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Watch Old Windows at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. Old Windows Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW Larry Lamb reprises many previous roles especially Archie Mitchell from Eastenders. But he packs tremendous charisma into every word, breath and expression; a curious mix of danger and rough diamond charm. Laura Bayston flits around nervously trying to please her customer, carefully treading line between polite and nosy. Interplay between the characters is never rushed but gradually builds a picture that allows the audience to draw reasonable conclusions. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

Goodbye Breasts! film review by UK film critic Holly Baker. Starring Joanna Callaghan directed by Joanna Callaghan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Goodbye Breasts! Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Holly Baker | Posted on: Feb 2, 2026 Directed by: Joanna Callaghan Written by: Joanna Callaghan Starring: Joanna Callaghan Goodbye Breasts! is a fantastic, partly self-shot, introspective documentary following Joanna Callaghan’s lived experience of undergoing a mastectomy. The documentary investigates both the physical and psychological impacts that the life-altering surgery has, presenting Callaghan’s own inner turmoil alongside those of others who also underwent the procedure. Professor Joanna Callaghan teaches filmmaking at the University of Sussex, whilst being an artist filmmaker and a mother. The documentary begins with Joanna’s perspective, explaining to viewers how the procedure works and using her own body to visually demonstrate what had been removed, highlighting the areas that lack sensation. This raw opening works amazingly as an objective observation of Callaghan’s experiences. There is no editing or music, just her body and the camera, and viewers quickly get a grasp of the specifics of the surgery. Importantly, Callaghan’s open discussion of her surgery makes for a refreshing viewing experience, as so often are women’s bodies sexualised and censored in media, seeing breasts spoken about in a way focused around what they are, organs made up of tissue, is a great thing. This way, the male gaze is removed and women’s bodies are appreciated outside of any misogynistic, predatory context so often affiliated with the camera. Callaghan goes on to impress viewers with her sophisticated language as she describes growing up, delving into her femininity, and her experience of girlhood and motherhood in a delightfully authentic way. Her experience of living in a house full of a mostly female family, all very comfortable in their femininity and loving of their bodies, is wholesome and inspiring. Viewers get a clear sense of the vibrant, safe, female space which shaped Callaghan to grow up to be an inspirational filmmaker and academic. Following the heartfelt introduction to Callaghan and her family, the film dives into the topic of breast cancer with a devotion to the science behind how the condition is passed on, in particular, which genes are responsible. Goodbye Breasts! provides an important array of information about breast cancer, particularly outlining the PALB2 gene as an overlooked genetic factor. The film explains genetic coding clearly to give viewers a full explanation of why Callaghan, as well as many other women, were advised and chose to have a mastectomy following the discovery of this gene. The film incorporates several animated sequences that radiate a tender adoration for breasts and the female body. These add vibrancy to the documentary, interweaving documentary footage with artistic bliss, together carrying a strong message of understanding, acceptance, and celebration of the female form and all its variations. This sentiment of pure and uncensored displays and affections for the female body is one which Callaghan projects not only through this film, but also through the raising of her child. Several sequences feature Callaghan’s teenage son who is clearly mature and comfortable with the subject of breasts, and share their mother’s admiration and excitement about her project. Such an appreciation being passed on from mother to son is a delightful example to see, and a clear standard for future generations to aspire to in the hope to eradicate stigma around women’s bodies. Overall, Goodbye Breasts! is a fully rounded, heartfelt and informed documentary. As the film comes to a close, Callaghan touches on every possible tone and feeling surrounding the female body, what it goes through, and ultimately celebrates it beautifully through a comedic, colourful musical dance sequence. Viewers are left with a fantastical ending, an uplifting sensation filled with optimism, art, and joy, and so despite the film’s often solemn and tearful moments, the sentiment of female celebration is firmly secured. About the Film Critic Holly Baker Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

