Posts Tagged: Thriller
Shallow Grave (1994)
If you want to see a film that really gets your pulse going, really has you gripping your seat and gritting your teeth, then Shallow Grave is it. This Scottish crime thriller is expertly directed by Danny Boyle in his cinematic
Shallow Grave (1994)
If you want to see a film that really gets your pulse going, really has you gripping your seat and gritting your teeth, then Shallow Grave is it. This Scottish crime thriller is expertly directed by Danny Boyle in his cinematic
Blue Velvet (1986)
One of the seminal films of the 80s, Blue Velvet is a weird and mesmerising neo noir. The fascinating storyline is brought to life by a capable cast with memorable performances from Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell. Blue Velvet tackles sexual deviation, drug
Blue Velvet (1986)
One of the seminal films of the 80s, Blue Velvet is a weird and mesmerising neo noir. The fascinating storyline is brought to life by a capable cast with memorable performances from Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell. Blue Velvet tackles sexual deviation, drug
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
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
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
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
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
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
Run Lola Run (1998)
This is a hugely entertaining, humorous and exhaustingly-paced German thriller from writer/director Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente – of The Bourne film series fame. The innovative visual style using several different filming techniques, the palpable sense of urgency, the pulsating techno score
Run Lola Run (1998)
This is a hugely entertaining, humorous and exhaustingly-paced German thriller from writer/director Tom Tykwer, starring Franka Potente – of The Bourne film series fame. The innovative visual style using several different filming techniques, the palpable sense of urgency, the pulsating techno score
The Thing (1982)
The Thing had the unfortunate luck of being released at the same time as E.T. and Blade Runner. Despite bombing at the box office, this sci-fi horror has become the true definition of a cult classic. Written by Bill Lancaster, the
The Thing (1982)
The Thing had the unfortunate luck of being released at the same time as E.T. and Blade Runner. Despite bombing at the box office, this sci-fi horror has become the true definition of a cult classic. Written by Bill Lancaster, the
Brick (2005)
Rian Johnson’s excellent feature debut is a neo-noir set in an American high school. This intriguing thriller stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a student-turned-dogged investigator. Gordon-Levitt’s great performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast. Brick is a unique film, created by a filmmaker
Brick (2005)
Rian Johnson’s excellent feature debut is a neo-noir set in an American high school. This intriguing thriller stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a student-turned-dogged investigator. Gordon-Levitt’s great performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast. Brick is a unique film, created by a filmmaker
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 Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
J Blakeson’s superbly made crime thriller is pure tension from beginning to end. His direction and script is top-notch, as is the acting by Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is not a film to be
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)
J Blakeson’s superbly made crime thriller is pure tension from beginning to end. His direction and script is top-notch, as is the acting by Gemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is not a film to be
Headhunters (2011)
Morten Tyldum’s highly entertaining Norwegian action thriller does have a couple of scenes that you will need to take with a pinch of salt. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for a treat. With a cool script based on Jo Nesbø’s
Headhunters (2011)
Morten Tyldum’s highly entertaining Norwegian action thriller does have a couple of scenes that you will need to take with a pinch of salt. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for a treat. With a cool script based on Jo Nesbø’s
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
Limitless (2011)
Limitless is a highly entertaining, lowbrow Manhattan thriller based on the novel by Alan Glynn. Bradley Cooper plays Eddie Morra, a down-and-out who stumbles upon a silver bullet to solve all his problems. Co-stars Abbie Cornish and Robert de Niro – although
Limitless (2011)
Limitless is a highly entertaining, lowbrow Manhattan thriller based on the novel by Alan Glynn. Bradley Cooper plays Eddie Morra, a down-and-out who stumbles upon a silver bullet to solve all his problems. Co-stars Abbie Cornish and Robert de Niro – although
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
Cell 211 (2009)
