Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Destroyer (2018): US crime; surreal plot; super–tough characters led by a very convincing Nicole Kidman in her greatest role ever. Terrific acting and plot so never a dull moment. complex time shifts are well–done. Check for wrinkles! Good background music.; DVD $29.95
Sex and Lucia (2001): Beautiful & amusing. Well–produced in France, it lacks sophistication & the fun that it should have because it's overwhelmed by a dense & creaky plot. Had a look at Mendem's other movies and they are the same or worse. Love without a plot is dull.
Dancer in the Dark (2000): Collaboration of von Trier & Bjork was a brilliant move. No other film is anything like this. 'Special Feature' on "von Trier's 100 Eyes" (subtitles needed) shows the freedom von Trier shares with his actors and the complex editing needed.
A Private War (2018): Extremely moving, even if played by actors in Jordan on sets. Shows the raw courage ("addiction") of a good war correspondent. Rosamund Pike is stunningly convincing & really lived her part. Similarly, Annie Lennox's soundtrack is truly haunting.; DVD $29.95
Double Lover (L'amant double) (2017): Very impressive & intense. Not a word wasted. Quiet, unpredictable & edgy. Brilliant camerawork. Very clever plot & brilliant acting, esp. by Martine Vacth. Outstanding, but not for the faint–hearted. Sexually explicit.; DVD ~~$29.95~~ $15, $29.95
Fingersmith (2005): Pacey & gripping. Amazing twists, but a bit melodramatic. Better than Downton Abbey or Jane Austen movies – a better story. 2 parts, but incomprehensible series change typical of British DVDs. No wonder they can't Brexit! Good on class differences.; DVD $19.95
Last Dogs of Winter, The (2011): Stunning photography captures the bleakness & quirky charm of Hudson Bay residents. An inspired initiative of NZ film–making. The beautiful Qimmiq dogs have been reduced from 25,000 to only 100 today but need to be kept outside, even in winter.
Viceroy's House (2017): Portrays one of the greatest & most heart–rending events in the 20thC, exposing the foolish deal that destroyed the lives of 15 m, incl. 2 m. dead (Wikipedia). Ongoing enmity today. Great direction & contemporary footage. A great vista of a vital event.
Guilty, The (Den skyldige) (2018): Subtle, complex & realistic. Minimalistic; brilliant acting by just one policeman. A powerful psychological drama, very well done. Completely gripping!
Lost in Paris (Paris pieds nus) (2016): Different! Extraordinary visuals from the start. Amazing colours – loved the CG. Beautiful lighting. Witty, but not a very convincing fantasy. Light–hearted fun.; DVD $29.95

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Sandy’s Film Reviews