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Milton film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Libby Villari, Gayland Williams directed by Kevin Machate. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Milton Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Jul 5, 2022 Directed by: Kevin Machate Written by: Kevin Machate Starring: Libby Villari, Gayland Williams Rosie (Villari) and Alice (Williams) are an elderly couple in the Autumn of their lives. They've been out enjoying a short break together, wandering around new places, seeing the sights and visiting the local markets. Rosie already has a bag full of souvenirs, but she wants one more, so she picks up a small cactus from a vendor and calls it, Milton . On the way back to their car, Rosie has a bit of a funny turn and nearly falls over. The two of them decide they've been hard at it for long enough and that it's time to head back to the hotel for a well deserved rest. Alice lays down on the bed to catch forty winks while Rosie decides she wants to sit and talk to Milton for a while. She goes to grab some tea from the hallway before settling down but when she comes back, Rosie finds that her life has changed forever. The rest of the film plays in flashback as memories the two shared are floated on screen, while a haunting love song (I Will Love You by Fisher) is played over the images. At this point the film leans very heavily into its themes and imagery and somewhat morphs into the last act of the Bette Midler classic weepy, Beaches (1988). 'I Will Love You' could very easily be a stand in for 'Wind Beneath My Wings' and some of the shots, costumes and scenarios being reminisced over look like they could have been lifted right out of that 80's melodrama. In itself, Milton is very finely shot with a great amount of detail given to lighting and cinematography so that everything seems vibrant and natural. The two main actors are perfect for their roles, coming across as a plausible couple, dropping hints about their lives together whilst also communicating many things which aren't said. The death, when it happens, is a bit sudden and not realistically dealt with, but this can be overlooked when the depth of emotion being shown really holds the scene together. For all that Milton tries to tell us about love and acceptance, it does feel like it has all been told before, and pretty much in exactly the same way. Thankfully, by watching this we don't have to be subjected to the two hour turgidness that is Bette Midler's legacy, but all in all it's the same outcome. What Milton gives us is an easy way in to a difficult situation, which it then deals with in a brief runtime. The story is neat and tightly packaged while the production serves the film well. While it may not be entirely original, Milton delivers the emotional resonance where it needs to. And there's a cactus. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Short Film, LGBTQ+ < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Watch Playdate at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. Playdate Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW This short could be classified as a surrealistic comedy which also contains heavy drama. It appears to represent the desire that adults sometimes have to be children again, the joys of childhood and friendship and it also points out the dangers of careless behaviour and the devastation of loss. The cheerful performances and enjoyable score make this film an experience that is worth looking into. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

Watch Doll at the 2022 UK Film Review Festival. See the UKFRF 2022 lineup and buy your festival pass. Doll Listen to our review on the film podcast What our film review said: READ FULL REVIEW There is a brief nightmare scene that is quite frightening due to the camerawork and sound effects. The laughter that is heard throughout the film sends shivers down the spine and the sinister music by James Horton adds to the scary atmosphere. Credit also goes to the creative work by makeup artist Sheila Cursley. Proudly supporting MediCinema for our 2022 film festival.

