by GREG KING Mahana is a powerful new period drama from New Zealand exploring themes of masculinity, Maori identity and pride. It is the new film from New Zealand director Lee Tamahori, best known for the powerful Once Were Warriors. It is his first film shot in New Zealand after nearly two decades working abroad… Continue Reading »
LITTLE MEN
Reviewed by GREG KING Director: Ira Sachs Stars: Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle, Paulina Garcia, Talia Balsam, Theo Taplitz, Michael Barbieri. Ira Sachs is better known for his queer themed films like Keep The Lights On and the wonderful Love Is Strange, starring Alfred Molina and John Lithgow. His latest film is a subtle, accessible, enjoyable… Continue Reading »
ELLA
Reviewed by GREG KING Documentary Director: Douglas Watkin. Not to be confused with Paul Verhoeven’s recent dark and disturbing psychological thriller Elle, this is a documentary about Ella Havelka, the first indigenous dancer with the Australian Ballet in the company’s fifty year history. Born and raised in the small town of Dubbo, Havelka is a… Continue Reading »
NEON BULL
Reviewed by GREG KING Director: Gabriel Mascaro Stars: Juliano Cazarre, Maeve Jinkings, Alyne Santana, Carlos Pessoa, Vinicius de Oliveira. This co-production from Brazil, Uruguay and Holland is a slice of life drama set against the backdrop of the rodeo circuit, and gives us some insights into this little known macho world of the Vaquejada, a… Continue Reading »
ELLE
Reviewed by GREG KING Director: Paul Verhoeven Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Charles Berling, Laurent Lafitte, Anne Consigny, Christian Berkel, Jonas Bloquet, Alice Isaaz, Arthur Mazet, Lucas Prisor, Judith Magre. Dutch born filmmaker Paul Verhoeven carved out quite a niche for himself in Hollywood as a director of big budget sci-fi action films with cutting edge special… Continue Reading »
HELL OR HIGH WATER
Reviewed by GREG KING Director: David Mackenzie Stars: Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Gil Birmingham, Dale Dickey, Buck Taylor, Katy Mixon, Debrianna Mansini. This blend of heist movie and contemporary western comes from British director David Mackenzie (the violent prison film Starred Up), who gives us a rather bleak picture of an economically depressed… Continue Reading »