Sandy’s Film Reviews
50 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.
Mothering Sunday (2021)
Great screenplay, acting & camerawork. Stunning lighting. A little bit Downton–ish, but fresher, more meaty, adventurous & complex. The great Glenda Jackson appropriately book–ended a moving film. 
Close (2022)
A quiet and very intense film. Outstandingly convincing acting by all. Terrific camerawork. Sadly, style dominated over substance. I kept thinking of all those Allied bodies under the flowers. Not a patch on 'Playground'. - DVD $29.95
Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)
- Dated in style, acting & camerawork. Basically silly, but fun! Surrealistic and, typically Woody Allen, strangely convincing.
- DVD
$25$18.75 
Celia (2018)
Profound meditation on the most important issues in NZ society & a wonderful tribute to a great Kiwi. Every moment gripping. Terrific camera–work. Worthwhile alone for the staggeringly lovely human–sized dreamscapes of Wellington. - DVD $29.95
Shoplifters (Manbiki kazoku) (2018)- Not a portrayal of family, but an expose of living on the fringe. What's agonizing about ours is shoplifting is not of necessities, but luxuries that we bar from the dreams of the marginalised, unlike initiatives & ethics of this finely–played ensemble.
Square, The (2017)
I really hated this! Pretension without redemption. A superficial film showing cruel people doing stupid things. Uninformative, if paralleling the NZ government today!- DVD
$29.95$15, $29.95 
Playground (2022)- UNFORGETTABLE child's view of bullying & adult betrayal. First I've seen filmed at height of children's faces for a true view of the playground. Nora's bravery & misunderstood stubbornness is moving & convincing. She tells her story with her eyes.
Reality (2023)- Seriously weird doco–drama – I thought it a spoof at first!. Very creepy, with such subtle acting by Sydney Sweeney as a whistleblower. Real and gripping picture of the madness that is USA today. Highly recommended.
- DVD $29.95
Blues Brothers, The (1980)- This all–time over–the top–comedy classic also stars Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown, John Lee Hooker and more. Whether you like music, dance, slapstick comedy or just the ultimate car–chase, this is the movie for you!
Once (2006)- Fine sound quality and cinematography. The two main characters are very well–matched. Quite subtle and made with real talent.
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