Films: August 4 - 10

Haeuhhwa (Love, Lies) (2016)

Into The Blue (2005)

Chimibja (Intruder) (2020)

Madeo (Mother) (2009)

Lulu femme nue (Lulu) (2013)

The King Of Staten Island (2021)

The Notorious Landlady (1962)

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Trust Me (2007) ///

Haeuhhwa (Love, Lies) (2016) Richly textured, evocatively lit, tragic love triangle during 1940s Japanese occupation of South Korea features fascinating collision of traditional and new music, as well as influence and abuse of trained courtesans. Gorgeous leads enliven absorbing tale.

Into The Blue (2005) Luxuriating in bronzed locations and characters, story of sunken treasure, submerged drugs and irritable sharks moves at languid pace, occasionally attempting moments of suspense. Jessica Alba and Paul Walker swim attractively through crystal Bahamas waters.

Chimibja (Intruder) (2020) Initially creepy mystery as calm Song Ji-hyo returns after 25 years disappearance and concerned brother Kim Mu-yeol begins to suspect true identity and motives. Thrills simmer rather than come to boil, while religious cult plot culminates soft final act.

Madeo (Mother) (2009) Convinced of her son's innocence, determined Kim Hye-ja's powerful central performance knits together tonal conflicts, while precisely composed visuals conjure eerie atmosphere tempered with dark, broad humour. Constantly surprising, resolution is bleakly apposite. 

Lulu femme nue (Lulu) (2013) Failed job interview prompts withdrawn Karin Viard to take break from mundane home life and a chance with lonely Claude Gensac, put down Solène Rigot and floundering Bouli Lanners. Understated naturalism, appealingly performed, sensitively resolved.

The King Of Staten Island (2021) Winningly pitched blend of comedy and drama with unwilling Pete Davidson forced to face his insecurities when mother Marisa Tomei and girlfriend Bel Powley give ultimatums. Loose style and firm sense of community add immeasurably to character empathy.

The Notorious Landlady (1962) Coasting on charms of Kim Novak's suspicious title character and confident American diplomat Jack Lemmon, patchy comedy and light murder mystery never delivers on creative talent. Fred Astaire and Lionel Jeffries provide amiable support.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) Initial story setup and character development prove intriguing, as confident defense attorney Matthew McConaughey dances round clients and cases. Fine cast, yet plot rapidly runs out of steam as it concentrates on wealthy Ryan Phillippe and family secrets.

Trust Me (2007) Reserved Enn Reitel lives in his own world of impersonations until a newly arrived con man sets up in LA as an agent and accidentally propels him to stardom. Flat style and pacing flails for satiric effect, punctuated by equally mistimed laughs, despite game efforts of cast.