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Film Reviews Here at UK Film Review we like to tackle all kinds film reviews. Our writers come from all walks of life, and feel passionate about critiquing the movies they watch. From the latest Theatrical Releases to Short Films, Indie Films, Documentaries and even Animation, the contributors of UK Film Review are as eager to please as Dev Patel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). If you are a filmmaker, or are working in film PR and want to promote one of your clients, please get in touch using the Submit Your Film button under the drop-down menu for Home. Take a look at our list of film reviews below from some of the hottest releases in UK cinemas. Simply click the image of the review you would like, or the title of the movie. Or use the search button to find the movie you are looking for. We have given any feature length film a star rating (out of 5) in order to help viewers sort the Citizen Kanes from the Waterworlds, the Inceptions from the Transformers. Michael Bay will be given a fair film review from our writers, but that probably will not go in his favour. Speaking of Filmmakers, head over to our Filmmaker Features page for awesome articles about some of the best filmmaking geniuses who ever lived. Movie Trailers are also available, either underneath the film reviews, or on the Movie Trailers page. And lastly, if you like your film reviews verbalised. Simply because reading is boring and listening is marvellous, then make sure you Subscribe to the UK Film Review Podcast. Our critics offer up some banterous opinions on the best and worst movies across all genres. Head over to the Podcast page, or click this link to go straight to iTunes. If you would like to read or view any of the following, simply use the navigation. Alternatively, you can click on one of the images to read the film reviews here, or simply have a ganders at the lovely movie artwork on display. Remember to listen to film reviews on our regular film podcast. GET REVIEWED average rating is 2 out of 5 On My Level Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Changing Tides Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Challengers Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Humane Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Cruel Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy Kills World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Beast Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infested Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bestias Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Back to Black Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The People's Joker Read Review Chris Olson Mar 8 2 min Film Podcast - Dune: Part 2 Chris Olson Mar 1 3 min Film Podcast: George Clooney Rowing Biopic Scoops Film of the Month Jan 20, 2023 3 min TAR FILM REVIEW Taryll Baker Oct 13, 2022 2 min Empire of Light - Film Review Oct 11, 2022 3 min Bones and All LFF Review Oct 7, 2022 3 min White Noise (2022) LFF Review Sep 20, 2022 2 min Sanctuary TIFF Review UK Film Review Sep 13, 2022 5 min FrightFest 2022 Highlights May 25, 2022 3 min Top Gun: Maverick Film Review Apr 23, 2022 3 min The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Film Review Spoilers in our film reviews As with all digital forms of expression sometimes people may find something that upsets them online. Spoilers can often be one of these things! Whilst we do our best to ensure that major plot points, twists, character deaths and celebrity cameos are not found in our reviews, it can sometimes be difficult to judge what each and every film lover on the planet would to be a spoiler. If you feel that one of our film reviews contains one too many details then please do let us (politely) know using our social media platforms. We may then take serious action, such as expelling the critic responsible from this and every other movie publication past and present, declaring war against the studio for leading our writer into temptation, or we may do nothing at all. To be honest, it is most likely going to be the latter unless some serious rules have been broken. You may also see some movie trailers in our reviews that could also contain potential spoilers. In which case anyone who is hoping to avoid these should probably not click the play button on them. Or click the play button, turn the sound down on your device, then leave the room for a least 28 minutes whilst the trailer finishes and leaves your life naturally. You may be wondering what you could do with all 28 of those minutes! Why not read some more film reviews on another device? Or make a short film of your cat playing with a piece of string? Spend it wisely guys and gals.

