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Edinburgh International Film Festival · 2002

Edinburgh International Film Festival 2002

Unnamed Strand

Programme

69 films · 69 reviews

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8 Women (8 Femmes, Eight Women)

Review preview for 8 Women

Ozon's quirky French murder mystery-cum-comedy-cum-musical is a brilliant pastiche on so many genres, it has no right to be as entertaining as it is, or as gripping.

Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
Eight women, one body and a house full of lies.

(Country: France; Year: 2001; Director: Francois Ozon; Writer: Francois Ozon, Marina de Van, based on the play by Robert Thomas; Stars: Danielle Darrieux, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Fanny Ardant, Virginie Ledoyen, Emmanuelle Beart, Ludivine Sagnier, Firmine Richard)

Full review

Abouna (Our Father)

Review preview for Abouna

This Chad/France co-production is pleasant enough viewing, but felt somewhat calculated, polished and ersatz to me.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Two brothers from Chad are affected in different ways when their father leaves home.

(Country: Chad/France; Year: 2002; Director: Mahamat Saleh Haroun; Writer: Mahamat Saleh Haroun; Stars: Ahidjo Mahamat Moussa, Hamza Moctar Aguid, Zara Haroun, Mounira Khalil, Koulsy Lamko, Garba Issa)

Full review

All About Lily Chou-Chou (Riri Shushu no subete, Lily Chou Chou no subete)

Review preview for All About Lily Chou-Chou

Beautiful to look at, as well as anarchic and contemporary.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
A disaffected teen finds solace in music and fan chat rooms.

(Country: Japan; Year: 2001; Director: Shunji Iwai; Writer: Shunji Iwai; Stars: Hayato Ichinara, Shugo Oshinari, Ayumi Ito, Yu Aoi, Takao Osawa, Miwako Ichikawa, Izumi Inamori)

Full review

Australian Rules

Review preview for Australian Rules

What makes the film work is the incredibly earnest acting of the main players.

Trinity · 3.5 out of 5
Racial tension hides beneath the surface of a tidy Australian fishing town.

(Country: Australia; Year: 2002; Director: Paul Goldman; Writer: Phillip Gwynne, based on his novel, Deadly Unna; Stars: Nathan Phillips, Simon Westaway, Lisa Flanagan, Luke Carroll, Kevin Harrington, Tom Budge)

Full review

All Or Nothing

Review preview for All Or Nothing

Despite the depressing nature of the subject matter, the film is heartfelt and uplifting.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
Mike Leigh investigates the sad, heartfelt lives of high-rise South Londoners.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: Mike Leigh; Writer: Mike Leigh; Stars: Timothy Spall, Lesley Manville, Ruth Sheen, James Corden, Marion Bailey, Alison Garland, Paul Jesson, Kathryn Hunter, Sally Hawkins, Helen Coker)

Full review

Angela

Review preview for Angela

This gritty realism is enhanced by the manner in which the film is shot, using not-so-steady camerawork.

Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
Tale of star-crossed lovers in Mafiosi world of Sicily.

(Country: Italy; Year: 2002; Director: Roberta Torre; Writer: Roberta Torre; Stars: Donatella Finocchiaro, Andrea Di Stefano, Mario Pupella, Erasmo Lobello, Tony Gambino, Matteo Gulino, Maria Mistretta, Giuseppe Pettinato)

Full review

Baader

Review preview for Baader

Don't expect anything new, or original.

Gator MacReady · 2 out of 5
German jailbird lashes out at society with a series of uninteresting attacks and confusing exploits.

(Country: Germany; Year: 2002; Director: Christopher Roth; Writer: Moritz Von Uslar; Stars: Frank Giering, Vadim Glowna, Laura Maori Tonke, Birge Schade, Daniel Krauss)

Full review

The Backyard

Review preview for The Backyard

Backyard is as staged as the action you see on television. Knowing this, however, doesn't detract from a queasy feeling and sense of exploitation.

George Williamson · 4 out of 5
A shockingly graphic documentary about the backyard wrestling phenomenon.

