Sandy’s Film Reviews

97 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

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.
Against the Wind (Headwinds) (2011): It's a good mystery but less satisfying at the personal level. The children are exceptional actors. Also it's a nice movie if you've been lucky enough to spend some time in St Malo, like me.; DVD $29.95
Baader Meinhof Complex, The (2008): Brilliant film, highly recommended. Intense, from the get–go. Breakneck pace. All true. The failed rebellion of Middle–class youth of the 60s–70s. Well shows the left–right tensions of Germany. Great acting & a tight script.

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Sandy’s Film Reviews