Short Film Reviews Welcome to the UK Film Review page for short film reviews . Here you will find some of the best and brightest sparks in a sea of cinema. Filmmakers from across the globe submit their short films to us to be reviewed, and our Contributors lovingly dissect them. If you would like one of our team to write a film review of your short film, please use the form below or visit our Submit Your Film page Our short film reviews are written by passionate film critics across the UK and aim to highlight and promote terrific filmmaking when we find it. We are always honest with our reviews, so if you are looking to submit your short film for review, please do so knowing that we will not alter what we have said because you don't like it. There is a wealth of amazing talent in the short film industry, and we hope by writing film reviews about this underexposed creativity we can get your movies to a new audience...but we need your help. Please join in the chatter on our social media channels so that we can grow our community and share the joy. Use the buttons in the footer to Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and Subscribe to us on YouTube #supportindiefilm. Get Reviewed! Submit Your Short Film Film Type Landscape Still Upload supported file (Max 15MB) I want to subscribe to the filmmakers newsletter. I accept terms & conditions of the Privacy Policy. Select an item (£) 7-Day Written Review - £39 7-Day Written Review + Podcast Review - £69 PLEASE NOTE: The cost to Skip the Queue and a 1-Week Turnaround is £39. For FREE REVIEWS or other turnaround times - See Options HERE . Submit Your Film alexjames96 Apr 19 2 min A Happy Ending Short Film Review alexjames96 Apr 19 2 min Shear Disturbance Short Film Review alexjames96 Apr 19 2 min Watch What I Do Short Film Review alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min After Hours Short Movie Review alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review Chris Olson Mar 1 3 min Film Podcast: George Clooney Rowing Biopic Scoops Film of the Month Chris Olson Feb 22 3 min Film Podcast: Anthony Hopkins drama crowned "Film of the Month" alexjames96 Feb 17 2 min Mannequin Short Film Review alexjames96 Feb 17 2 min The Separation Short Film Review alexjames96 Feb 17 2 min Bare Foot Short Film Review William Hemingway Jan 18 8 min Filmmaker Interview with Jiwon Lee alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Dominion Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Sunset Drive Short Film Review Chris Olson Nov 28, 2023 5 min Filmmaker Interview with Alexander Ratter alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min Purely Cosmetic Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min What Remains Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review Chris Olson Nov 13, 2023 3 min Filmmaker Interview with Aimie Willemse alexjames96 Oct 13, 2023 2 min Uncharted Expedition Short Film Review More Film Reviews Cast Away Joe Beck The Protégé Chris Buick On My Level William Hemingway Changing Tides Patrick Foley Jane Austen's Period Drama Joe Beck Company Chris Buick Boy.With.Angel.Wings William Hemingway Wait Till It Drops Joe Beck Fugue Jason Knight Circus Swati Verma It Could Be You Jason Knight Bestias Patrick Foley OBA OMO (The King Child) James Learoyd IRAN: A People Forever in Revolution James Learoyd Guilty Swati Verma Devon William Hemingway I am the Wanderer: Director's Cut Jason Knight My Obsession with Death Chris Buick Clodagh Jason Knight Alleviate Joe Beck Whippy Patrick Foley The Other John James Learoyd What I'm Hiding From You Jason Knight Rooftops Swati Verma The Siren Chris Buick Load More Reviews What is a short film review? A short film review is often written by a movie critic and it's their opinion on a film that is less than sixty minutes long. Short film reviews still explore every aspect of a movie. How do I write a short film review? Writing a short film review needs to cover multiple aspects of the movie. Including the script, the characters, performances, cinematography, score & sound design, editing and so on. How long should a film review be? A film review should be as long as the house style. Some publications provide lengthier reviews than others. A general minimum word count would be 300. How much money do film critics make? Film critic salaries depend massively on their publication. Many film critics are freelancers, meaning they get paid per review and sometimes this is based on word count. Making money through film reviews can be challenging.