(Country: USA; Year: 2002; Director: Paul Hough; Stars: "The Lizard", "Chaos", "Scar", "Heartless", "The Retarded Butcher")

Full review

Balzac And The Little Chinese Seamstress (Balzac Et La Petite Tailleuse Chinoise, Xiao cai feng)

Review preview for Balzac And The Little Chinese Seamstress

The film's strength lies in its simplicity and humanity.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 5 out of 5
Boys sent for re-education get the hots for local seamstress.

(Country: China/France; Year: 2002; Director: Dai Sijie; Writer: Dai Sijie, Nadine Perront, based on the novel by Dai Sijie; Stars: Xun Zhou, Kun Chen, Ye Liu, Suang Bao Wang, Xiong Xiaoi)

Full review

Bashkim

Review preview for Bashkim

Strangely disjointed.

Trinity · 2.5 out of 5
A young Kosovan kick boxer and his family try to explain his rage and frustration.

(Country: Switzerland; Year: 2001; Director: Vadim Jendreyko; Stars: Bashkim Berisha, Riza Berisha, Djka Berisha)

Full review

Baadasssss Cinema

Review preview for Baadasssss Cinema

I only wish there was more of it.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Documentary about the 1970s blaxploitation films.

(Country: UK/US; Year: 2002; Director: Isaac Julien; Stars: Samuel L Jackson, Pam Grier, Melvin Van Peebles, Quentin Tarantino)

Full review

Buffalo Soldiers

Review preview for Buffalo Soldiers

At turns funny, violent, bitter and over the top, it's a curious little fable about boredom, risk-taking, and the frustration experienced by trained fighters in peacetime.

Jennie Kermode · 3 out of 5
Cynical depiction of life as a US soldier in Germany, 1989.

(Country: Germany/UK/US; Year: 2001; Director: Gregor Jordan; Writer: Gregor Jordan, Eric Axel Weiss, Nora MacCoby, based on the novel by Robert O'Connor; Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Ed Harris, Anna Paquin, Scott Glenn, Elizabeth McGovern, Michael Pena, Leon Robinson)

Full review

Breath Control: The History of the Human Beat Box

Review preview for Breath Control: The History of the Human Beat Box

Shot in an interview style, Breath Control is not particularly revolutionary... However, what really sets it apart is the director's love of his subject.

George Williamson · 4.5 out of 5
The phenomenon of human beat boxing revisited as a documentary.

(Country: US; Year: 2002; Director: Joey Garfield; Stars: Doug E Fresh, Rahzel, Biz Markie, Fat Boys, Stetasonic, Emanon)

Full review

Bundy (Ted Bundy)

Review preview for Bundy

The script does its best to make the audience uncomfortable - embarrassed, disgusted, socially repulsed - long before anything as sensational as murder occurs.

Jennie Kermode · 3 out of 5
Biopic of serial killer Ted Bundy.

(Country: US; Year: 2002; Director: Matthew Bright; Writer: Matthew Bright, Stephen Johnston; Stars: Michael Reilly Burke, Boti Ann Bliss, Stefani Brass, Marina Black, Wayne Morse, Tom Savini)

Full review

Changing Lanes

Review preview for Changing Lanes

Gliding smoothly under the surface of what appears to be a serious film about coincidence and morality is that old black magic called sentiment.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
An ambitious lawyer and a recovering alcoholic have a bad day in New York after a car crash.

(Country: US; Year: 2002; Director: Roger Michell; Writer: Michael Tolkin, Chap Taylor; Stars: Ben Affleck, Samuel L Jackson, Toni Collette, Sidney Pollack, William Hurt, Amanda Peet, Richard Jenkins)

Full review

Cinemania

Review preview for Cinemania

Succeeds in making the familiar strange and the unfamiliar everyday.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3 out of 5
There, but for the grace of God, go Scorsese, Tarantino, Truffaut and Godard in this documentary about seriously obsessive New York cinephiles.

(Country: Germany; Year: 2002; Director: Angela Christlieb, Stephen Kijak)

Full review

The Clay Bird (Matir Monia, L'Oiseau d'Argile)

Review preview for The Clay Bird

Filled with great splendour and majesty.

Trinity · 4 out of 5
Life as a Muslim seen through the eyes of Bangledeshis on the verge of civil war.

