Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

White Material (2009): Subtle, beautiful & scary. Complex flashbacks. Not for the faint–hearted. Like most contemporary French cinema it sadly lacks any profound insights.
Rosemary & Thyme (TV Series) (2003): Script too weak to be carried by Felicity Kendal alone – Pam Ferris is disappointing. Dated.; DVD $59.95
Indochine (1992): Very beautiful & moving story of the twilight of French occupation of Vietnam focusing on Deneuve as the owner of a rubber plantation. Well worth seeing. Wellington Film Festival 1993.
Zentropa (Europa) (1991): Gruelling black–and white "journey" through postwar Germany. Impressively upsetting, it's neither travelogue nor documentary. Wellington Film Festival 1992.
Raise the Red Lantern (1991): Chilling, beautifully–filmed portrait on the life of a 4th wife to a tyrannical lord in 1920s China. A sad film of past times in China. Worth seeing. Wellington Film Festival 1992.
Night On Earth (1991): Tiresome Finnish film about what 5 taxi–drivers have to say. Real conversations in Wellington are more interesting. Avoid. Wellington Film Festival 1992.; DVD ~~$20~~ $15
Il Postino (Postman, The) (1994): Great Italian movie set on Capri in 1952. Shy Troisi brings mail to the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda exiled in a mansion far above the fishing village. They become friends, and Troisi gains confidence. Great acting, lovely characters; recommended.
Mediterraneo (1991): Wonderfully funny romantic comedy about a small squad of Italian soldiers posted to the small magical Greek island of Meghisti, and how they "go native". Basically a true story; filled with love, light & colour. Wellington Film Festival 1992.
Celine & Julie Go Boating (Celine et Julie vont en bateau) (1974): Wonderful nouvelle vague movie by the great Jacques Rivette. Slow–moving and intense. Brilliant acting by the young Bulle Ogier. Very fine.
White Fang (1991): Spectacular but unconvincing.

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Sandy’s Film Reviews