On the 5th of September in 1972, the world was glued to their television screens, since it was the first live broadcast of the Olympic Games, which were taking place in Munich, and which was perhaps the most publicized games up until that point (there is an argument to be made for the previous time…
Tag: movie-review
Stir Crazy (1980)
It says quite a bit about Sidney Poitier’s reputation that upon watching Stir Crazy, the words “directed by Sidney Poitier” come as a genuine surprise, and even for those of us who knew that the esteemed actor and Hollywood icon was at the helm, it’s still difficult to believe. This isn’t a statement on his…
The Amateur (2025)
Revenge certainly is a dish best served cold – there have been countless works across every conceivable artistic medium about the idea of seeking those who wronged you in an effort to force them to pay for their wrongdoing. Entire sub-genres have been created on this topic, and it has been one of those universally…
Grand Hotel (1932)
One of the more unexpectedly compelling aspects of travelling is the chance to encounter people from all walks of life, and even without interacting with them directly, we are able to observe a brief moment in their lives. The experience of sitting in a hotel lobby and quietly watching the people passing by, taking note…
Baan (2024)
Where is home? Perhaps a more interesting question is what is it about a specific place that leads it to earn such a label, whether it is for an individual or a wider group of people? In her second feature directorial outing (following her well-received Ashore a few years ago), Leonor Teles, who had previously…
Gothika (2003)
We all fear to become what we criticise – it’s an inherent anxiety embedded deep in our consciousness, a desire to acknowledge those who pose danger in order to prevent ever becoming akin to them in any way. It’s a philosophical concept that has been explored often in both fiction and documentary works, and bears…
Our Teacher Jabish (1969)
The continued endeavour to explore global cinema, particularly looking at films that contain some sense of comedy, has opened entirely new avenues of artistic expression, and provided some fascinating insights into how different cultures at various points in history tell their stories on screen. Azerbaijan has a solid cinematic culture, albeit one that is mostly…
Welcome to Sarajevo (1997)
A brief word of warning, or perhaps just a cautionary tale – if you find yourself on the eve of travelling to a specific city, and decide that it would be a good opportunity to watch one of the most famous films set in that particular location in the hopes of getting a better understanding…
Willard (2003)
In a world with over eight billion people, some are just born to be alone, and whether solitary by choice or through circumstances, it can tell us a lot about the human condition when we set out to observe the daily lives of these individuals. In his fascinating novel Ratman’s Notebooks, Stephen Gilbert tells the…
The Cemetery Club (1993)
For some, a friendship is a lifelong blessing, for others, it is a welcome distraction from everyday life. For the select few, it is a frustration that we simply cannot bring ourselves to end, since there is something special about having companions that stand with you through every challenge and triumph in your life. For…
The Postmodern Pelican 