(Country: France/Bangladesh; Year: 2002; Director: Tareque Masud; Writer: Tareque Masud, Catherine Masud; Stars: Nurul Islam Bablu, Russell Farazi, Jayanto Chattopadhyay, Rokeya Prachy)

Full review

Confession (Itiraf)

A husband suspects his wife of infidelity and tries to make her confess.

(Country: Turkey; Year: 2001; Director: Zeki Demirkubuz; Writer: Zeki Demirkubuz; Stars: Taner Birsel, Basak Köklükaya, Iskender Altin, Mirac Eronat, Gulgun Kutlu)

Full review

Cry Woman (Ku Qi De Nu Ren)

Review preview for Cry Woman

With its lack of sentimentality, Cry Woman breaks the mould of beautiful looking, nostalgic filmmaking.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
Tough girl hustles work in China and discovers she has talent as a professional wailer at funerals.

(Country: China; Year: 2002; Director: Bingjian Liu; Writer: Ja Deng, Bingjian Liu ; Stars: Liao Qin, Wei Xingkun, Zhu Jiayue, Li Longjun, Wen Ging)

Full review

Dark Water (Honogurai Mozu No Soko Kara)

Review preview for Dark Water

Nakata's technique is to imply terror by suggestion, rather than the overuse of special effects.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
Obvious but effective Japanese horror from the director and writer of Ring.

(Country: Japan; Year: 2002; Director: Hideo Nakata; Writer: Yoshihiro Nakamura, Ken-ichi Suzuki, based on the novel by Koji Suzuki; Stars: Hitomi Kuroki, Rio Kanno, Mirei Oguchi, Asami Mizukawa, Fumiyo Kohinata, Shigemitsu Ogi)

Full review

Decasia

Review preview for Decasia

Some may find Decasia's approach nihilistic.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Think Mirroball for those who find Mirrorball lightweight.

(Country: USA; Year: 2001; Director: Bill Morrison; Writer: Bill Morrison)

Full review

Detained (Asurot)

Review preview for Detained

Anat Even and Ada Ushpiz manage to present these stories in a way that is less about the conflict and more about the human plight of the three women.

George Williamson · 4 out of 5
Powerful documentary about the life of three Palestinian widows and their families.

(Country: Israel; Year: 2001; Director: Anat Even, Ada Ushpiz; Writer: Anat Even, Ada Ushpiz; Stars: Najwa, Nawal, Siham)

Full review

Dragonflies (Oyenstikker)

Review preview for Dragonflies

Using handheld camera and naturalistic lighting, director Marius Holst's style might be summarised as Dogme-lite.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3 out of 5
Secrets from the past are prized open when an ex-con comes to see a couple in the country.

(Country: Norway; Year: 2001; Director: Marius Holst; Writer: Nikolaj Frobenius, Marius Holst, based on the book by Ingvar Ambjornsen; Stars: Kim Bodnia, Mikael Persbrandt, Maria Bonnevie, Thomas Skarpordet, Tintin Anderzon, Tord Peterson, Shanti Roney, Anastasios Soulis, Ulla-Britt Norman-Olsson, Willy Karlsson)

Full review

Every Day God Kisses Us On The Mouth (In Fiecare Zi Dumnezeu Ne Saruta Pe Gura)

Review preview for Every Day God Kisses Us On The Mouth

redolent with imagery and running metaphors that are deeply relevant to Romanian politics and social structures, but to an outsider they make the film seem beautifully surreal.

George Williamson · 3.5 out of 5
An alcoholic butcher finds himself sucked into a world of murder he can't escape.

(Country: Romania; Year: 2001; Director: Sinisa Dragin; Writer: Ioan Carmazan, Sinisa Dragin; Stars: Dan Condurache, Ana Ciontea, Horatiu Malaele, Dan Astileanu, Valer Delakeza)

Full review

Frailty

Review preview for Frailty

Instead of being driven by effects and action, Frailty holds your attention with utter disbelief. You can accept what is happening, but do you want to?

Gator MacReady · 4.5 out of 5
Bill Paxton’s kids think he’s gone nutzo in religious thriller about a serial axe murderer.

