It has become so trite to refer to 1999 as the greatest modern year for cinema; some even view the sentiment as somewhat passé, based on how widespread and commonly discussed this point tends to be. However, there is a reason many consider it to be such a strong period for cinema, since so many…
Tag: film
Lulu on the Bridge (1998)
In addition to being one of the most revolutionary authors of his generation, Paul Auster showed incredible prowess in his scarce but brilliant endeavours into filmmaking. Somehow both a guiding force and disciple of independent cinema, Auster was behind some of the most intriguing works of low-budget filmmaking of the 1990s, particularly in his collaborations…
Our Idiot Brother (2011)
Every family tends to have the designated dunce, the person who is always getting into scrapes and precarious situations, but who we still love regardless – and if you think your family doesn’t have one, I have some bad news for you. We are taught to love our families regardless of their imperfections, but sometimes…
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Every filmmaker has their defining works, and some of them establish themselves as such important voices in the medium, their films can run the gamut from underrated to woefully overpraised. In the case of Steven Spielberg, everyone has a different opinion as to what precisely represents his best work, and the criteria usually range from…
Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (2025)
Every writer at some point feels the urge to be the one to compose the novel that encapsulates the entirety of their country or culture’s history, believing that they are capable of creating the definitive work, whether they are willing to openly admit it or not. In terms of literature from Southern Africa, there are…
Anywhere but Here (1999)
The relationship we have with our parents is something that is inherently built on a foundation of mutual love and affection (at least in the ideal scenarios – sadly we cannot speak for everyone, as individual domestic situations tend to differ quite notable), but like any other relationship, it requires constant work and maintenance, from…
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970)
While it is tempting to view it as a singular chronological entity (particularly since we are predisposed to preferring the orderly structure it contains), cinema is nothing more than a series of movements, occurring concurrently and often in slightly different ways when it comes to themes and overall artistic innovation. Breaking it up into smaller…
Insomnia (1997)
Recent scientific findings have determined that roughly 10% of people suffer from some kind of insomnia, and whether it is a temporary inability to fall asleep or a more chronic disorder, it is certainly a notable concern, particularly since there are numerous reasons for the condition, ranging from medical problems to psychological issues. Yet, every…
Dumbo (1941)
Every child has a few sets of films that undeniably shaped their formative years, playing a vital role in their development and aiding in their growth over time. Some tend to cross over between generations, which is usually a sign of not only the strength of storytelling, but also emotional brilliance and genuine creativity. This…
They Shot the Piano Player (2024)
At some point in our lives, we have all been entranced by the genre known as bossa nova – the soothing rhythms intertwining with the lyricism that exists somewhere between philosophically profound and hopelessly romantic, there is a reason the world was utterly taken when this genre emerged out of Brazil and underwent a cultural…
The Postmodern Pelican 