Haneke here on Wonderful Cinema. We have already reviewed Funny Games (1997) and Caché (2005). Now we turn our attention to his latest - an exceptional film. Amour a.k.a. Love is a beautifully crafted piece
La Dolce Vita (1960)
One of the wonderful things about having a passion for films is that there is always another gem that you never got around to seeing. Over 50 years after it was made, I have finally sat down and watched Federico Fellini’s
La Dolce Vita (1960)
One of the wonderful things about having a passion for films is that there is always another gem that you never got around to seeing. Over 50 years after it was made, I have finally sat down and watched Federico Fellini’s
Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
The opening scene of Werckmeister Harmonies must be one of the most engaging and wonderful ever made. This apparent setting of the tone and the way subsequent events unfold make us very grateful we knew nothing about this film before
Werckmeister Harmonies (2000)
The opening scene of Werckmeister Harmonies must be one of the most engaging and wonderful ever made. This apparent setting of the tone and the way subsequent events unfold make us very grateful we knew nothing about this film before
The Mill and the Cross (2011)
Submerging oneself in Lech Majewski’s The Mill and the Cross is a fascinating and totally original experience. This drama starring Rutger Hauer, Charlotte Rampling and Michael York brings to life the painting “The Procession to Calvary” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Painted in 1564, Bruegel’s masterpiece
The Mill and the Cross (2011)
Submerging oneself in Lech Majewski’s The Mill and the Cross is a fascinating and totally original experience. This drama starring Rutger Hauer, Charlotte Rampling and Michael York brings to life the painting “The Procession to Calvary” by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Painted in 1564, Bruegel’s masterpiece
In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges is a brilliantly constructed and incredibly fun film. At times it is thrilling, at times dramatic, but overall this is superb comedy. The film stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes in fantastic and brilliantly acted roles. Finally
In Bruges (2008)
Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges is a brilliantly constructed and incredibly fun film. At times it is thrilling, at times dramatic, but overall this is superb comedy. The film stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes in fantastic and brilliantly acted roles. Finally
City of God (2002)
A masterpiece from Brazil, 2002′s City of God follows a group of youths growing up in a crime-ridden slum outside Rio de Janeiro. This film is shocking, thrilling, frightening and humorous. The incredible cinematography, gripping story and wonderful characters will keep you
City of God (2002)
A masterpiece from Brazil, 2002′s City of God follows a group of youths growing up in a crime-ridden slum outside Rio de Janeiro. This film is shocking, thrilling, frightening and humorous. The incredible cinematography, gripping story and wonderful characters will keep you
Drive (2011)
Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, is a slick neo-noir crime thriller and an original experience. On the surface it looks like just a stylish action film but Drive places character development above action. The result is a film where we care about the protagonists and understand
Drive (2011)
Drive, starring Ryan Gosling, is a slick neo-noir crime thriller and an original experience. On the surface it looks like just a stylish action film but Drive places character development above action. The result is a film where we care about the protagonists and understand
Winter’s Bone (2010)
Winter’s Bone is a superior film with a truly phenomenal performance by its young star, Jennifer Lawrence. 21-year-old Lawrence is currently box office dynamite in the smash hit, The Hunger Games. But this is not her first great success. She has already been
Winter’s Bone (2010)
Winter’s Bone is a superior film with a truly phenomenal performance by its young star, Jennifer Lawrence. 21-year-old Lawrence is currently box office dynamite in the smash hit, The Hunger Games. But this is not her first great success. She has already been
I Killed My Mother (2009)
I Killed My Mother received an eight-minute standing ovation when it was shown at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it won three awards. It is the assured debut of then 19-year-old Canadian director, Xavier Dolan. Dolan wrote I Killed My Mother when he was
I Killed My Mother (2009)
I Killed My Mother received an eight-minute standing ovation when it was shown at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, where it won three awards. It is the assured debut of then 19-year-old Canadian director, Xavier Dolan. Dolan wrote I Killed My Mother when he was
Barfly (1987)
Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway deliver outstanding performances in this cult classic. Barfly is a semi-autobiographical account by American poet, novelist and short story writer Charles Bukowski of his days hanging around bars in Los Angeles, drinking heavily. Though set within this
Barfly (1987)
Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway deliver outstanding performances in this cult classic. Barfly is a semi-autobiographical account by American poet, novelist and short story writer Charles Bukowski of his days hanging around bars in Los Angeles, drinking heavily. Though set within this
