Films: June 23 - 29

Beulraindeu (Blind) (2011)

Man Hunt (1941)

Kiss Me, Stupid (1964)

Shockproof (1949)

Baesimwondeul (Juror 8) (2019)

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Bijeongkyujik Teuksuyowon (Part Time Spy) (2017) //

Beulraindeu (Blind) (2011) Crafty, sleek thriller, with cruel streak unafraid to bloody its leads as serial killer Yang Young-jo comes up against blind Kim Ha-neul and rebel Yoo Seung-ho. Occasional tonal lapses don't dampen tension, grounded by performances and tight rhythm.

Man Hunt (1941) After having Hitler in his gun sight, adventurer Walter Pidgeon is on the run, helped through dark London streets by brash Joan Bennett, even as pre-war government is willing to give him up. Highlighting bleak Nazi brutality, Stark atmosphere propels taut thrills.

Kiss Me, Stupid (1964) Meandering narrative builds comic momentum with ambition, frustration and sex feeding laughs as aspiring songwriter Ray Walston hires Kim Novak to play wife Felicia Farr and  seduce debauched Dean Martin. Sweet underbelly highlights coarse, desperate characters.

Shockproof (1949) Crisply detailed and tormented descent for parole officer Cornel Wilde as he falls for and becomes fugitive with recently released Patricia Knight. Solid characters and story dynamics, cleanly designed visuals, though ending is soft dodge on bleaker resolve.

Baesimwondeul (Juror 8) (2019) Enjoyable, involving mix of courtroom drama, broad comedy and social message as South Korea's first jury trial sees reluctant Park Hyung-Sik gradually turns prejudices of fellow jurors and impatient judge Moon So-Ri. Solid production and narrative.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Suffused with sense of wonder and open emotion, visuals and music ideally attuned to tale of lost alien befriended by boy in the suburbs. Irresistible film making, story and character punch home thrills, humor and feeling to achieve encompassing finale.

Bijeongkyujik Teuksuyowon (Part Time Spy) (2017) Despite spirited performers, lack of cohesive tone prevents broad comedy or action thrills from delivering as clumsy Gang Ye-Won and fiery Han Chae-Ah are forced to work together investigating phishing scam company. Flimsy entertainment.