Sandy’s Film Reviews
656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.
Brief Encounter (1946)
Not dated, thanks to the cracking script full of wit, eg preview of "Flames of Passion" followed by an pram ad! Impressive acting & quality of reprocessed film & sound plus train punctuality before Thatcher's privatisation.
Cranes are Flying, The (Letyat Zhuravli) (1957)- Beautiful print & fine acting, especially by Veronica, Feodor & Grandma. Complex Soviet anti–war film with amazing hand–held camera–work, never bettered. Slightly stilted plot & fine clothes for USSR in 1945 remind us that this classic is 60 years old
A Decade Under the Influence (2003)
Comprehensive, but basically just "talking heads" (directors) interspersed with brief clips. Deals with style rather than substance of Hollywood movies of the era. Credit given to the "60s" avant–garde from France & Italy (but not Germany or Britain).
Loving (2016)
Low–key, slow–burning drama–doco on race law in US not long ago. Packs a helluva punch because of its gentle style. Bravery of Mrs Loving stays in the heart due to Ruth Negga's gritty performance. A tribute to humble folk facing the hangover of slavery. 
Ronin (1997)
Well–plotted action thriller with enough car chases to satisfy the French for the last 20 years! Stars the towns of Nice, Arles & Paris. Most of the sites are fun to visit. 
Marie-Jo and her Two Loves (2002)- A middle–aged woman is equally in love with two similar–aged men. But in real life, love is never quite equal. She leaves her husband for the exotic mariner – then returns. So? Great acting & Mediterranean scenery do not compensate for a weak plot.
Marius et Jeannette (1997)- What a joy! A subtle & funny plunge into believable working–class lives instead of yet another exploration of the indiscreet charms of the bourgeoisie. Extremely likeable.
Elle (2016)- Vicious look at aspects of middle–class French life – apparently the preoccupation of French filmmakers since Godard. Tiresome compared with, say The Separation (Iran). Best part of the DVD are the extras – as always truth outshines fantasy.
Captain Phillips (2013)- Surprisingly good & realistic. Even Tom Hanks is excellent. An good adventure movie portrayal close to the truth.
Dinner Game, The (1998)- Exceptionally funny movie that takes the mickey out of the middle class, especially those that look down on the humble. Shakespearean in the inevitability of it's comic structure it will surely leave your sides aching with laughter. A classic!
- DVD
$24.95$18.70
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