Carnage (2011)
Roman Polanski directs Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet in this excellent black comedy. Polanski excels at chamber pieces. His debut feature, Knife in the Water (1962) as well as Repulsion (1965), Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Tenant (1976) all build their uneasy atmospheres
Carnage (2011)
Roman Polanski directs Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Christoph Waltz and Kate Winslet in this excellent black comedy. Polanski excels at chamber pieces. His debut feature, Knife in the Water (1962) as well as Repulsion (1965), Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Tenant (1976) all build their uneasy atmospheres
Moon (2009)
Complex science fiction is a threatened genre in literature and film. As the decades pass, writers such as Stanisław Lem and film-makers such as Andrey Tarkovskiy become fewer and farther between. In 2009 along came Duncan Jones, a successful commercials director
Moon (2009)
Complex science fiction is a threatened genre in literature and film. As the decades pass, writers such as Stanisław Lem and film-makers such as Andrey Tarkovskiy become fewer and farther between. In 2009 along came Duncan Jones, a successful commercials director
Amores Perros (2000)
Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s uncompromisingly hard-hitting debut feature is an astounding drama thriller. It’s disturbing imagery, brilliantly choreographed and filmed, shocks. With his vivid characters and stories – all based loosely on fact – Iñárritu shows us a dark yet realistic
Amores Perros (2000)
Mexican director Alejandro González Iñárritu’s uncompromisingly hard-hitting debut feature is an astounding drama thriller. It’s disturbing imagery, brilliantly choreographed and filmed, shocks. With his vivid characters and stories – all based loosely on fact – Iñárritu shows us a dark yet realistic
The Artist (2011)
So why does it work, a silent movie eight decades after talkies took the world by storm? Why did it win so many awards? Why on earth would you want to see a film without dialogue unless it was a
The Artist (2011)
So why does it work, a silent movie eight decades after talkies took the world by storm? Why did it win so many awards? Why on earth would you want to see a film without dialogue unless it was a
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
The wonderful Stranger Than Fiction mixes fantasy, drama, sentimentality and humour into an exquisite cocktail of existential thoughts and warm, fuzzy feelings. Zach Helm’s original and award-winning screenplay is a gem. Marc Forster’s direction highly entertaining. The protagonist, played beautifully low-key by Will
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
The wonderful Stranger Than Fiction mixes fantasy, drama, sentimentality and humour into an exquisite cocktail of existential thoughts and warm, fuzzy feelings. Zach Helm’s original and award-winning screenplay is a gem. Marc Forster’s direction highly entertaining. The protagonist, played beautifully low-key by Will
Caché (2005)
Michael Haneke’s gripping, multi-layered French thriller Caché a.k.a. Hidden commands the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. This writer/director does not eagerly feed answers to his audiences. He relies instead on their intelligence, something severely bereft in most films in the same genre. Haneke likes
Caché (2005)
Michael Haneke’s gripping, multi-layered French thriller Caché a.k.a. Hidden commands the viewer’s attention from beginning to end. This writer/director does not eagerly feed answers to his audiences. He relies instead on their intelligence, something severely bereft in most films in the same genre. Haneke likes
City Lights (1931)
In 1949 critic James Agee wrote in Life magazine that the indescribable look on Charlie Chaplin’s face at the end of City Lights was the greatest piece of acting on celluloid ever recorded. The film is one of Chaplin’s masterpieces, mixing comedy
City Lights (1931)
In 1949 critic James Agee wrote in Life magazine that the indescribable look on Charlie Chaplin’s face at the end of City Lights was the greatest piece of acting on celluloid ever recorded. The film is one of Chaplin’s masterpieces, mixing comedy
Take Shelter (2011)
Take Shelter is an original story woven around the desperation of middle-class, middle-Americans following the economic slowdown of recent years. Michael Shannon’s strong acting skills are brought to bear in this slow-building, gripping drama-thriller directed by Jeff Nichols. One or two
Take Shelter (2011)
Take Shelter is an original story woven around the desperation of middle-class, middle-Americans following the economic slowdown of recent years. Michael Shannon’s strong acting skills are brought to bear in this slow-building, gripping drama-thriller directed by Jeff Nichols. One or two
The Tracey Fragments (2007)
Starring the wonderful Ellen Page, The Tracey Fragments is a compelling and occasionally heart-wrenching Canadian drama presented in a technically interesting fashion. Directed by Bruce McDonald, with a screenplay written by Maureen Medved based on her stream-of-consciousness novel, the film sporadically uses
The Tracey Fragments (2007)
Starring the wonderful Ellen Page, The Tracey Fragments is a compelling and occasionally heart-wrenching Canadian drama presented in a technically interesting fashion. Directed by Bruce McDonald, with a screenplay written by Maureen Medved based on her stream-of-consciousness novel, the film sporadically uses