Winner of eight Goya Awards, Cell 211 is a thrilling, high-tension drama revolving around a prison, its inmates and guards, and the events that take place on a particular day. Daniel Monzón directs this superb Spanish film using a cast
Cell 211 (2009)
Winner of eight Goya Awards, Cell 211 is a thrilling, high-tension drama revolving around a prison, its inmates and guards, and the events that take place on a particular day. Daniel Monzón directs this superb Spanish film using a cast
Halloween (1978)
This modern horror classic succeeds where many in the genre don’t because director John Carpenter’s simple approach gives Halloween a frightening realism. With no special effects and very few cheap thrills, Carpenter builds the tension to unbearable heights. A 19-year-old
Halloween (1978)
This modern horror classic succeeds where many in the genre don’t because director John Carpenter’s simple approach gives Halloween a frightening realism. With no special effects and very few cheap thrills, Carpenter builds the tension to unbearable heights. A 19-year-old
Thesis (1996)
Alejandro Amenábar’s superb debut is a Spanish psychological thriller about a university student working on a thesis about violence in the media. As she researches material, she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for. Thesis was nominated for eight prizes at the 1997
Thesis (1996)
Alejandro Amenábar’s superb debut is a Spanish psychological thriller about a university student working on a thesis about violence in the media. As she researches material, she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for. Thesis was nominated for eight prizes at the 1997
The Guard (2011)
In this lovely little comedy set in Ireland, Brendan Gleeson plays an unorthodox rural garda (policeman) who has to team up with an FBI agent (Don Cheadle) to catch some international criminals. The mismatching of these two coppers from very
The Guard (2011)
In this lovely little comedy set in Ireland, Brendan Gleeson plays an unorthodox rural garda (policeman) who has to team up with an FBI agent (Don Cheadle) to catch some international criminals. The mismatching of these two coppers from very
Death Wish (1974)
Death Wish is the first film in the history of cinema with a civilian hero killing other civilians. It spawned four sequels and became one of the most copied film ever. Charles Bronson plays an architect who, for personal reasons, takes on the
Death Wish (1974)
Death Wish is the first film in the history of cinema with a civilian hero killing other civilians. It spawned four sequels and became one of the most copied film ever. Charles Bronson plays an architect who, for personal reasons, takes on the
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Lynne Ramsay’s excellent drama thriller follows the shocking psychological feud which is waged between a mother and her young son. Eva is not a natural when it comes to motherhood and Kevin, sensing this, throws scorn and worse at her attempts. We
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Lynne Ramsay’s excellent drama thriller follows the shocking psychological feud which is waged between a mother and her young son. Eva is not a natural when it comes to motherhood and Kevin, sensing this, throws scorn and worse at her attempts. We
Primer (2004)
Shane Carruth’s extraordinary sci-fi drama revolves around four scientists inventing a special one-of-a-kind machine in their garage. The contraption they build seems straightforward to use at first but complications arise as the story moves forward. The dialogue is shop talk babble we barely
Primer (2004)
Shane Carruth’s extraordinary sci-fi drama revolves around four scientists inventing a special one-of-a-kind machine in their garage. The contraption they build seems straightforward to use at first but complications arise as the story moves forward. The dialogue is shop talk babble we barely
Nine Queens (2000)
Nothing is as it seems in Fabián Bielinsky’s fabulous Argentinian crime thriller, Nine Queens. This award-winning film, set in the world of con men and thieves in Buenos Aires, follows a couple of grifters as they go about their daily lives of
Nine Queens (2000)
Nothing is as it seems in Fabián Bielinsky’s fabulous Argentinian crime thriller, Nine Queens. This award-winning film, set in the world of con men and thieves in Buenos Aires, follows a couple of grifters as they go about their daily lives of
Kill List (2011)
We at Wonderful Cinema like nothing more than to watch a film without the slightest idea what it is about other than a strong recommendation that it is worth seeing. In this way we are always surprised, even if not
Kill List (2011)
We at Wonderful Cinema like nothing more than to watch a film without the slightest idea what it is about other than a strong recommendation that it is worth seeing. In this way we are always surprised, even if not
Pontypool (2008)
A superb psychological drama, Pontypool is based on the excellent novel by Tony Burgess, “Pontypool Changes Everything”. It is directed by Bruce McDonald of The Tracey Fragments fame. Almost the whole film is set in one location, a radio station in a
Pontypool (2008)
