30 Jan 2013 Director: Lee Daniels USA 2009 109 min llliterate teenager Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is about to give birth to her second child, and her prospects are bleak in the extreme. When she is accepted into an alternative school she sees a chance to start her life anew and escape the cycle… Continue reading Precious
Tag: 2009
Le Concert
The Concert 14 Mar 2012 Director: Radu Mihaileanu France 2009 119 min A film about music but you don’t have to be a classical music aficionado to appreciate this gem of a film; similarly you shouldn’t be put off that it has been described as a commentary on 20 years of post-communist Eastern Europe. What… Continue reading Le Concert
My Dog Tulip
28 Mar 2012 USA 2009 83 min Directors: Sandra & Paul Fierlinger A charming story of one man and his German Shepherd, My dog Tulip has an appeal broader than one might first expect. Animated in a highly stylised manner and, with a voiceover (by Christopher Plummer) full of dry humour that draws the viewer… Continue reading My Dog Tulip
L’affaire farewell
Farewell 16 Nov 2011 France 2009 113 min Director: Christian Carion Based on a true story, this cold war thriller boasts a light touch and understated performances that make for a very exciting film experience. Soviet intelligence agent Sergei Grigoriev (Emir Kusturica), torn between his communist ideals and the recognition of his state’s inevitable failings,… Continue reading L’affaire farewell
Madeo – Mother
16 Mar 11 Director: Bong Joon-Ho South Korea 2009 129 min When an ageing herbalist (and back-street acupuncturist) discovers her mentally challenged son is to be tried for the murder of a young girl after a drunken night out, she embarks on a relentless quest for justice, no matter the emotional cost. Gorgeously photographed, flawlessly… Continue reading Madeo – Mother
A Boy Called Dad
30 Mar 11 Director: Brian Percival UK 2009 79 min This contemporary British piece veers from ‘kitchen sink’ to chase movie featuring some powerful acting turns. Ian Hart is superb as feckless Liverpool painter and decorator Joe, who ran out on his young family years earlier. Newcomer Kyle Ward plays his son Robbie, now 14… Continue reading A Boy Called Dad
Samson And Delilah
22 Sept 10 Director: Warwick Thornton Australia 2009 101 min This near-silent, sun-bleached love story focuses on a rundown community in the Australian desert. Barely a word is spoken between disaffected, petrol-sniffing Samson and wary, sensible Delilah from start to finish; they communicate primarily in looks and gestures. This Oscar-winning exposé of the shocking methods… Continue reading Samson And Delilah
The Cove
20 Oct 10 Director: Louie Psihoyos USA 2009 91 min This Oscar-winning exposé of the shocking methods behind a highly lucrative dolphin entertainment industry plays out more like a thriller than a documentary. Now an activist working tirelessly for his cause, Richard O’Barry, formerly trainer of TV icon Flipper, leads the filmmakers as they plan… Continue reading The Cove
Welcome
6 Oct 10 Director: Philippe Lioret France 2009 110 min Bilal, a 17-year-old Kurdish boy, has travelled through the Middle East and Europe to join his girlfriend who has settled in London with her family. When his journey comes to an abrupt end in France, he decides to swim across the Channel and goes to… Continue reading Welcome
Los Abrazos Rotos – Broken Embraces
3 Nov 10 Director: Pedro Almodóvar Spain 2009 128 min Renowned for his elegant, stylish films, Almodóvar’s love of cinema is condensed into the story of Harry Caine, a filmmaker whose personal life is as dramatic as his screen creations. Blinded in a car accident that also claimed the life of his lover, Lena, played… Continue reading Los Abrazos Rotos – Broken Embraces