Don’t Expect Too Much from the Apocalypse ★★★★★
A cinematic experience by Radu Jude featuring leading actress Ilinca Manolache, alongside Nina Hoss and Uwe Boll. This limited release, at 164 minutes, provides a chilling evocation of the pressures of modern life through its depiction of a day in the life of Angela, a hardworking production assistant, convincingly portrayed by Manolache. The storyline sees Angela navigating her way through Bucharest as part of a casting process for a movie about a workplace incident. Tellingly, the narrative echoes Angela Carries On (1981), another Romanian film that tracks the world of a female cab driver, also named Angela. Despite the daunting duration, harsh approach and forthright confidence, the film is surprisingly enjoyable, given its ability to naturally flow and extract comic absurdity, as it progresses through the six stages of despair, ending in laughter.
Copa 71 ★★★★☆
Brought to you by directors James Erskine and Rachel Ramsay, with special appearances by Brandi Chastain, Nicole Mangas, Silvia Zaragoza, Carol Wilson, Elena Schiavo, and David Goldblatt. This limited-release 89-minute documentary superbly covers the 1971 Women’s World Cup held in Mexico. Despite facing public sexism leading up to the game, the final between Mexico and Denmark at the Aztec Stadium continues to hold the title for the most highly attended women’s sports event to date. Viewers unfamiliar with the climax will find the detailed coverage of the tournament engrossing. The documentary carries an unsettling undertone, reflecting the aftermath when the football federation turned against the event, causing the shutdown of the participating teams. Two decades passed before FIFA officially recognised the Women’s World Cup, rendering the players interviewed here largely forgotten.
Initiation ★★★☆☆
A film directed by Ava DuVernay, featuring a stellar cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Nick Offerman, and Blair Underwood. This 12A certified, limited-release film runs for 135 minutes.
Colin Walsh, author of Kala, notes ‘The financial crash led to the dispersion of my friend circle globally. Many have not returned.’
Mark Mehigan reveals that without cocaine, he would not be in recovery and would continue his alcohol abuse.
In an interesting move, DuVernay takes on the challenge of transforming Isabel Wilkerson’s ‘Caste: The Lies That Divide Us’ — a provocative exploration of racism and other forms of discrimination— into a dramatic production. This intriguing adaptation features Ellis-Taylor as the writer. Despite some laboured metaphors and dialogue that’s occasionally too direct, the work holds value both as a didactic exposition and a narrative of healing. The drama conveys a comforting message about the healing potential of work, and Ellis-Taylor brings his character to life in an impressive manner. Although quirky and bold, it’s far superior to something bland and half-hearted. Complete review DC
High & Low: John Galliano ★★★☆☆
Kevin Macdonald guides the lens in this film that features John Galliano. This 15A certified, mainstream release runs for 117 minutes. The essential component of any fashion-focused documentary usually features monologues praising unreserved genius. Yet, Macdonald’s depiction of the ex-creative director of Givenchy and Dior doesn’t entirely evade this cliché. High & Low is not just a promotional video. It’s a film with fascinating and frustrating loose threads and cliffhangers. Did Galliano intentionally jeopardise his career to flee from the unfeasible corporate pressures of delivering 32 collections annually? The answers remain elusive, in spite of numerous hints. Galliano asserts at the start of the film, “I’m going to tell you everything,” only to evade essential queries as the film progresses. TB
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