Much like many filmmakers, Lee Chang-dong opens his most recent directorial outing with a fragment extracted from a literary work, which sets the tone of the forthcoming film by giving a somewhat clear allusion to what will be discussed thematically, but also being ambiguous enough not to reveal the innermost contents of the story, leaving…
Tag: movie-review
The Stepfather (1987)
A beautifully-decorated home that stands squarely in the middle of a suburban street, surrounded by a perfectly maintained white picket fence and a pristine green lawn – but beyond this depiction of the version of American domestic bliss perpetuated by Norman Rockwell and his artistic progeny, there is a much darker and more bleak reality,…
Here the Whole Time (2026)
There is nothing quite as mystifying as developing a crush on someone, and this can only become more complicated if it is targeted at a person who is deemed way out of your league, or with whom you don’t have the most particularly pleasant relationship. Focusing on the people with whom we develop these relationships…
The Beloved (2026)
The bond between a parent and a child is a fascinating concept, since every family has a different dynamic, with some being more positive than others. However, it is universally acknowledged that we are the product of our surroundings, and the relationship with those who brought us into the world (even if we don’t have…
Coyote vs. Acme (2026)
We all had our own unique childhoods with unique experiences and interests. However, there are certain pieces of media that seem to be almost universally adored, being a vital part of the upbringing of people that span generations and geographical locations. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t familiar with Looney Tunes, which has…
Armand (2024)
Unless an individual is beyond lacking in talent, I tend to be quite ambivalent about the idea of nepotism as a negative element of art – it is entirely possible that someone can get a substantial boost by being related to notable figures in the industry and also talented enough that their work can be…
The Crossing Guard (1995)
We all wish we could change the past, in the hopes of altering the trajectory of our lives – it’s a seemingly universal experience to hold some regrets, even if they are small and relatively inconsequential. For some people, the remorse felt for the past can develop into something much darker and more insidious, and…
Babes (2024)
The distinction between friends and family is very narrow for some people, with the term “chosen family” becoming increasingly popular as a description for those close, intimate friendships that feel like a genuine, lifelong connection being made between people who are otherwise not related, but still play an important role in the others’ lives. However,…
Lost in Paradise (2011)
For most people, there comes a point where they have to leap out of their comfort zone, preparing to face the wider world – and whether this is a physical or psychological process (or both in many cases), it can be a daunting process, especially when moving from a small town to the big city,…
Fjord (2026)
Every family has their secrets. In fact, if a family is not at least partially dysfunctional, even superficially, then there is something much more concerning at play. Very rarely do I ever promote the idea of imperfection as being the ideal, but there is something to be said about how cultures tend to view familial…