Let the Right One In (2008)
Tomas Alfredson’s amazing Swedish film cannot be pigeonholed into a single genre. It is not horror nor fantasy, although the film contains elements of both. Most of all, this is a dramatic and unconventional love story between two children. But
Let the Right One In (2008)
Tomas Alfredson’s amazing Swedish film cannot be pigeonholed into a single genre. It is not horror nor fantasy, although the film contains elements of both. Most of all, this is a dramatic and unconventional love story between two children. But
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece is hypnotic, eerie and truly frightening. This visually astounding film, which made abundant use of the then revolutionary Steadicam, stars a top-of-his-game Jack Nicholson in his most famous role. The Shining is full of ambiguities which on
The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece is hypnotic, eerie and truly frightening. This visually astounding film, which made abundant use of the then revolutionary Steadicam, stars a top-of-his-game Jack Nicholson in his most famous role. The Shining is full of ambiguities which on
Anonymous (2011)
Anonymous is a pseudo-historical political thriller which promotes a theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works. However eagerly most of us will reject this proposal, it is no reason to avoid this marvelous film. A clever
Anonymous (2011)
Anonymous is a pseudo-historical political thriller which promotes a theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works. However eagerly most of us will reject this proposal, it is no reason to avoid this marvelous film. A clever
Precious (2009)
This remarkable film is filled with extraordinary performances which power a sometimes light, sometimes dark account of a teenager who dreams of stardom but whose reality is blighted by material and spiritual poverty. Teenager Precious is played impressively by newcomer Gabourey
Precious (2009)
This remarkable film is filled with extraordinary performances which power a sometimes light, sometimes dark account of a teenager who dreams of stardom but whose reality is blighted by material and spiritual poverty. Teenager Precious is played impressively by newcomer Gabourey
The Intouchables (2011)
The Intouchables has been a massive hit, taking over $336 million at the box office in its first 6 months. It is a brilliantly funny and tender tale brought to the screen magnificently by its two main actors, Omar Sy and François Cluzet,
The Intouchables (2011)
The Intouchables has been a massive hit, taking over $336 million at the box office in its first 6 months. It is a brilliantly funny and tender tale brought to the screen magnificently by its two main actors, Omar Sy and François Cluzet,
The Lives of Others (2006)
Winner of the 79th Best Foreign Film Oscar, The Lives of Others is an outstanding psychological and political thriller set in East Berlin in 1984. The whole cast is excellent. Newcomers to German film will be floored by Ulrich Mühe (who
The Lives of Others (2006)
Winner of the 79th Best Foreign Film Oscar, The Lives of Others is an outstanding psychological and political thriller set in East Berlin in 1984. The whole cast is excellent. Newcomers to German film will be floored by Ulrich Mühe (who
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
Sean Durkin’s disquieting debut feature film is a slow-paced psychological thriller which works exceedingly well due to the superb performance of its star, Elizabeth Olsen. Olsen works magic to create a totally believable character that sucks us into the dark story. A
Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011)
Sean Durkin’s disquieting debut feature film is a slow-paced psychological thriller which works exceedingly well due to the superb performance of its star, Elizabeth Olsen. Olsen works magic to create a totally believable character that sucks us into the dark story. A
The Graduate (1967)
One of the most famous seduction stories in cinematic history, Mike Nichols’ The Graduate is a funny, gripping, romantic film with some sober statements about the arduous maturation process as well as the rueful ennui of middle age. This film is
The Graduate (1967)
One of the most famous seduction stories in cinematic history, Mike Nichols’ The Graduate is a funny, gripping, romantic film with some sober statements about the arduous maturation process as well as the rueful ennui of middle age. This film is
Tyrannosaur (2011)
This tense and bleak British drama realistically depicts the raging anger, hatred and violence many British men – for whatever reason – have buried in their souls. This brutality is often released with the abuse of alcohol. But for some,
Tyrannosaur (2011)
This tense and bleak British drama realistically depicts the raging anger, hatred and violence many British men – for whatever reason – have buried in their souls. This brutality is often released with the abuse of alcohol. But for some,
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen brothers’ breathtaking adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel is one of the finest crime thrillers ever produced. A nerve-wracking and original screenplay with sly wit and tense action sequences is played out brilliantly by a cast which includes Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy
No Country for Old Men (2007)
