Tag Archives: coming to age movies

a duty to talk (film: White Bird – Marc Foster, 2023)

To prevent history from repeating itself, the stories of episodes of the Holocaust, of other genocides, and of acts of political terror and terrorism must be made known in all their horror. The best testimonies are those of survivors. But … Continue reading

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the virtuosity of the raising stars (film: What’s Eating Gilbert Grape – Lasse Hallström, 1993)

‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape‘ (1993) is one of the best-known feature films of the Swedish director Lasse Hallström, whose launching pad to international fame was built of the music videos of ABBA’s hit songs. Today it has also become a … Continue reading

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breaking taboos (film: The Children’s Hour – William Wyler, 1961)

By the time Bill Wyler adapted it in 1961, Lillian Hellman‘s play ‘The Children’s Hour‘ and its big screen adaptations already had a history of nearly three decades. The play itself was the first major hit on Broadway and the … Continue reading

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second tier (film: Challengers – Luca Guadagnino, 2024)

I am a big fan of tennis and of a few other sports. I also love the art of film. Their meeting should be one in heaven for me, and yet, so far, I haven’t seen a sports fiction movie … Continue reading

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Paul Newman’s Farewell (film: Road to Perdition – Sam Mendes, 2002)

The tradition of big Hollywood actors playing the roles of crime family bosses is well entrenched in the history of American cinema. About halfway between Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro we have Paul Newman, one of the most impressive … Continue reading

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humans and creatures (film: Le règne animal – Thomas Cailley, 2023)

‘Le règne animal‘ (2023), the second feature film of the French director Thomas Cailley, is a film that may confuse or disturb many of those who dare to see it. It is not recommended for those who do not like … Continue reading

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Margaret aged 11 talks to God (film: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – Kelly Fremon Craig, 2023)

2023 has been a good year for films set in 1970. I have no explanation as to why, but it is certain that after ‘The Holdovers’, which is quite well placed in the lists of Academy Awards nominates, now comes … Continue reading

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another Christmas movie (film: The Holdovers – Alexander Payne, 2023)

I confess that I was somewhat anxiously waiting to see Alexander Payne‘s ‘The Holdovers‘ (2023). 5 Oscar nominations should be a guarantee of watching a quality or at least interesting film. On the other hand, my experiences with Payne‘s previous … Continue reading

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between two worlds (film: Riceboy Sleeps – Anthony Shim, 2022)

The name of Canadian Anthony Shim is to be added to the permanently increasing list of actors who have crossed over from the other side of the camera to become film directors. As an actor, he has quite an impressive … Continue reading

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coming to age under the sign of magic (film: Moving / Ohikkoshi – Shinji Sômai, 1993)

‘Moving‘ (1993 – original title is ‘Ohikkoshi‘) is one of those films whose viewing is more than a cinematic spectacle – it’s an experience. It’s the first film I’ve seen by the Japanese film director Shinji Sômai, who died prematurely … Continue reading

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