Release film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring P.M. Thomas directed by Philip Brocklehurst. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Release Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Nov 30, 2023 Directed by: Philip Brocklehurst Written by: Muhammad Holmatov Starring: P.M. Thomas Another interesting short by independent and experimental filmmaker Philip Brocklehurst and some of his frequent collaborators. The protagonist is played by Brocklehurst, who is credited as P.M. Thomas and like some of his previous films, this one focuses on a person ending their life and not a single word is uttered. Considering that this project has a duration of one minute and twenty seconds, it would be hard to analyse it without giving much away. The structure has two storylines that alternate between them and both have the same protagonist (Thomas), who is the only individual in the film. One part has a man sitting on a couch, holding a bottle of alcoholic drink in one hand and a bottle of pills in the other. He places pills in his mouth and swallows them with the drink. He then looks up and proceeds to stare at a decorated light bulb and continues to do so as he gradually passes away. The other part has the same man sitting in a bathtub, apparently naked and rocking his body back and forth while his hands are on his head. Judging by his face expression, he appears to be quite troubled. The story cuts back and forth in time, as the bathroom scenes are the past and the suicide scenes are obviously the present. Unsurprisingly, given the events that take place in the film, the atmosphere is distressing. It is about a young man committing suicide and the screenplay shows him engaging in the act and the bathroom scenes reveal the troubled emotional state he is in, presumably due to mental health issues or bad experiences. Because of all this, there are the constant feelings of despair and agony, which are supported by Vladislav Nogin's music, which does not actually sound like a score but rather a continuous muffled sound that gradually becomes louder. The filmmakers utilise interesting techniques regarding the cinematography. The image during the suicide scenes is dark blue and during the bathroom scenes it is red. The reason for this decision could be due to the character's state of mind, with red symbolising the distress he is going through and dark blue symbolising his lack of hope. It is worth noting that the colour alternation makes the viewing more intriguing, with the image repeatedly switching, going blue, red, blue, red throughout. Other creative techniques include the out-of-focus, point-of-view shots of the light bulb. As mentioned, the man stares at the light bulb while he dies and as the image goes out of focus, it indicates his failing eyesight as he slowly passes away. Brocklehurst has once again made a film about dying and although watching it is an unpleasant experience, one should admire the creativity that was used in order to make a haunting short about a man who is trapped in an abyss and decides to end it all. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Isaac Parkinson writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Isaac Parkinson Isaac Parkinson is a UK Film Review critic, reviewing movies from around the world. Check out some of his film reviews and feature articles on our website. Read Latest Film Reviews Help! My Gumshoe's an Idiot! Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Bears in Trees - Fresh Concrete Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews One Summer When You Went Away Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Justice: A Big Deal Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Plant Life Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews The Table Fan Story Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Life on Pause Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Gwen & Gwen Heavy Fashion Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews The Misfits Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Dose Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Bears in Trees - Great Heights Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Swords of Justice Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Suit & Bone Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Mirror Mirror Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Black Eyes Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Bootleg Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Through Their Eyes Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Lemon Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Genocidium Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Wanton Want Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews 2Late Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Piper Pence and the Pandemic Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Hilum Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews If the Shoe Fits Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Eskina Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Rumpus Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews Behind Closed Doors Isaac Parkinson Read Film Reviews

