Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Red Obsession (2013): Explains why classe Bordeaux unaffordable but a status symbol in China. Empty bottles with famous labels are refilled. Shots of Bordeaux vineyards & interviews with few winemakers esp Moueix. Judges as promoters. 1855 classification made them millions.
Once Upon a Time - French Cinema (2009): Documentary on Godard's Contempt, starring Brigitte Bardot in the 50s, & Carne's Les Enfants du Paradis, in German–occupied Paris in 1943. Lacks theme and only for fans. Lots of talking heads & some footage but fails to fit them into a historic context.
United Kingdom, A (2016): Marvellous true tale of love & courage brilliantly directed by Africa's first great female filmmaker. Fascinating slice of history, superbly acted. Moving, gracious & passionate; how Botswana came to be. Reveals Britain's role in the rise of apartheid.
20th Century Women (2017): Unusual & intelligent. Progressive in many ways, contrasting with the compartmentalisation of character in most American movies. Somehow unresolved; the 'happy ever after' ending was a mistake: better short & less biographical.; DVD ~~$20~~ $15
High Fidelity (2000): A real fun movie; a great comedy with brilliant characters, very well acted & directed. Shop "assistants" are hilarious! Don't miss the deleted scenes and other extras. Plenty of impoortant ideas as well as laughs.
Willow Creek (2013): Banal lead characters suggest a possibly dull film & then, just as you relax, the horror kicks in! Clever
Girlhood (2014): Unique, complex view of black teenage life in the banlieues. A powerful story carried by great young women backed by a memorable soundtrack. One's heart bleeds for their longing to have an existence independent of men, sex, drugs and menial work.
Night Moves (1975): No–nonsense thriller very well done. Gene Hackman has always been a subtle actor. Swift pace maintained throughout with never a moment's boredom. Good script.
God Bless America (2011): Excellent black comedy on Trump's Amerika. Great travesty of rubbishy US & radio "shows" thrown in for good measure. Extremely entertaining; the girl Roxy (Tara Barr) is a delight! Seriously fun movie! Good on "marriage", too.
Cry, The Beloved Country (1951): Compared with Alan Paton's moving novel, the movie has always seemed like a faded print, especially now that the soundtrack is almost unintelligible. Worth watching for those interested in Africa's past but not recommended without equivocation.

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Sandy’s Film Reviews