The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)

When looking at any form of postcolonial literature written by an author that is part of a previously marginalized group, we can see some degree of “writing back”, whereby they are constructing works that not only describe their experiences or those of their ancestors, but also serve a discursive function, commenting on the issues that…

Wild Strawberries (1957)

“The day’s clear reality dissolved into the even clearer images of memory that appeared before my eyes with the strength of a true stream of events.” These profound words occur towards the middle of Wild Strawberries (Swedish: Smultronstället), one of the many unimpeachable masterpieces handcrafted by the incredible Ingmar Bergman, produced at a time in…

Gates of Paris (1957)

Somewhere on the other side of Paris sits the small neighbourhood of Porte des Lilas (“Port of Lilacs”), in which many of the city’s working-class citizens reside, making it their home after a long day’s work. Two of its residents in particular are the focus – L’Artiste (Georges Brassens) is a penniless musician who makes…

We Are the Best! (2013)

Stockholm in the 1980s seems like a wonderful place – except to seventh graders Bobo (Mira Barkhammar) and Klara (Mira Grosin), who haven’t ever quite fit in – but it’s not like they put in much effort anyway. Instead of following the mainstream fashions and pursuing popular interests, the two girls instead decide to embrace…

Edge of the City (1957)

There was a crossover period somewhere in the mid-1950s, where the Golden Age of Hollywood came into collision with the earliest pioneers of New Hollywood – we weren’t quite at the point where it made sense to consider these young, burgeoning revolutionaries as being the next shining stars of the industry, but there was some…

The Woman Who Ran (2020)

There’s a certain faction of the filmgoing community that absolutely idolizes Hong Sang-soo, whose work has reflected a keen sense of understanding the human condition, so much that it has come to singularly define him, all the while some of his contemporaries have risen to more worldwide acclaim, outside of the niche arthouse of which…

The Ballad of Narayama (1958)

When it comes to the subject of global cinema, it’s not uncommon for those with a penchant for exploring the wider world of filmmaking to be asked why they enjoy looking beyond what’s directly around them. My reason, and one I believe is relatively common, is that seeing films made in different countries gives invaluable…

The Nest (2020)

Sometime in the mid-1980s, a marriage is gradually falling apart. Rory (Jude Law) is a mildly successful businessman who begins to realize that his recent streak of good luck is coming to an end, and that there isn’t much hope for him in New York. He consults with his wife, Allison (Carrie Coon), who works…

The Goddess (1958)

In the early 1930s, somewhere in the Deep South, a young woman (Betty Lou Holland) is growing weary of how limited her life has become now that she has a daughter. She will do anything to rid herself of the child, who she sees as nothing but a burden – and while she was too…

My Salinger Year (2020)

The first time we encounter Joanna Rakoff (Margaret Qualley) is on a quiet New York City street towards the end of 1995. It doesn’t take long for us to get to know her – she’s currently finishing her Master’s degree in English Literature, and has come to the city to visit an old friend for…