The Coen brothers’ breathtaking adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel is one of the finest crime thrillers ever produced. A nerve-wracking and original screenplay with sly wit and tense action sequences is played out brilliantly by a cast which includes Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy
Man Bites Dog (1992)
This controversial Belgian comedy drama is a sometimes shockingly violent yet effective satire on the complicity and often culpability of the media in our desensitisation to violence. One of the blackest comedies you’ll ever see, “Man Bites Dog” will have you laughing at scenes
Man Bites Dog (1992)
This controversial Belgian comedy drama is a sometimes shockingly violent yet effective satire on the complicity and often culpability of the media in our desensitisation to violence. One of the blackest comedies you’ll ever see, “Man Bites Dog” will have you laughing at scenes
Citizen Kane (1941)
A sophisticated masterpiece and one of the world’s most famous and highly-rated films, Citizen Kane contains many extraordinary performances and scenes using cinematic and narrative techniques which were experimental and innovative at the time. Director, star and producer Orson Welles,
Citizen Kane (1941)
A sophisticated masterpiece and one of the world’s most famous and highly-rated films, Citizen Kane contains many extraordinary performances and scenes using cinematic and narrative techniques which were experimental and innovative at the time. Director, star and producer Orson Welles,
Donnie Darko (2001)
Richard Kelly’s highly original comedy teen drama/sci-fi horror mystery boasts one of the most bizarre yet compelling stories in cinematic history. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko with a great supporting cast which includes Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze and Drew Barrymore. This film is fascinating, very well
Donnie Darko (2001)
Richard Kelly’s highly original comedy teen drama/sci-fi horror mystery boasts one of the most bizarre yet compelling stories in cinematic history. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko with a great supporting cast which includes Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze and Drew Barrymore. This film is fascinating, very well
La Haine (1995)
Mathieu Kassovitz’s La Haine a.k.a. Hate follows three immigrant friends – a Jew, an African and an Arab – who live in a poor district on Paris’ outskirts. The central theme of the film is the social marginalisation of such people and
La Haine (1995)
Mathieu Kassovitz’s La Haine a.k.a. Hate follows three immigrant friends – a Jew, an African and an Arab – who live in a poor district on Paris’ outskirts. The central theme of the film is the social marginalisation of such people and
Seven Samurai (1954)
Renowned as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, Seven Samurai is set in 16th century Japan where bandits roam the countryside, ransacking farmers villages and killing or kidnapping their inhabitants. Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece is not only
Seven Samurai (1954)
Renowned as one of the greatest and most influential films ever made, Seven Samurai is set in 16th century Japan where bandits roam the countryside, ransacking farmers villages and killing or kidnapping their inhabitants. Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece is not only
50/50 (2011)
A comedy? About cancer? That doesn’t seem like very good taste! Script writer Will Reiser and director Jonathan Levine have managed to create a wonderful film. It’s a kind of romantic-comedy-drama about a young man with a severe form of
50/50 (2011)
A comedy? About cancer? That doesn’t seem like very good taste! Script writer Will Reiser and director Jonathan Levine have managed to create a wonderful film. It’s a kind of romantic-comedy-drama about a young man with a severe form of
The Machinist (2004)
“If you were any thinner, you wouldn’t exist.” Christian Bale’s skeletal frame is almost unbearable to watch. For his role in The Machinist, he crash-dieted down to a shocking 120 lbs/55 kilos. This is one of many elements that give
The Machinist (2004)
“If you were any thinner, you wouldn’t exist.” Christian Bale’s skeletal frame is almost unbearable to watch. For his role in The Machinist, he crash-dieted down to a shocking 120 lbs/55 kilos. This is one of many elements that give
Nikita (1990)
Luc Besson’s stylish French action thriller stars Anne Parillaud in an intense performance with great supporting roles played by Marc Duret, Patrick Fontana and Jean Reno. The sharp script, exciting action scenes and complexly layered characters all go towards creating a
Nikita (1990)
Luc Besson’s stylish French action thriller stars Anne Parillaud in an intense performance with great supporting roles played by Marc Duret, Patrick Fontana and Jean Reno. The sharp script, exciting action scenes and complexly layered characters all go towards creating a
12 Angry Men (1957)
A powerful and iconic legal drama, 12 Angry Men stars Henry Fonda in one of his career’s best performances. Directed by Sidney Lumet, with an incredible supporting cast, this film takes us on an exhilarating journey, masterful in both storyline and cinematography. The
12 Angry Men (1957)
A powerful and iconic legal drama, 12 Angry Men stars Henry Fonda in one of his career’s best performances. Directed by Sidney Lumet, with an incredible supporting cast, this film takes us on an exhilarating journey, masterful in both storyline and cinematography. The