Film news - The Offering Film Release In Cinema and On Virtual Cinemas and VOD. Find out more at UK Film Review. The Offering Film Release In Cinema and On Virtual Cinemas and VOD Chris Olson Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 9:44:06 AM UTC THE OFFERING , RELEASED 30th JULY 2021 Jan, mysterious and marked by a profound sense of guilt, tries to win back the love of his ex Violeta, who is now a psychiatrist, with a family of her own. Jan’s complex and perverse plan to reunite him with Violeta, 20 years after the events that led to their separation, will have severe consequences. An erotic, intense and revealing adult thriller, with powerful central performances from Alex Brendemühl (Transit ), Anna Alarcón (A Thief’s Daughter ) and Verónica Echegui (Fortitude ), winner of Best Supporting Actress at this year’s Gaudi Awards, THE OFFERING is a remarkable, gripping excursion into the human psyche and the true nature of love and obsession. Filled with searing love scenes and unsettling mind-games, it’s a sensual, evocative and multi-layered experience, exploring forgiveness and guilt, and the consequences of a destructive love triangle, recalling the work of provocative Spanish directors Bigas Luna (The Ages of Lulu ) and Julio Medem (Sex and Lucia ). Ventura Durall, writer and director of THE OFFERING , set up the production company Nanouk Films in 2000, to promote Catalan cinema. His feature film The Two Lives of Andrés Rabadán was recognized as the Best European Independent Film at the 2009 ECU Festival in Paris, and also received three Gaudi Awards for Best Lead Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Actress. His 2014 documentary drama Bugarach won the FIPRESCI Award at the St. Petersburg Message to Man Film Festival. THE OFFERING IS RELEASED ON 30TH JULY, IN CINEMA AND ON VIRTUAL CINEMAS AND VOD. The King's Man UK Home Release Date Announced The Latest King’s Man Film Will be Available on Digital February 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 21. Read Now BFI Future Film Festival announces 2022 Awards Jury and full programme Find out who the jury is for the 2022 BFI Future Film Festival. Read Now The Wonderful: Stories From The Space Station UK Release Date The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station is a Dog Star Films production in association with Fisheye Films. Directed by Clare Lewins (I Am Ali, Kareem: Minority of One, The Lost Tapes of Memphis.). Read Now Redemption of a Rogue UK Cinema Release Date Read Now Cryptozoo Coming to Mubi This October Having made a splash at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Dash Shaw's upcoming fantasy animation Cryptozoo is a highly anticipated film coming to Mubi later this year. Read Now Another Round UK DVD And Blu-Ray Release Date Announced Following its acclaimed cinema release, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of Thomas Vinterberg’s intoxicating Oscar winner, ANOTHER ROUND, starring Mads Mikkelsen, on early EST 24th September 2021 and DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on 27th September 2021. Read Now Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow DVD and Blu-Ray UK Release Date Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow To Land Early On Digital (August 10th) and 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD September 13th. Read Now My Little Sister Gets October UK Release Date My Little Sister is due for a cinema release in the UK, on Friday 8th October 2021. Read Now Grimmfest Reveals Line-Up for 2021 Film Festival After a year of “home invasions” in the form of virtual screenings and online events, this October sees Grimmfest returning to the cinema at last. Read Now Helen Mirren Narrates Powerful Documentary Escape From Extinction Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents Escape From Extinction, a powerful feature documentary narrated by Academy Award winner Dame Helen Mirren, coming to selected cinemas from 17th September celebrating ‘Great Big Green Week’ (18-26 September). Read Now Supernova UK DVD and Blu-Ray Release Date Following critical acclaim and standout performances, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of the heartbreaking British love story SUPERNOVA, arriving on EST 24th September 2021 and DVD and Blu-ray on 27th September 2021. Read Now The Djinn UK Release Date The story follows a mute twelve-year-old, Dylan Jacobs, as he discovers a mysterious book of spells inside his new apartment. Read Now Come Play UK Digital Release Date Jacob Chase’s directorial debut feature COME PLAY tells the story of Oliver, a solitary autistic boy who comes across a creepy children’s story on his new tablet. Read Now 15m Giant Starfish in Leicester Square Ahead of UK Release of The Suicide Squad British actor Peter Capaldi (BBC’s Doctor Who, World War Z) ‒ who stars in THE SUICIDE SQUAD alongside Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena as genius scientist ‘Thinker’, was bravely photographed with the imposing creature Starro in London’s Leicester Square earlier today in celebration of the film’s UK release this coming Friday. Read Now West Side Story In Cinemas December 2021 From acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, the 2021 remake of West Side Story will be coming to cinemas in December 2021. Read Now The Last Job UK Digital and DVD Release Date Screen icon Richard Dreyfuss takes on The Last Job in a brand new, all-action thriller, that stars Modern Family’s Mira Sorvino as his daughter. This rip-roaring gangster movie hits the UK on DVD and digital this August from 101 Films. Read Now Rise of the Footsoldier Origins