(Country: USA; Year: 2001; Director: Bill Paxton; Writer: Brent Hanley; Stars: Bill Paxton, Matthew McConaughey, Powers Boothe, Matthew O'Leary, Jeremy Sumpter, Luke Askew)

Full review

The Guru

Review preview for The Guru

The humour is so crass, to call it dumbed-down would be expansive.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 1.5 out of 5
Dance instructor from Bombay goes to New York, meets a porn star and become a sex guru.

(Country: US; Year: 2001; Director: Daisy von Scherler Mayer; Writer: Tracey Jackson; Stars: Heather Graham, Jimi Mistry, Marisa Tomei, Christine Baranski, Michael McKean, Malachy McCourt, Rob Morrow, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Ajay Naidu, Raahul Singh)

Full review

Heartlands

Review preview for Heartlands

For an uplifting tale about an ordinary man, who is not a recovering alcoholic, or a typical British waster, then check this out.

Gator MacReady · 4 out of 5
Big-time loser turns his life around when he travels to Blackpool in an effort to win back his estranged wife.

(Country: UK/US; Year: 2002; Director: Damien O'Donnell; Writer: Paul Fraser; Stars: Michael Sheen, Mark Addy, Jim Carter, Ruth Jones, Celia Imrie, Jane Robbins, Mark Strong, Paul Shane, Phillipa Peak, Jade Rhodes)

Full review

Her Majesty

Review preview for Her Majesty

Gordon has created a sweet drama that contains all the elements of a darn good story.

Gabriella Trybalska · 4.5 out of 5
A girl dreams of meeting Queen Elizabeth II.

(Country: New Zealand; Year: 2001; Director: Mark J Gordon; Writer: Mark J Gordon; Stars: Sally Andrews, Anna Sheridan, Mark Clare, Alison Routledge, Geoff Snell, Craig Elliott, Patrick Morrison, Todd Emerson, Alexander Gandar, Anton Tennet, Stuart Devenie)

Full review

The Happiness of the Katakuris (Katakuri-ke no Koufuku)

Review preview for The Happiness of the Katakuris

Small children would delight in this film, but most adults would be horrified by the thought of them seeing it.

Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
Running a guest house proves deathly for a family. Just as well they know a few good songs.

(Country: Japan; Year: 2001; Director: Takashi Miike; Writer: Kikumi Yamagishi; Stars: Kiyoshiro Imawano, Keiko Matsuzaka, Naomi Nishida, Kenji Sawada, Shinji Takeda, Naoto Takenaka, Tetsuro Tamba)

Full review

Hoover Street Revival

Review preview for Hoover Street Revival

There is simply no audience for this film.

Gator MacReady · 1 out of 5
The goings-on within the 'hood of South Central LA and their all-black gospel church.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: Sophie Fiennes; Stars: Bishop Noel Jones)

Full review

Insomnia

Review preview for Insomnia

With some awesome location shots of the Arctic circle and a brooding score from David Julyan, Nolan’s picture oozes atmosphere.

Stephen Carty · 4 out of 5
Al Pacino is an LA detective come to Alaska to solve a teenage murder.

(Country: US; Year: 2002; Director: Christopher Nolan; Writer: Hillary Seitz, based on the script by Nikolaj Frobenius and Erik Skjoldbjaeg for Insomnia (1997); Stars: Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Maura Tierney, Martin Donovan, Nicky Katt, Paul Dooley)

Full review

Intacto (Intact)

Review preview for Intacto

It is opaque in the style of Seventies art house movies, with an energy that leaps out and shakes your bones.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
If luck is a commodity, it can be bought and sold.

(Country: Spain; Year: 2001; Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo; Writer: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo; Stars: Leonardo Sbaraglia, Eusebio Poncela, Mónica López, Antonio Dechent, Max von Sydow, Guillermo Toledo, Alber Ponte, Andrea San Vicente, Jesús Noguero, Ramón Serrada, Marisa Lull)

Full review

Irreversible

Review preview for Irreversible

For all its confrontational posturing, there are moments when the film fails to take the leap into the abyss.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Brutal story of a violent rape, told in reverse. Now out to own in special collectors edition.