A superb psychological drama, Pontypool is based on the excellent novel by Tony Burgess, “Pontypool Changes Everything”. It is directed by Bruce McDonald of The Tracey Fragments fame. Almost the whole film is set in one location, a radio station in a
Memories of Murder (2003)
Based on a true case involving the murders of several women between 1986-91 in provincial South Korea, Memories of Murder follows the investigation by the local police force. Bong Joon-Ho’s remarkable film, marked by incongruous comedy, takes us beyond the details
Memories of Murder (2003)
Based on a true case involving the murders of several women between 1986-91 in provincial South Korea, Memories of Murder follows the investigation by the local police force. Bong Joon-Ho’s remarkable film, marked by incongruous comedy, takes us beyond the details
Alien (1979)
With its shocks, thrills and intense atmosphere, Alien was one of the first films to effectively merge the two genres of Sci-Fi and Horror. This was also one of the first films to feature a woman in a lead action-hero
Alien (1979)
With its shocks, thrills and intense atmosphere, Alien was one of the first films to effectively merge the two genres of Sci-Fi and Horror. This was also one of the first films to feature a woman in a lead action-hero
Eden Lake (2008)
A frightening thriller, Eden Lake gets under your skin and leaves you feeling exhilarated as well as angry. Its rendition of characters from certain English walks of life is very realistic, feeding our fears of a society breaking down. The
Eden Lake (2008)
A frightening thriller, Eden Lake gets under your skin and leaves you feeling exhilarated as well as angry. Its rendition of characters from certain English walks of life is very realistic, feeding our fears of a society breaking down. The
Double Indemnity (1944)
Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity is one of the earliest and best examples of film-noir. It helped develop the style on screen which fits so well the stories and dialogue of hard-boiled writers such as James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler. Cain wrote
Double Indemnity (1944)
Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity is one of the earliest and best examples of film-noir. It helped develop the style on screen which fits so well the stories and dialogue of hard-boiled writers such as James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler. Cain wrote
Hanna (2011)
Hanna is a first-rate action thriller which centers around a teenage girl who has grown up in the remote wilds of Finland. Trained as an assassin from an early age by her ex-CIA father, she has been prepared for something. One moment a
Hanna (2011)
Hanna is a first-rate action thriller which centers around a teenage girl who has grown up in the remote wilds of Finland. Trained as an assassin from an early age by her ex-CIA father, she has been prepared for something. One moment a
Surveillance (2008)
Surveillance is an exciting, violent crime thriller which tells its intriguing story from several viewpoints and leaves you guessing. Jennifer Chambers Lynch’s directing is sharp, and the story is good, but it is the excellent rendition of the dialogue by
Surveillance (2008)
Surveillance is an exciting, violent crime thriller which tells its intriguing story from several viewpoints and leaves you guessing. Jennifer Chambers Lynch’s directing is sharp, and the story is good, but it is the excellent rendition of the dialogue by
Le Trou (1960)
Jacques Becker’s masterpiece Le Trou a.k.a. The Hole is one of cinema’s greatest prison films. Becker retells this real-life story with uncompromising realism, forcing us to share in the protagonists’ physical and mental anguish. Le Trou’s gritty edge is further accentuated by
Le Trou (1960)
Jacques Becker’s masterpiece Le Trou a.k.a. The Hole is one of cinema’s greatest prison films. Becker retells this real-life story with uncompromising realism, forcing us to share in the protagonists’ physical and mental anguish. Le Trou’s gritty edge is further accentuated by
Hard Candy (2005)
Hard Candy is a claustrophobic thriller tackling paedophilia. First-time director David Slade is on dangerous ground with the controversial subject matter but does a superb job of bringing together an excellent script, crisp cinematography, and an awe-inspiring performance by Ellen Page. Confounding the
Hard Candy (2005)
Hard Candy is a claustrophobic thriller tackling paedophilia. First-time director David Slade is on dangerous ground with the controversial subject matter but does a superb job of bringing together an excellent script, crisp cinematography, and an awe-inspiring performance by Ellen Page. Confounding the
Funny Games (1997)
This superbly acted and paced Austrian film is out to prove that us moviegoers have yet to become so accustomed to cinema violence that we have lost our capacity for horror and empathy. Funny Games is extreme without directly showing much
Funny Games (1997)
This superbly acted and paced Austrian film is out to prove that us moviegoers have yet to become so accustomed to cinema violence that we have lost our capacity for horror and empathy. Funny Games is extreme without directly showing much