UK Cinema Release The eagerly-awaited RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER: ORIGINS, starring legendary leading man Vinnie Jones, is showing exclusively in cinemas from September 3, courtesy of Signature Entertainment. Read Now Random Acts of Violence UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Date Jay Baruchel writes, directs and stars in his horror debut Random Acts of Violence, which makes its UK Blu-ray debut from Acorn Media International in conjunction with Shudder, following its success on the streaming service. Read Now Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Special Edition SPIRITED AWAY COLLECTOR’S BOXSET WITH DVD & BLU-RAY DOUBLEPLAY AVAILABLE 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 Read Now A New World Order Premieres in UK 23 August Black Mirror meets A Quiet Place in gripping sci-fi thriller A New World Order from director Daniel Raboldt in his feature debut, which gets its UK premiere on DVD and digital 23 August 2021 from Reel 2 Reel Films. Read Now

Film news - Bong Joon Ho returns for Cannes 2021. Find out more at UK Film Review. Bong Joon Ho returns for Cannes 2021 Chris Olson Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 10:01:24 AM UTC The Korean director will be back on the Croisette, after the triumph of Parasite in 2019, the latest Palme d'or to date and the first in the history of Korean cinema. Bong Joon Ho will be one of the special guests at the Opening Ceremony on July 6th and will present an exceptional "Rendez-vous with..." the next day in the Buñuel Theatre of the Palais des Festivals. Among other surprises in store for us at the Opening Ceremony, the director of Memories of Murder and Mother will declare the 74th Festival de Cannes open. Two years after the screening of Parasite In Competition in the Grand Théâtre Lumière, Bong Joon Ho will be back in Cannes, where the Palme d'or was the first of the many awards he received around the world. A major figure in the world of Asian cinema and a great friend of the Festival de Cannes, he will talk with the audience about what has influenced him, his passion for cinema, and his artistic practice. The King's Man UK Home Release Date Announced The Latest King’s Man Film Will be Available on Digital February 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 21. Read Now BFI Future Film Festival announces 2022 Awards Jury and full programme Find out who the jury is for the 2022 BFI Future Film Festival. Read Now The Wonderful: Stories From The Space Station UK Release Date The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station is a Dog Star Films production in association with Fisheye Films. Directed by Clare Lewins (I Am Ali, Kareem: Minority of One, The Lost Tapes of Memphis.). Read Now Redemption of a Rogue UK Cinema Release Date Read Now Cryptozoo Coming to Mubi This October Having made a splash at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Dash Shaw's upcoming fantasy animation Cryptozoo is a highly anticipated film coming to Mubi later this year. Read Now Another Round UK DVD And Blu-Ray Release Date Announced Following its acclaimed cinema release, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of Thomas Vinterberg’s intoxicating Oscar winner, ANOTHER ROUND, starring Mads Mikkelsen, on early EST 24th September 2021 and DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on 27th September 2021. Read Now Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow DVD and Blu-Ray UK Release Date Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow To Land Early On Digital (August 10th) and 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD September 13th. Read Now My Little Sister Gets October UK Release Date My Little Sister is due for a cinema release in the UK, on Friday 8th October 2021. Read Now Grimmfest Reveals Line-Up for 2021 Film Festival After a year of “home invasions” in the form of virtual screenings and online events, this October sees Grimmfest returning to the cinema at last. Read Now Helen Mirren Narrates Powerful Documentary Escape From Extinction Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents Escape From Extinction, a powerful feature documentary narrated by Academy Award winner Dame Helen Mirren, coming to selected cinemas from 17th September celebrating ‘Great Big Green Week’ (18-26 September). Read Now Supernova UK DVD and Blu-Ray Release Date Following critical acclaim and standout performances, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of the heartbreaking British love story SUPERNOVA, arriving on EST 24th September 2021 and DVD and Blu-ray on 27th September 2021. Read Now The Djinn UK Release Date The story follows a mute twelve-year-old, Dylan Jacobs, as he discovers a mysterious book of spells inside his new apartment. Read Now Come Play UK Digital Release Date Jacob Chase’s directorial debut feature COME PLAY tells the story of Oliver, a solitary autistic boy who comes across a creepy children’s story on his new tablet. Read Now 15m Giant Starfish in Leicester Square Ahead of UK Release of The Suicide Squad British actor Peter Capaldi (BBC’s Doctor Who, World War Z) ‒ who stars in THE SUICIDE SQUAD alongside Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena as genius scientist ‘Thinker’, was bravely photographed with the imposing creature Starro in London’s Leicester Square earlier today in celebration of the film’s UK release this coming Friday. Read