(Country: France; Year: 2002; Director: Gaspar Noé; Writer: Gaspar Noé; Stars: Monica Bellucci, Vincent Cassel, Albert Dupontel, Philippe Nahon, Jo Prestia, Stephane Drouot)

Full review

The Importance Of Being Earnest

Review preview for The Importance Of Being Earnest

But the real disappointment is Everett, who gives a lazy performance, as if he knows he can do this backwards and simply can't be bothered.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3 out of 5
Wilde's tale of love and identity gets saddled with unfortunate dream sequences.

(Country: UK/US; Year: 2002; Director: Oliver Parker; Writer: Oliver Parker, based on the play by Oscar Wilde; Stars: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O'Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Massey)

Full review

It Kinda Scares Me (Tomer Ve-Hasrutim)

Review preview for It Kinda Scares Me

An exceptional documentary.

George Williamson · 4 out of 5
Documentary about a group of adolescents in Tel Aviv.

(Country: Israel; Year: 2001; Director: Tomer Heymann; Writer: Tomer Heymann)

Full review

Japon (Japón)

Review preview for Japon

The breadth and depth of Japon belies its standing as a directorial debut.

Amber Wilkinson · 4.5 out of 5
Mystery man seeks redemption and death in Mexico.

(Country: Mexico/Spain; Year: 2002; Director: Carlos Reygadas; Writer: Carlos Reygadas; Stars: Alejandro Ferretis, Magdalene Flores, Carlos Reygadas, Barquin, Martin Cerrano, Rolando Hernandez, Yolanda Villa, Bernabe Perez, Fernando Benitez and Claudia Rodriguez.)

Full review

July Rhapsody (Nan Ren Si Shi, Laam Yan Sei Sap)

Review preview for July Rhapsody

Ann Hui's quaint little film is enjoyable, despite being too static.

Gabriella Trybalska · 3 out of 5
A heartwarming tale about family relationships in China.

(Year: 2002; Director: Ann Hui; Writer: Ivy Ho; Stars: Jacky Cheung, Anita Mui, Karena Lam, Shaun Tam, Tou Chung Hua)

Full review

Just A Kiss

Review preview for Just A Kiss

While the film is, indeed, freewheeling, some of us prefer to call it out of control.

Amber Wilkinson · 2 out of 5
Farcical romance as three couples become inextricably entwined due to wanderlust.

(Country: US; Year: 2001; Director: Fisher Stevens; Writer: Patrick Breen; Stars: Ron Eldard, Kyra Sedgewick, Patrick Breen, Marisa Tomei, Marley Shelton, Taye Diggs, Sarita Choudhury)

Full review

The Last Great Wilderness

Review preview for The Last Great Wilderness

The plot makes as much sense as a French haggis.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 2 out of 5
Two men take refuge in a retreat for lost souls in the countryside.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: David Mackenzie; Writer: Michael Tait, Alistair Mackenzie, David Mackenzie, Gillian Berrie; Stars: Alistair Mackenzie, Jonny Phillips, Victoria Smurfit, David Hayman, Ewan Stewart, Ford Kiernan, Sheila Donald, Martin Bell)

Full review

Morvern Callar

Review preview for Morvern Callar

For a slow film, there is too much plot.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3 out of 5
After her boyfriend commits suicide, Samantha Morton runs away to Spain with her best pal.

(Country: UK, Canada; Year: 2002; Director: Lynne Ramsay; Writer: Lynne Ramsay, Liana Dognini, based on the novel by Alan Warner; Stars: Samantha Morton, Kathleen McDermott, Raife Patrick Burchell, Carolyn Calder, Dan Cadan, Jim Wilson)

Full review

My Little Eye

Review preview for My Little Eye

My Little Eye avoids kitsch, camp and pastiche.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
People agree to take part in a reality TV experiment, which will see them share an isolated house for six months. But with a week to go, do their backers want them out?

