Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Light Between Oceans, The (2016): Beautifully filmed – captures the feeling of the area. intercut shots of Australia & Otago divert; the light is very different there. Alicia Vikander is wonderful but the movie is let down by a creaky script.Interesting extras. Recomended overall.
In the Shadow of Women (L'ombre des femmes) (2015): Rather disjointed & amateurish. Motives of the guy remain opaque. Nice in b&w.
Angel Heart (1987): Set in Harlem & Louisiana 1955 this top thriller is well–acted, witty & violent. About as good as Hollywood gets. Based on US novel "Fallen Angel". Rourke and Lisa Bonet are terrific but unfortunately their key scene was cut in this DvD. Cult movie.
Labyrinth of Lies (2014): Long & complex. First German trial of its war criminals in 1958; courage of prosecuters & media well shown. Such people created a new state.But tension is not maintained. Ophul's The Memory of Justice (1976) is far greater; but at 4.6 hours, gruelling.; DVD $29.95
Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool (2017): Well enough done, but weaker than I'd hoped; structural weaknesses.
Bookshop, The (2017): Lovely story; very witty script. Miraculous acting & great cinematography. Directed by Spanish isabel Coixet, one of the world's greatest directors today. Watch her other movies too; but you will love this, its really perfect!
Letters From Baghdad (2016): Unique portrait of Bell in the Middle East 1913–26 through letters and photos. Memorable footage of Baghdad. Activities of UK & USA are marred by broken promises. Gertrude’s spirit, political skills, loves and formation of the Baghdad Museum shown. Super!
Red Sparrow (2018): Not an enjoyable or interesting film. Choppy, no connection with the cold characters. Shows the naked power of the Russian State. Long, complex but weakly plotted. Ludicrously filmed in London where the cityscape is vastly different from Moskva.
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (2016): Brilliantly relevant to NZ doco on this brave woman who stood up against those who would recreate NYC as a giant slum motorway – and won. NYC today is her creation. Familiars of NYC appreciate Jane Jacobs. Vivid footage of street life not in her book.
Lady Bird (Ladybird) (2017): Terribly disappointing. Really boring!

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Sandy’s Film Reviews