Now West Side Story In Cinemas December 2021 From acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, the 2021 remake of West Side Story will be coming to cinemas in December 2021. Read Now The Last Job UK Digital and DVD Release Date Screen icon Richard Dreyfuss takes on The Last Job in a brand new, all-action thriller, that stars Modern Family’s Mira Sorvino as his daughter. This rip-roaring gangster movie hits the UK on DVD and digital this August from 101 Films. Read Now Rise of the Footsoldier Origins UK Cinema Release The eagerly-awaited RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER: ORIGINS, starring legendary leading man Vinnie Jones, is showing exclusively in cinemas from September 3, courtesy of Signature Entertainment. Read Now Random Acts of Violence UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Date Jay Baruchel writes, directs and stars in his horror debut Random Acts of Violence, which makes its UK Blu-ray debut from Acorn Media International in conjunction with Shudder, following its success on the streaming service. Read Now Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Special Edition SPIRITED AWAY COLLECTOR’S BOXSET WITH DVD & BLU-RAY DOUBLEPLAY AVAILABLE 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 Read Now A New World Order Premieres in UK 23 August Black Mirror meets A Quiet Place in gripping sci-fi thriller A New World Order from director Daniel Raboldt in his feature debut, which gets its UK premiere on DVD and digital 23 August 2021 from Reel 2 Reel Films. Read Now

Closing Dynasty film review by UK film critic Joe Beck. Starring Milinka Winata, Eleven Lee, Allen Chen directed by Lloyd Lee Choi. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Closing Dynasty Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Joe Beck | Posted on: Sep 28, 2023 Directed by: Lloyd Lee Choi Written by: Lloyd Lee Choi Starring: Milinka Winata, Eleven Lee, Allen Chen Growing up on the streets of New York is tough, just ask any Italian American gangster (not exclusive to films directed by Francis Ford Coppola or Martin Scorsese). The Big Apple is a city of dreams and aspirations, with buildings and parts of the city that are just like a Woody Allen film or ‘When Harry Met Sally’, but its also a place where dreams go to die, and a rough city full of danger and people just trying their best to get by. ‘Closing Dynasty’ beautifully captures this side of New York City through the innocent eyes of its seven year old protagonist Queenie (Milinka Winata) as the film artfully presents childhood innocence in the backdrop of one of the most famous cities in the world. Queenie should really be at school - its a Wednesday - however, she’s a headstrong young woman with a sense of duty beyond her years. This leads to her asking people on the subway if they can spare a few dollars to save her basketball team. The money isn’t for the basketball team, and the people seem to know this as they continually reject her pleads - perhaps the most unrealistic part of the film. Queenie is an incredible protagonist, contrasting both innocence with strength. She holds her arms out as she chases the pigeons and runs down the sidewalk in the most pure expression of childish innocence, yet also swears when she discovers a diamond in the trash, and even resorts too theft in order to hustle some money. She is mature beyond her years yet so inexperienced in the world at the same time, understanding that her family is undergoing financial difficulty and that they need money, yet she collects puddle water to drink, pours a ton of sugar in someone’s coffee, and, rather hilariously, picks up a discarded cigarette and proceeds to do what she believes is smoking. 
Milinka Winata is incredible in the lead role, possessing the contrasting sides of Queenie necessary for the performance. It is a performance beyond her years, with a depth uncommon in child actors, and she truly embodies the character through her sheer personality and wide smile. Director Lloyd Lee Choi, who also wrote the script, captures the radiancy of her performance majestically through the colours and lighting used to illuminate even the darkest parts of New York, bringing the city around Queenie to life, though keeping her at the very forefront - as of course every child believes themselves to be - through his consistently excellent framing of shots. 

 There’s a kind of magic in the transcendent way in which ‘Closing Dynasty’ captures the contrast between youth and innocence, and the dire straits that have forced Queenie to take to the streets and start trying to hustle people for money. Its a story as much about Queenie as it is about New York, and the people that make the city what it truly is - a truly cosmopolitan environment in which dreams are both made and crushed, where there is beauty and innocence behind every persons story. About the Film Critic Joe Beck Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

James Learoyd writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. James Learoyd Films have always been the most exciting thing in the world to me: I love making them and I love talking about them. For me, discussion and analysis of any movie illuminates a special kind of push and pull between artist and spectator that's essential in fulfilling the viewing experience. I will always have a lot to say and can't wait to say it. 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