FILM REVIEWS UK UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! ​ Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. ​ We even review short and independent films on the podcast. ​ Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. ​ Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS Cast Away The Protégé On My Level Changing Tides The Storm Challengers Jane Austen's Period Drama Mother Maker Lover Taker Humane Cruel Company Boy Kills World Load More

Music Video Reviews One of the most exciting sub-genres our critics review is music videos. They are often incredible pieces of storytelling, either in their own right or aligned with the song playing over them. On this page you will find a great selection of music video reviews from the team of critics at UK Film Review. ​ If you are a filmmaker or artist who would like us to review your music video, submit your film here . ​ When it comes to reviewing a music video, the process differs slightly from perhaps a narrative short film or documentary. The music has to be explored far more intimately than if it were a soundtrack because that's where the story originates from rather than being added further down the line. Music videos do conform to genres but these are often musical genres rather than film categories, for example pop, folk, rock, rap etc. So this will also influence the music video review our critics write because the target audience is going to be considered. ​ Music videos may take a variety of forms or even combine different aspects to create a different effect on the viewer. For example, it is common for a music video to contain a small narrative, as well as live performance footage. Top filmmakers making music videos will be able to immerse you into the song and story without leaving you feeling like you have just watched a promo piece. ​ Choreography is also a common trait in music videos, with dance sequences and flash mobs recurring - often in pop music videos. Editors of music videos will have their work cut out to ensure the choreography looks tight and engaging without it feeling staged or lifeless. ​ Hopefully the array of music video reviews you see below will include some gems for you to peruse. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the article, as we often include the actual music video so you can watch it for yourself. Rooftop Screamers Joe Beck Hot Chip Eleanor Swati Verma A New Kind of Life Jason Knight Vaarwell - Quarter Life Crisis - EP Campaign Patrick Foley KYTLY - "Neverending" Patrick Foley Rebel Rob Jones Millais Flower Honey - Sugarless Rob Jones Som.1-Ultimatum Jason Knight My Brain Does Not Compute William Hemingway alexjames96 Mar 17 2 min Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review Theo Aug 1, 2022 2 min Service for The King short film review Chris Olson Sep 28, 2021 2 min Stroke Code Music Video Review Alicia Moore Sep 22, 2021 3 min COVID 19 Music Video Review More Film Reviews

Latest Film Reviews average rating is 3 out of 5 Cast Away Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Protégé Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 On My Level Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Changing Tides Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Storm Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Challengers Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Jane Austen's Period Drama Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mother Maker Lover Taker Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Humane Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Cruel Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Company Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy Kills World Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Beast Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 No Mercy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infested Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Paddling Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Boy.With.Angel.Wings Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Wait Till It Drops Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Fugue Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Circus Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 It Could Be You Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bestias Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Back to Black Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The People's Joker Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Alba Rosa Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 OBA OMO (The King Child) Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 IRAN: A People Forever in Revolution Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Hello in Here Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Guilty Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Devon Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 I am the Wanderer: Director's Cut Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 My Obsession with Death Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Death of a Mule Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Clodagh Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Alleviate Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Whippy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Other John Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Straight Through Crew Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Civil War Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 What I'm Hiding From