Films: June 7 - 13

Soshite Chichi ni Naru (Like Father, Like Son) (2013)
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Air (2023) 

The Tourist (2010) 

Despite The Falling Snow (2016)

Wonder Man (1945)

Woheomhan Gwangye (Dangerous Liaisons) (2012) ///

Soshite Chichi ni Naru (Like Father, Like Son) (2013) Acute emotions stirred by revelation that 6-year-old sons were swapped at birth forces parents from different social status to question parental dreams and love. Tender naturalism imbues melodrama with heartful feeling. Poignant end holds hope.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) Clinical, grainy visuals and burnished design create dreamy, off-kilter background for Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise's marital issues and sexual fantasies. Equally frustrating and intoxicating, weaving an unsettling air around fierce performances and caustic view.

The Tourist (2010) Unable to capture needed playfulness, twisting tale of international theft coasts on seductive sheen of Venetian sets and awkward stars Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Technically adept, muddled storytelling results in isolated moments rather than cohesive thrills.

Air (2023) Capturing an optimistic 80s spirit, breezy drama sees intuitive talent scout Matt Damon persuading his eccentric Nike boss Benn Affleck to bet everything on rising star Michael Jordan. Transforming boardroom politics into underdog win against the odds, solidly crafted entertainment. 

Despite The Falling Snow (2016) As both 90s New York artist and 60s Russian agitator, Rebecca Ferguson provides spirited core that flat spy and love story can't fulfill. Hints at visual perception undone by bland staging and stilted characters, lacking intensity and shading for political and personal revelations.

Wonder Man (1945) Predictably frenetic, nightclub performer Danny Kaye is killed when he witnesses gangster hit before his ghost returns and often inhabits withdrawn identical twin to pursue justice. Virginia Mayo and Vera-Ellen provide romance amid over-extended physical gags, nimble musical numbers, clever VFX and gorgeous Technicolor shine.

Woheomhan Gwangye (Dangerous Liaisons) (2012) As visually seductive as its scheming principals, 30s Shanghai is opulent set for sexual cat and mouse with broken Zhang Ziyi the prey for scheming Cecilia Cheung and Jang Dong-gun. Detached style accentuates mischievous personal designs until single tear sparks gripping final melodrama.

Best Of British (101 - 105)

We Dive At Dawn (1943)

North West Frontier (1959) 

Windom's Way (1957)

This Sporting Life (1963)

Violent Playground (1958) ///

We Dive At Dawn (1943) Low-key style sets up Captain John Mills, Seaman Eric Portman and other submarine crew before central section screws claustrophobic tension of chase and escape, before action heroics raid on Danish port. Sense of documentary detail aids persuasive drama.

North West Frontier (1959) Spirited adventure manages both criticism and nostalgia for British Empire as principled Kenneth More leads fiery Lauren Bacall, confrontational Herbert Lom and diverse passengers on rickety train across battle-ravaged India. Expansive spectacle amid suspense and furious action.

Windom's Way (1957) Historical basis of Malaysian post-war disturbances sees dedicated doctor Peter Finch caught between rebels and government as violent conflict spins out of control. Cynical politics and brittle relationship with conflicted Mary Ure prove uneasy mix.

This Sporting Life (1963) Conflicted Richard Harris, raging against society even as he escapes mines for celebrated violence on rugby league fields, is captured with propulsive, effecttive technique. Social realism and gritty symbolism grounded by bitter anguish of Rachel Roberts.

Violent Playground (1958) Respectful pacing and open visuals allow a solid cast to take centre stage, as Stanley Baker's policeman and Peter Cushing's priest seek to help David McCallum and troubled youth in Liverpool. Overly earnest, the reflection on society maintains interest.