(Country: UK, Canada; Year: 2002; Director: Marc Evans; Writer: David Hilton, James Watkins; Stars: Jennifer Sky, Stephen O'Reilly, Laura Regan, Sean CW Johnson, Kris Lemche)

Full review

Once Upon A Time In The Midlands

Review preview for Once Upon A Time In The Midlands

Shows a maturity that embraces every aspect of what commitment and family means and why those sentimental things that blokes feel uncomfortable with have a purpose and a reason.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
Rhys Ifans and Robert Carlyle tussle for the affections of Shirley Henderson.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: Shane Meadows; Writer: Shane Meadows, Paul Fraser; Stars: Rhys Ifans, Robert Carlyle, Shirley Henderson, Kathy Burke, Ricky Tomlinson, Finn Atkins, James Cosmo)

Full review

One Hour Photo

Review preview for One Hour Photo

The film has an individuality about it and yet looks like a store front studio product.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
Robin Williams assumes the stalker role in this offbeat thriller.

(Country: US; Year: 2002; Director: Mark Romanek; Writer: Mark Romanek; Stars: Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Michael Vartan, Dylan Smith, Erin Daniels, Paul H. Kim, Lee Garlington, Gary Cole, Marion Calvert, David Moreland, Shaun P. O'Hagan)

Full review

Out Of Control

Review preview for Out Of Control

It's awful, yet is so well directed and acted that you can't take your eyes off it, no matter how much you want to.

Gator MacReady · 4 out of 5
Gritty drama about boys in borstal.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: Dominic Savage; Writer: Dominic Savage; Stars: Tamzin Outhwaite, David Morrissey, Jamie Foreman, Frank Harper, Danny Young, Leo Gregory, Akemnji Ndifornyan)

Full review

Pleasant Days (Szép napok)

Review preview for Pleasant Days

If you are turned off by European arthouse movies then this is more likely to confirm your dispassion rather than change your beliefs.

Gator MacReady · 1 out of 5
Newly paroled timewaster Peter wanders aimlessly from scene to scene as he continues to squander his life.

(Country: Hungary; Year: 2002; Director: Kornél Mundruczó; Writer: Kornél Mundruczó, Viktória Petrányi; Stars: Tamás Polgár, Orsolya Tóth, Kata Wéger, Lajos Ottó Horváth, András Réthelyi, Károly Kuna)

Full review

A Red Bear (Un Oso Rojo)

Review preview for A Red Bear

An interesting genre hybrid that hits more than it misses.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Ex-con tries to re-establish relations with his family and collect money due him.

(Country: Argentina; Year: 2002; Director: Adrian Caetano; Writer: Adrian Caetano; Stars: Julio Chavez, Soledad Villamil, Luis Hachin, Agostina Lage, Rene Lavand, Enrqique Liporace, Daniel Valenzuela, Freddy Forbes, Ernesto Villegas)

Full review

Revengers Tragedy

Review preview for Revengers Tragedy

The narrative is so out-of-focus and the characters so unrealistic one cannot figure out exactly what universe the film inhabits.

Gator MacReady · 2 out of 5
A modern day adaptation of Thomas Middleton's 17th century stage play.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: Alex Cox; Writer: Frank Cottrell Boyce, based on the play by Thomas Middleton; Stars: Christopher Eccleston, Eddie Izzard, Derek Jacobi, Diana Quick, Sophie Dahl, Justin Salinger)

Full review

Rabbit-Proof Fence

Review preview for Rabbit-Proof Fence

Christopher Doyle's cinematography has a rawness that belies the romance of the outback. The

Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
True story of three mixed race Aboriginal girls who walk home across the breadth of Australia.

(Country: Australia; Year: 2002; Director: Phillip Noyce; Writer: Christine Olsen, based on the book by Doris Pilkington; Stars: Everlyn Sampi, Tianna Sansbury, Laura Monaghan, Kenneth Branagh, Deborah Mailman, David Gulpilil)

Full review

Soft Shell Man (Un Crabe Dans La Tete, A Crab In The Head)

Review preview for Soft Shell Man

Andre Turpin, directing his first selp-penned feature, has created an absorbing film, which will easily captivate a willing audience.

Gabriella Trybalska · 4 out of 5
A man returns home after an accident in the Indian Ocean to see his photographs in a new exhibit.