You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sting Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Rooftops Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Siren Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Music to Die For Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Who We Were Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Founder Effect Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Monkey Man Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The First Omen Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Femme Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Disrupted Expectations 2: Becoming the Research Director Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Wicked Little Letters Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Remembering Gene Wilder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Bound Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Rwd Fwd Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 James Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Lochgoilhead Forever Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Waiting for a Train Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dolce Far Niente Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Make a Wish Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Godzilla x Kong: Thew New E,mpire Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Lousy Carter Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 They Shot the Piano Player Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Night Explorers: The Asylum Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Swords of Justice II Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Earlybird Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dustlight Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Shear Disturbance Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Deep It Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Bitter 17 Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Holy Irresistible Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mambo Man Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Immaculate Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Rosetta Stoned Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Trigger Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 A Wild Life Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Riddle of Fire Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 RedSin: Martyrs of Dissent Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Lae Night with the Devil Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 You'll Never Find Me Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 7 Kills, 3 Songs & a Banana Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Seagram Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Coming to You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Concerto for Abigail Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 NADIA Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Drawn Out Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Do We Have A Chance? Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 18 Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 An Anthology of Men Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Frida Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Snack Shack Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Animal Kingdom Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Love Lies Bleeding Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Portal Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Brutal Season Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Club Zero Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Beneath A Mother's Feet Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Bob Marley: One Love Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Black Screen Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Vole Read Review

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Cast Away Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: May 1, 2024 Directed by: Luisa Guerreiro Written by: Luisa Guerreiro Starring: Mike Archer Autophobia is the fear of being alone and isolated. Being stranded on a barren, desert island is perhaps the most extreme realisation of that fear, and would no doubt likely terrify any human being. ‘Cast Away’, explores this fear and this state, as one man finds himself completely alone on a desert island, to mixed effect, and is at its best when it is most mysterious. Desert island films and tv shows have been done to death over the years. From early conceptions of famous novels such as ‘Robinson Crusoe’ and ‘Lord of the Flies’ and films such as ‘The Blue Lagoon’ and ‘The Beach’, the popularity of desert island’s in media perhaps peaked in the early 2000s, with the now iconic TV show ‘Lost’ revolutionising television with it’s unpredictability and constant cliff-hangers at the end of each episode. There was also this film’s luminary, ‘Cast Away’, the 2000 Robert Zemeckis film starring Tom Hanks as he struggles to survive and make his way back home, befriending a beachball called Wilson in the process. The strength in all these films lies both in the allure of the concept, but more so in the ability that it provides to create mystery. ‘Cast Away’, as written and directed by Luisa Guerreiro, finds its strengths in the same way. Our sole protagonist is Diggory Sambor, played by Mike Archer, a man who wakes to discover that he is on a barren shoreline, that though sparse is nonetheless beautiful due to the Guerreiro’s directing, which portrays the island as nature at