ON THE BASIS OF SEX (Une Femme d’Exception) *** By B.J. If I were to tell you that the heartbeat of one woman in Washington is a major determinant in where Donald Trump takes the US in what is left of his presidency and where the country goes after him you would think I am […]
FILM: WELCOME TO MARWEN – how a WWII soldier creates a make-believe universe to cope with trauma
4 January 2019. By Neptune WELCOME TO MARWEN *** Based on the life of Mark Hogancamp, this completely bizarre but charming film is a mix of live actors and Barbie-type figures that pop up in our character’s gentle musings but also in his worst nightmares. For his psychological problems stem from his time as a […]
FILM: MIA AND THE WHITE LION – about a girl and lion growing up together
28 December 2018. By Neptune MIA AND THE WHITE LION *** (vo English) As a fictional story, this may seem simplistic and somewhat contrived, but as a feat of filmmaking it is truly phenomenal. For French director Gilles de Maistre (of such documentaries as “Le Premier Cri” and “The Quest of Alain Ducasse”) took a […]
FILM: 4 films to miss and 1 to see
21 December 2018. By Neptune It seems this week is the official release of THE BOOKSHOP which I already reviewed a few weeks ago. Unfortunately it’s the only film I can recommend this week – the others are all missables, except for MARY POPPINS RETURNS which I hear is excellent, but I have not yet […]
FILM: SHOPLIFTERS – a Tokyo family that survives by shoplifting
14 December 2018. By Neptune SHOPLIFTERS (Une Affaire de Famille) **** There is a delicacy and sensitivity to the films of Japanese master director Hirokazu Kore-Eda that introduce us to a Japan which is often far from our preconceived ideas about that country. He usually deals with the importance of the family unit, portraying it […]
FILM: LETO – indy homage to two Russian rock/punk stars of 1980s Leningrad
7 December 2018. By Neptune LETO ***1/2 (vo Russian) This indy homage to two Russian rock/punk stars of 1980s Leningrad was quite a hit at the 2018 Cannes film festival. Ironically, its director Kiril Serebrennikov was one of two directors in the Palme d’Or lineup (the other being Jafar Panahi of Iran, with his film […]
FILM: THE GRINCH – the pain behind the nastiness revealed with humour and adventure
30 November 2018. By Neptune THE GRINCH *** Now here’s the bittersweet fable from our trusty old Dr. Seuss, about that grumpy, nasty Grinch who hates Christmas. But why is he so, and why the resentment towards all that is friendly and shiny, especially around Christmas time? This latest animation illustrates with humor and lots […]
FILM: BLAZE – the turbulent life of a legendary country singer
23 November 2018. By Neptune BLAZE ***1/2 The talented actor Ethan Hawke, who picked up an Excellence Award at this year’s Locarno film festival, has become an accomplished director and delves here into a biopic on the singular, turbulent life of the legendary (among aficionados), yet little-known Country singer/songwriter Blaze Foley. It’s a ballad, a […]
FILM: KURSK – damning testimony to the Russian mishandling of a submarine crisis – a must see.
9 November 2018. By Neptune KURSK **** It is summer 2000. The crew and families of the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk are celebrating the wedding of one of their sailors before the men set out to sea the next day. It is a typical joyous moment – full of drinking, dancing, speeches and camaraderie. Despite […]
FILM: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY – a must for Queen fans
2 November 2018. By Neptune Do not miss Geneva’s own International Film Festival – GIFF – running from 2 to 10 November 2018. Click here for more information. BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY **1/2 This is obviously a must for fans of the band Queen and its charismatic, strutting singer, Freddie Mercury. A detailed musical biopic, it reveals […]
