Sandy’s Film Reviews

99 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Velvet Queen, The (2021): Opens with stunning photography of Tibet & the wolves. One of the most beautiful films you could ever see & a relief from Attenborough set–ups. The story of a great adventure, too. Not a lecture. Impressive & moving in every way.; DVD $29.95
Alice in the Cities (1974): It's quiet & at the very start, a sandpiper runs along the tideline, barely discernable. Delightful, enjoyable, gentle & relaxing – and funny. Alice is very real & amusing. In fact, all characters fascinate. A very likeable film.
Sheer Madness (Heller Wahn) (1983): Starts with a contrived, clichéd family reunion followed by solemn poetry tutorials. But Ruth (Winkler) is a riveting character and Schygulla are just brilliant. It's a a strong & interesting tale, a paen to women's friendship. Wonderful!
Anora (2024): After a boring slow start improves once they get to Vegas. After which it becomes much funnier, but only the last brief scene is truly revealing. Gripping & funny in a low–brow way. That a trashy B–grade spoof should win great awards is depressing.; DVD $29.95 | Blu-Ray $34.95
A Cat in Paris (Une Vie De Chat) (2010): Good story in stylish French way. Much liked by audience of five, aged 8–80 yrs. Crooks suitably buffoonish & the girl & cat were heroes, with help from a gentle cat–burglar. Dub English version was a must for our youngest. Great extras.
In the Mood for Love (2000): The true romance & grit of Hong Kong are lacking. As its filmed in Bangkok & Cambodia I found it bogus & manipulative. Great lighting, incredible angles & fine print dresses divert attention but I kept wondering where she kept them all.
Disgrace (2008): Malkovich plays a horrible man with great conviction. A rare truly cruel film. Reveals a lonely man behind the 'romantic poet'. Putting down stray dogs is a strong metaphor. Unfashionable truths are bravely explored. Brilliant acting & great landscapes.
Àma Gloria (Ama Gloria) (2023): Beautiful, quiet & very well done film of an orphaned French girl's visit to her nana's home on the active volcanic island of Santiago, Cabo Verde, 400 km off West Africa. Wonderful light & colour by the sea. Fine acting and animated dream scenes.; DVD $29.95
Marriage of Maria Braun (1978): Gorgeously spectacular & colourful on rare Fuji film. Terrific acting, screenplay & direction. Pacey & very progressive. A Faustian plot underpins the powerful screenplay. I suggest a re–watch with the intelligent English commentary. A great movie.
Jane Eyre (1996): 1995 stellar cast weathers well. Paquin, Gainsbourg, Plowright & Hurt, briefly aided by Maria Schneider, do the heavy lifting. Over–decorated 19thC interiors, as in plush versions of Jane Austen novels, are avoided, helped by an economic storyline.

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Sandy’s Film Reviews