its most simple and undisturbed. Immediately we are confronted with the mystery of how he has come to this place. Was he on a shipwrecked boat? Was he kidnapped and left there to die? Or was this the result of the greatest drunken night out ever? We don’t know and for much of the film we are left to enjoy this mystery. Indeed, it is to the film’s detriment that the element of mystery is discarded in favour of a metaphor and an explanation. It seems as though this happens so often in modern cinema, unless a truly visionary director is at the helm - i.e. Jordan Peele and ‘Nope’. When did we lose the ability to leave a mystery unexplained, and to lace that mystery itself with subtext? There is another mystery at hand in ‘Cast Away’, that of a bright, shining light in the horizon. Is it a lighthouse? Is it a helicopter? Or is it, could it be aliens in a UFO? Again, this hinting at the possible supernatural is done excellently by Guerreiro for the first two thirds of the film, and then she feels the need to explain, and the allure and mystique falls apart. We as humans are thrilled by the unknown, to remove that thrill in such a disappointingly mundane reveal of the truth is frustrating because by the end we now know too much. The thrill is gone and has been replaced by a mere shrug of the shoulders. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Farewell Symphony Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Chris Olson | Posted on: Feb 14, 2022 Directed by: Xiwen Miao Written by: Xiwen Miao Starring: Qunxi Wang, Joy Sung Kim, Anne Ruttencutter, Jianshe Zhou “Brave women always pay a higher price.” Having recently interviewed filmmaker Xiwen Miao , I jumped at the chance to watch (and review) one of her short films. Farewell Symphony is a sumptuous and aching portrayal of life’s journeys and the loyalties we have to face, and break, if we are to ever find happiness. Qunxi Wang plays the younger version of the lead role Yang Yang, a talented cellist whose family expects her to toe a life of preordained expectations. When she defies them and moves to New York to pursue her dream of playing music, we can see the sacrifice still troubling her decades later through the life of older Yang Yang (played by Joy Sung Kim). Farewell Symphony is full of beautifully short music sequences, such as younger Yang Yang furiously playing her cello after a disastrous dinner with her family, or the older version playing solo on a stage without an audience. These scenes are the true highlight of the short film, Miao seems completely capable of mesmerising her audience with a few simple ingredients. The scenes between the older Yang Yang and her partner Maria (played brilliantly by Anne Ruttencutter) are perhaps the most emotionally affecting. With Maria’s ailing health clearly provoking a multitude of buried hurts for our protagonist, it is their loving affection for each other that becomes a much-needed antidote to the cruel abandonment shown to younger Yang Yang by her parents (Yuebo Wang and Xiaolan Wang). But the crossroads that our lead finds herself in seems just as crushing as her one decades ago, whether to continue to pursue her musical career at the cost of leaving those closest to her. It’s a film that deftly touches upon expected gender roles and social conventions without ever needing to spell it out for the viewer. Yang Yang’s numerous dilemmas create instant empathy from an audience who will understand to varying degrees the expectations thrown on to them by their own family members. The migration that the central character takes is also key. The idea of uprooting one’s self to another country in order to pursue a dream is hard enough, let alone when her loved ones condemn her for it. This severed connection plays out particularly brilliantly with the Grandpa character, expertly played by Jianshe Zhou. Farewell Symphony is a subtle family drama with a rich musical tapestry that makes it engrossing for the audience throughout. There are a few bum notes along the way, such as some wooden dialogue being performed in the dinner scene but these are far and few between. Largely, Miao composes a generously engaging story and then delivers it spectacularly on the parallel stages of young life and older life. About the Film Critic Chris Olson Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Wicked Little Letters Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Apr 3, 2024 Directed by: Thea Sharrock Written by: Jonny Sweet Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Timothy Spall Long before you could hide behind a keyboard and avatar, a small English village was scandalized by some expert-level anonymous trolling. Wicked Little Letters tells us that story is “more true than you’d think,” and rolls out a stellar ensemble to elevate the tale at nearly every turn. It is the 1920s in Littlehampton, England, where unmarried Edith Swan (Oscar winner Olivia Colman) still lives with her parents (Timothy Spall, Gemma Jones). Edith is known to be a dutiful daughter and devout Christian, so town tongues are wagging when she begins to receive hateful and profanity-laced “poison pen” letters in the mail. Who could be behind such unwarranted vitriol? Whaddya bet it’s that filthy Irishwoman Rose Gooding (Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley)? Rose is frequently loud, drunk and vulgar. Plus, she’s a war widow (or is she ?) with a young daughter (Alisha Weir from the upcoming Abigail ), a “reputation” and a live-in boyfriend (Malachi Kirby). Throw in the recent falling-out with Edith, and that’s enough for the town Constables (Hugh Skinner, Paul