Films: July 14 - 20

Thelma (2017)

The Man With The Iron Heart (2017)

Anthropoid (2016)

What Lies Beneath (2000)

Betrayed (1988) 

Gamshijadeul (Cold Eyes) (2013) 

Hyehwa, Dong (Re-Encounter) (2011) ///

Thelma (2017) Told with elegantly unfussy style heightened by evocative aural landscape, tentative student Eili Harboe awakens hidden abilities as she escapes her repressive upbringing. Eerie, gripping narrative provokes surprises and transformative lead with persuasive conclusion.

The Man With The Iron Heart (2017) Curious structure follows Jason Clarke's rise to power as Holocaust architect, humanity poisoned in front of wife Rosamund Pike, then switches view in second half to assassins carrying out execution. Solid technique without true emotional focus.

Anthropoid (2016) Straightforward telling of Cillian Murphy and Jamie Dornan carrying out plan to assassinate Nazi leader in Prague. Grungy, nervy visuals accentuate threats, Charlotte Le Bon and Anna Geislerová provide emotional strength, dry approach sees tragedy lack real punch.

What Lies Beneath (2000) Polished, carefully designed direction, and jittery Michelle Pfeiffer as a wife gradually overwhelmed with suspicion of disciplined husband Harrison Ford, maintains level of tension. Yet even with supernatural shades, story thrills never secure real grip.

Betrayed (1988) Caught between political warning and pulp thriller, undercover agent Debra Winger provides compelling heart as racist paranoia and violence in resolute Tom Berenger's rural community is exposed. Despite strong performances, uneasy balance is only bluntly effective.

Gamshijadeul (Cold Eyes) (2013) Dynamic staging and fluid visuals combine with involving characters as spirited Han Hyo-joo joins Sol Kyung-gu's specialist surveillance team to track down suitably brutal criminal Jung Woo-sung. Steamy urban backdrop heightens gritty tension and melodrama.

Hyehwa, Dong (Re-Encounter) (2011) Quietly effective tale as Yoo Da-in leads a subdued life rescuing abandoned dogs until former boyfriend Yoo Yeon-seok resurfaces to reveal the baby daughter they thought had died was given up for adoption. Aching sense of loss leads to bitter revelations.