Films: August 11 - 17

The Apartment (1960)
Tracks (2013) 
Into The Wild (2007)
Teukbyeolsusa: Sahyoungsuui Pyeonji (Proof Of Innocence) (2016)
Seupeulrit (Split) (2015)
Xuan Ya Zhi Shang (Cliff Walkers) (2021)
Der Fall Collini (The Collini Case) (2019)
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) ///

The Apartment (1960) Burnished with humanity, a romantically cynical tale, gorgeously cast and judged, balancing humor and emotion with a natural precision. Insurance accountant Jack Lemmon and elevator operator Shirley MacLaine are lonely, bruised souls chasing promotion and love, trapped by circumstance, given a New Year's chance.

Tracks (2013) Strikingly realized, deliberately paced, floundering Mia Wasikowska takes on the blistering Australian horizon in a meditative, thousands of miles journey to the sea with camels. Survivalist character study builds strong emotions and final release is deftly pitched.

Into The Wild (2007) Soulful and reflective, a careful, artful journey to the Alaskan wilderness as lost Emile Hirsch strips away his privilege and future to enter romantic unknown. Generosity of spirit from strangers encountered emphasizes enveloping sense of doomed poignancy.

Teukbyeolsusa: Sahyoungsuui Pyeonji (Proof Of Innocence) (2016) Mildly diverting crime drama as cynical former detective turned attorney Kim Myung-Min is persuaded to help innocent man and his daughter, Kim Hyang-Gi. Efficient telling, as Kim Young-Ae's moneyed corruption is uncovered.

Seupeulrit (Split) (2015) While agitated Lee Jung-Hyun sets up high stakes contests to pay off debt-ridden bowling alley, washed-up ex-pro Yoo Ji-Tae finds chance for redemption in potential of autistic David Lee. Intriguing detail, visual polish, and involving characters despite end contrivances.

Xuan Ya Zhi Shang (Cliff Walkers) (2021) Immaculate, atmospheric filmmaking, design, framing and pacing as icily precise as the frigid Japanese held landscapes that Chinese agents infiltrate in 1930s. Punctuated by bouts of violence and cruelty, dense plotting stifles emotional connection.

Der Fall Collini (The Collini Case) (2019) Solidly constructed, cleanly made, Elyas M'Barek is fledgling defense lawyer uncovering establishment corruption as he investigates unrepentant murderer Franco Nero. Pervading German guilt of wartime cruelty tied to courtroom tensions.

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934) Playful and swiftly paced, constructed round a series of gripping, darkly humorous set pieces, as Leslie Banks and Edna Best search for kidnapped daughter Nova Pilbeam. Peter Lorre deliciously sinister as anarchist at centre of murderous conspiracy.


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Films: September 23 - 29

Unstoppable  (2010)  Romancing The Stone  (1984) Steirerblut (The Forest Killer) (2013) Landkrimi Tirol: Das Mädchen aus dem Bergsee (Tigh...