Chahidi), who arrest Rose and quickly schedule a show trial. But “Woman Police Officer” Moss (Anjana Vasan) isn’t convinced, and she risks her position by continuing to investigate the letters on her own. Director Thea Sharrock (Me Before You, The One and Only Ivan ) and first-time screenwriter Jonny Sweet don’t craft a “whodunnit” as much as they do a “whoproveit” and a “whydunnit.” The real culprit is revealed fairly early on, and the film tries to balance some British wit atop heavier themes of repression, equality, and the sanctimonious crowd who are all preach no practice. It’s historically interesting and well-meaning enough, but it reveals Sweet’s TV background through a light and obvious romp that’s rescued by heavyweight talent. Colman, Buckley and Spall are all customarily splendid, each making up for the lack of nuance in their characters with some livid-in conviction and natural chemistry. Plus, Vasan stands out in the winning supporting group as the overlooked and underestimated W.P.O. Moss. So while it’s lacking in the bite needed to leave a lasting impression, think of Wicked Little Letters as an extended cat video, one just amusing enough to take your mind off of all those nasty comments from the keyboard warriors. About the Film Critic George Wolf Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Yellow Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: May 16, 2023 Directed by: Elham Ehsas Written by: Elham Ehsas Starring: Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, Ahmad Jan Mano, Elham Ehsas In August 2021, the Taliban overtook Afghanistan. This short drama explores the aftermath. It is a busy market in Kabul and a young woman (Dehrouyeh) is looking to purchase her first chadari. He enters a clothing shop and requests one from the assistant (Ehsas). He helps her make the right choice, gives her advice and is quite helpful. She does not seem to be fond of the garment and appears to realise that her life is changing. This film is about a turning point in a woman's life, following the Taliban's conquest of Afghanistan. It is obvious that it is the first time she is wearing a chadari, as she does not know how to put it on, which highlights the change that she is going through. Through her eyes, the audience sees a procedure that many women in Afghanistan are going through: getting a chadari for the first time and entering a new stage in their life. The screenplay calmly examines the procedures that the heroine undertakes in order to obtain a chadari and thus (in some ways) go through a transformation and become another person, a person who the Taliban approve of. The film dramatically points out some of the effects of the Taliban takeover. One is the degradation of women, which is explored through Dehrouyeh's character and a television news broadcast about the strict laws applied by the Taliban regarding women wearing a chadari. Another is the banning of music, which is briefly shown through Ehsas' character. One part that stands out is a dance scene that feels almost magical thanks to slow motion and creative editing by Ehsas and Ross Leppard. Director of photography Yiannis Manolopoulos does a great job with the cinematography and commendations go to Jessica Holme for the costumes. An effective point-of-view shot places the viewer in the heroine's position, helping them feel how she feels. This film is a poignant and hard-hitting commentary about the Taliban's seizure of Afghanistan, how it affects the people of that country, particularly women. It provides an insight into the current situation, painting a bleak vision of the future. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Perfect Days Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Feb 22, 2024 Directed by: Wim Wenders Written by: Wim Wenders, Takuma Takasaki Starring: Koji Yakusho Wim Wenders is having a year. Though his epic 3D documentary Anselm somehow regrettably missed out on a Best Documentary nomination from the Academy, his unhurried slice-of-life Perfect Days caught their attention. Nominated for Best International Film, Wenders’s lovely drama tails Hirayama (Koji Yakusho, perfection) through about two weeks in his life. Hirayama doesn’t have a lot to say, but he misses nothing in his days driving from public restroom to public restroom with Tokyo Toilet written on the back of his pristine blue jumpsuit. Tools in rubber-gloved hand, Hirayama is meticulous as he works. He has a routine that suits him—brings him joy, even—and Wenders cycles us through that routine day after day after day. At a full two hours, Perfect Days begs your indulgence with this montage of minutely changing events. The cumulative effect is, at first, lulling. As days pass, some small change draws attention and we try to predict a plot—will this turn into a love story, will that create financial chaos, is a tragic backstory of abuse about to come to light? Not the goal of this movie. The film actually began as a commissioned short film meant to celebrate Tokyo’s pristine public toilets. I swear to God. It blossomed from there into a lithe, meditative character study shouldered by an impeccable Yakusho. Though there are moments in the film that feel orchestrated—today, this happens; today, this happens—but not one breath, smile or nod of Hirayama’s head betrays the fiction. His is a mainly solitary, nearly silent life that can be surmised as a middle-aged man’s intentional creation. Hirayama has left something behind, has stripped himself of something, and what remains is what he finds vital: work where you can see a result; floor to ceiling shelves of books; a tidy and enormous collection of cassette tapes; a room full of tiny plants taking root, thanks to his tender care. You could fit Hirayama’s dialog on less than a single page, and there are times when his silence feels forced and almost comedic. But Yakusho’s brilliantly nuanced, heartbreakingly felt performance makes up for any flaws in the film. Wenders punctuates scenes with joyously on-the-nose song choices—minus the cassette hiss—and the final few singalong minutes showcase one actor’s transcendent work. