Sandy’s Film Reviews

81 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

My Wife is an Actress (Ma Femme est une Actrice) (2001): What is it about Gainsbourg which makes her so attractive – her eyes, a smile that melts stone, her neck, the way she moves? This film should be subtitled "Frenchmen Behaving Badly'. And of course its always raining in London...
Chatterley Affair, The (2006): R18. Very well–made & acted. Far more interesting & intelligent than I'd expected. Cuts to the fundamental nature of physical sex in human relationships. Interesting true witness statements from the Old Bailey. Relevance for today remains fresh. Terrific
Origin (2023): Powerful, truly great. Beautiful & heartful. Complex & sophisticated. Topical, but very unusual. Always interesting. Dalits said to be small minority, but form 17–32% Indians. There are 200 million of them. Similarity of blacks, Jews & Dalits incorrect.; DVD $29.95
Carol (2015): Powerful & compelling – near perfect. Outstanding acting & direction, perfectly matched. Loved the intensity & slow pace allowing appreciation of the stunning wardrobes, great photography and haunting music. About memories & NYC (though not, see Extras).; DVD ~~$25~~ $18.75
A Hijacking (2012): Filmed on actual ship nr Mombasa with its sailors. Terrible ordeal for owners, crew & loved ones over many months. Management knew sailors personally and communicated by sat phone. Somali violence truly scary & film much grittier than "Captain Phillips"; DVD $19.95
Diplomacy (2014): Well–acted & compact. Clever script. Everyone who loves France should see this film. The youth of the soldiers adds realism. A beautiful film revealing courage in unexpected places.
I Do: Or How to Get Married and Stay Single (Prete-moi ta main) (2006): Starts with characteristic slightly silly French humour but fast becomes more amusing. Gainsbourg is, as usual, perfect & Chabat certainly has the nose for his role. Like the all great French comedies this gets steadily better & funnier. Great!
Patu! (1983): Well captures the spirit. Courage & determination. Terrific to have such a key moment in NZ & SA history recorded. Schoolkids great, activists inspiring, politicians despicable! Freedom & solidarity of protestors unbreakable. Needs subtitles.
Idealist, The (2015): Interesting but amateurish drama–doc, mixed in w/some contemporary 1968 shots. 1957 US–Denmark agreement NOT to have nuclear weapons in Greenland is kept secret by Danish & US politicians of the time, a great betrayal of trust. A warning for NZ!
Trouble With You, The (En liberté!) (2018): Brilliant spoof in the best French manner. Layers interwoven with seeming 'normality' until you don't know which is true! Surrealistically circling back on itself like 'Groundhog Day' but funnier, with many tricks. Highly recommended.

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Sandy’s Film Reviews