Sandy’s Film Reviews
104 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.
Melancholia (2011)
Outstanding, powerful & memorable. Von Trier certainly knows the meaning of drama. Very risqué. Stunningly beautiful with great camerawork, exceptional soundscapes and acting performances through the roof. Extras very interesting & add depth.
Beautiful Lies (2010)
Classic French farce – starts slow but soon accelerates like a rocket. Engulfing, especially with Tautou. How does she keep such a straight face? She acts not only with her eyes and lips, but whole body. The others in the salon too – all great! 
Kid with a Bike, The (2011)
Beautifully made. The boy has a lot of gumption. Gripping & unusual. Cruelty leads to more cruelty and youth crime – a lesson for NZ here. And there are no wasted moments in this movie.
Hunter, The (Shekarchi) (2010)
Terrific audio on this Iran/German production but it's a terribly bleak open–ended depressing story. Unsatisfying, not recommended.
Robot Dreams (2023)- Totally brilliant & up–to–date. Even better if you know NYC. Delightful & perfectly suitable for adults of all ages, 5–95 years. Exciting adventures & dreams never flag. Staggeringly witty & well worth repeat viewings.
- DVD $29.95
Unforgiven (1992)
- Many top actors & stunning landscapes. Gene Hackman plays the 'hard man' really well. Was the West the great cruelty on which modern America was founded? Better on a second viewing. Very well made, if bloodthirsty. It stands the test of time.
A Quiet Passion (2016)- A wonderful, moving film, brilliantly acted and directed. Top class. Slow–moving, but the better for it.
Look, The (2011)
About acting. And the vulnerability of women actors. Asks whether beauty ages? Sensuality is independent of age. Much as I like Rampling, she skates over many key issues. The art of the British Middle Class is sadly most often to portray & not reveal. 
Persepolis (2007)- Outstanding in conception and execution in every way. Quite brilliant!
Shooter, The (2013)- Topical. Danes really do care about Greenland & won't allow oil drilling there due to climate change – realistic! But the Danish Security Apparatus is unconvincingly & speedy. The interposed shots of ice gradually melting are a nice touch. Worth watching
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