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Cikgu Hana Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Chris Buick | Posted on: Nov 23, 2023 Directed by: Wan Dinnie Written by: Wan Dinnie Starring: Charlene Jane, Herlea Titieanna Tasked with an assignment to write about the history of their country, two students are transported back to the past where they learn all about their country’s rich history and how it has shaped their lives today. Malaysian short-film Cikgu Hana: Director’s Cut , the version that was submitted for this review, prefaces itself with an apology. It seems that in post-production many of the films production files stored on an external hard drive were lost or damaged, meaning that only ten percent of the files were recoverable. What is presented here is a re-edited version of what was salvageable with very mixed results. What we do get to enjoy in what is presented over the films six-and-a-half-minute runtime is a beautifully created visual spectacle of rotoscoping, a process animators use where live-action footage is traced over frame by frame to create some truly wonderful animated works of art that add depth and flourishes to sequences that otherwise couldn’t have been achieved. And that is where Cikgu Hana really shines. The animation here looks amazing, really bringing the whole piece alive, awash with vibrant colour and pure imagination that is a joy to watch. Much like the film's predecessor Hana , the previous offering from D-Mulsion Productions that is equally remarkable visually, Cikgu Hana is a feast for the eyes. But unfortunately, given the state of the rest of the film, this is a re-edit that is very rough around the edges and with simply way too many pieces missing. Narratively there are clear gaps, plot points jump suddenly from one to another and it becomes hard to keep a grasp on what exactly is going on, although the animation does help a lot to convey the intended story as best as it can. Editing is choppy and jarring, which is of course to be expected given so little to work with, but it does undeniably have a big impact, even hindering the fabulous artistry at times. On the positive side, the film does manage to showcase the obvious talent these filmmakers have, a fact all the more confirmed by looking at what was achieved with Hana , so it’s really frustrating and saddening to know that here there would have been definite quality, that if troubles hadn’t occurred this film could have really sang. One does sympathise of course with what must be a heartbreaking loss of a lot of quality work, especially if the aforementioned and fully completed Hana is anything to go by, but one can also only judge what they are presented. And unfortunately, this film in this state doesn’t have enough. It’s a real shame that what would have been clearly a lot of hard and considered work hasn’t been able to make it to the finished product. If Cikgu Hana can one day be fully realised as it was meant to and deserves to be, it could be something special. About the Film Critic Chris Buick Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Stop Making This Hurt Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Dec 13, 2022 Directed by: Susie Kimnell Written by: Susie Kimnell Starring: Joe Swift, Beth Collins, Alexander Jeremy, Elisha Mistretta A man meets his former partner in a restaurant and they discuss the past. A man (Swift) is sitting at a restaurant table by himself. Closing time is approaching and the place is quiet and a bit darkened. Eventually, he is joined by a woman (Collins), with whom he used to have a relationship. The two of them have a conversation and it becomes apparent that things between them ended up badly. The man attempts to apologise and make things better, however, it becomes evident that he did something terrible. This dark short film begins as a drama about a broken relationship and as the story progresses and more and more clues are brought to light, things move towards thriller territory. The main element is the conversation between the two protagonists, which tells a lot about their lives, particularly about the man's life, about what kind of person he is and the findings are not positive and just keep getting worse and worse. Swift delivers a chilling performance as an individual who has very dark secrets and a very sinister hidden personality. Although, he can appear charming and cheerful, it is obvious that ultimately, he is a bad person. Collins does a terrific job as a his ex-partner who was a victim to his actions and knows what he really is. The film is free from music, apart from the ending, which is where Duncan Pittock and Richard Lacy make their contribution with a sinister score that makes an effective closing. Ben Mann also deserves commendations for the work on the cinematography. This short has a very-well-structured screenplay that starts with more or less normality and revelation after revelation lead to a devastating truth. Through well-written dialogue and strong acting, this film tells a dark and memorable story. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >