Sandy’s Film Reviews

50 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Holy Spider (2022): Harsh & brutal film on the medieval treatment today of many Islamic women. It's a brave film, but expect devastating twists. Very realistic, especially for Iran, but filmed in Jordan.; DVD $29.95
Merkel (2022): Opens with an extraordinary contrast with Trump. Merkel's entire life in context. Quite intrusive for a restrained & rather private person, but she's not without humour. For once, Tony Blair says something interesting. Certainly a film for our times.; DVD $29.95
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005): Shockingly moving, a must–view glance at recent history; a cycle of killing and suppression endlessly repeated by our species. Heart–breaking!; DVD ~~$15~~ $11.25
Sister (2012): Riveting! Great cinematography and sound. Lea and Kasey magnificently underplay their roles. There is no melodrama here, the bug–bear of so many Kiwi dramas. The process of stealing is very well conveyed. A memorable film; DVD $19.95
All Our Desires (2011): Relevant to NZ today–people must fight back! Intelligent, fast, gripping despite the grim subject matter. Up–to–date & about much more than the script – love between friends, to children, of partners. Very moving.; DVD $29.95
Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl, The (1993): Great doco on a key innovator in movies. Camerawork & movement are all, leaving Hollywood in the shade. Dir. Muller does a great job & the film even resonates with US politics today. Denies closeness w/Hitler & Goebbels, but why would they lie?
Central Station (1998): A truly great movie, both in content & visually. Brilliantly acted and directed, the result being a real & memorable portrayal of the lives of the vibrant poor of Brazil and the varied landscapes of this vast and diverse country.
A Gun in Each Hand (2012): Very clever & entertaining. On the insecurity of men. The women certainly come out on top, in every way!
Open Hearts (Elsker dig for evigt) (2002): Powerful, well–paced, brilliantly acted. A triumph of hand–held camerawork in the Dogme style, which is explained in the interesting extras. Dogme puts a lot of pressure on the actors, all of whom carry it with great skill & conviction.; Poster (VG) $12.95
Whistleblower, The (2010): Bravura performance by Rachel Weisz. Crimes of BlackRock Inc.(given a pseudonym here) well–known and having them more exposed is valuable. US now fights wars using proxies – civilian drone operators, "security" companies like BlackRock, Israel & Ukraine

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Sandy’s Film Reviews