(Country: Canada; Year: 2001; Director: Andre Turpin; Writer: Andre Turpin; Stars: David La Haye, Isabelle Blais, Emmanuel Bilodeau, Chantel Giroux, Pascale Desrochers,)

Full review

Something To Remind Me (Toter Mann)

Review preview for Something To Remind Me

Keeps the viewer enthralled throughout.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 4 out of 5
Expertly constructed thriller in the tradition of Hitchcock and Chabrol.

(Country: Germany; Year: 2001; Director: Christian Petzold; Writer: Christian Petzold; Stars: Nina Hoss, Andre Hennicke, Sven Pippig, Kathrin Angerer, Heinrich Schmieder, Franziska Trogner, Henning Peker, Michael Gerber)

Full review

Son Of The Bride (El Hijo De La Novia)

Review preview for Son Of The Bride

This movie is to be cherished.

Amber Wilkinson · 4.5 out of 5
Fortysomething businessman discovers the value of family over success.

(Country: Argentina/Spain; Year: 2001; Director: Juan José Campanella; Writer: Fernando Castets, Juan Jose Campanella; Stars: Ricardo Darin, Hector Alterio, Norma Aleandro, Eduardo Blanco, Natalia Verbeke, Gimena Nóbile, David Masajnik, Claudia Fontán, Atilio Pozzobón, Salo Pasik)

Full review

Le Souffle (Deep Breath)

Review preview for Le Souffle

Odoul's vision has a unique quality of strangeness and Bonnetblanc's performance is extraordinary.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
Harsh coming of age drama set in rural France.

(Country: France; Year: 2001; Director: Damien Odoul; Writer: Damien Odoul; Stars: Pierre-Louis Bonnetblanc, Dominique Chevallier, Maxime Dalbrut, Jean-Claude Lecante, Jean Milrod)

Full review

Spider

Review preview for Spider

For what is essentially a psychological horror film, Spider is remarkable for its quietness, its unassuming grace.

Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
A man undergoes a mental collapse.

(Country: Canada/UK; Year: 2002; Director: David Cronenberg; Writer: Patrick McGrath, based on the novel by Patrick McGrath; Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Miranda Richardson, Gabriel Byrne, Lynn Redgrave, John Neville, Bradley Hall, Gary Reineke, Philip Craig, Cliff Saunders, Tara Ellis, Sara Stockbridge)

Full review

Sex Is Comedy (Scènes Intimes)

Review preview for Sex Is Comedy

Overflows with classic moments.

Gabriella Trybalska · 4 out of 5
A director struggles to shoot the sex scene central to her film.

(Country: France; Year: 2002; Director: Catherine Breillat; Writer: Catherine Breillat; Stars: Anne Parillaud, Gregorie Colin, Roxanne Mesquida, Ashley Wanninger, Dominique Colladant)

Full review

Sex With Strangers

Review preview for Sex With Strangers

It's all a bit superficial.

Gator MacReady · 3 out of 5
Documentary following the lives of couples who sleep with any willing partner.

(Country: US; Year: 2001; Director: Harry Gantz, Joe Gantz; Stars: Calvin, Julie, Shannon, Gerard, James, Theresa, Sara)

Full review

Tattoo

Review preview for Tattoo

On the strength of this film, writer/director Robert Schwentke is a talent to watch.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Stylish German Se7en style thriller.

(Country: Germany; Year: 2002; Director: Robert Schwentke; Writer: Robert Schwentke; Stars: August Diehl, Christian Redl, Nadesha Brennicke, Ilkur Bahadir, Jasmin Schwiers, Monika Bleibtreu, Fatih Cevikkollu, Johan Leysen, Ingo Naujoks, Florian Panzner, Gustav-Peter Wohler)

Full review

This Is Not A Love Song

Review preview for This Is Not A Love Song

The movie becomes bogged down.

Angus Wolfe Murray · 2.5 out of 5
Two petty crooks are hunted over rugged country after a gun goes off by mistake in a farmyard.

(Country: UK; Year: 2002; Director: Bille Eltringham; Writer: Simon Beaufoy; Stars: Michael Colgan, Kenny Glenaan, David Bradley, John Henshaw, Adam Pepper, Keri Arnold, Chris Middleton)

Full review

The Trespasser (O Invasor)

Review preview for The Trespasser

Miklos is superb in the role of Anisio, striking a balance between menace and swagger, which gives him a comedic air.

Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
A hitman wreaks havoc when hired by two directors of a construction firm to eliminate a third.

(Country: Brazil; Year: 2001; Director: Beto Brant; Writer: Marcal Aquino, Beto Brant, Renato Ciasca; Stars: Paulo Miklos, Marco Ricca, Alexandre Borges, Mariana Ximenes, Malu Mader, Chris Couto, George Freire, Jayme del Cueto, Sabotage)

Full review

Tribute

Review preview for Tribute

Well worth the time and effort.

Gator MacReady · 3.5 out of 5
Rockumentary following the lives of tribute bands and their fans.

(Country: US; Year: 2001; Director: Kris Curry, Rich Fox; Stars: Larger Than Life, The Missing Links, Sheer Heart Attack)

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Tadpole

Review preview for Tadpole

It has little teen humour, with the majority of the cast unlikely to see 40 again, and there is not enough plot substance to constitute an incentive for the older crowd.

Amber Wilkinson · 2.5 out of 5
A boy falls for his stepmother in this coming of age comedy.

(Country: US; Year: 2002; Director: Gary Winick; Writer: Heather McGowan, Niels Mueller, Gary Winick; Stars: Sigourney Weaver, Aaron Stanford, John Ritter, Bebe Neuwirth, Robert Iler, Adam Lefevre, Peter Appel, Alicia van Couvering, Kate Mara, Hope Chernov)

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Take Care Of My Cat (Go Yang I Rul Boo Tak Hae)

Review preview for Take Care Of My Cat

An enjoyable way to spend two hours.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Korean coming of age drama.

(Country: South Korea; Year: 2001; Director: Jeong Jae-eun; Stars: Bae Doo-na, Lee Yo-won, Ok Ji-young, Lee Eun-shil, Lee Eun-joo, Oh Tae-kyung)

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Ten (10)

Review preview for Ten

Cumulatively, the episodic conversations paint a vivid picture of contemporary Iranian life and, especially, of the place of women in the post-revolutionary era.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
Conversations in a car reveal many aspects of modern Iranian life, especially for women.

(Country: Iran/France; Year: 2002; Director: Abbas Kiarostami; Writer: Abbas Kiarostami; Stars: Mania Akbari, Amin Maher, Kamran Adl, Roya Arabshahi, Amene Moradi, Mandana Sharbaf, Katayoun Taleizadeh)

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Thirteen Conversations About One Thing (13 Conversations About One Thing)

Review preview for Thirteen Conversations About One Thing

It's a great experience for the actors to get into such meaningful and intelligent roles and for us to be thrilled by their hard work and great performances.

Gator MacReady · 4 out of 5
Several intertwining stories of New Yorkers with no sense of direction in life.

(Country: US; Year: 2001; Director: Jill Sprecher; Writer: Jill Sprecher, Karen Sprecher; Stars: Matthew McConaughey, John, Turturro, Alan Arkin, Clea Duvall, Amy Irving, Barbara Sukowa)

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Volcano High (Whasango, Hwasan Highschool)

Review preview for Volcano High

Unfortunately the film is as vacuous as Hollywood at its worst.

Keith Hennessey Brown · 3 out of 5
Live action manga from Korea about violence at school, post apocalypse.

(Country: Korea; Year: 2001; Director: Kim Tae-gyun; Writer: Jung Ahn-chul, Kim Tae-gyun, Park Heon-soo, Huh Gyun, based on the story by Suh Dong-heon; Stars: Jang Hyuk, Shin Min-ah, Kim Soo-roh, Kwon Sang-woo, Gong Hyo-jin, Jung Sang-hoon, Kim Hyung-jong, Huh Jun-ho, Jo Sung-ha, Park Dong-bin)

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Waiting For Happiness (Heremakono)

Review preview for Waiting For Happiness

The kind of film that will appeal to people with a penchant for bleak, gritty, naturalistic dramas.

Gabriella Trybalska · 2 out of 5
Abdallah returns to his village to bid farewell to his mother before embarking on his journey to Europe.

(Country: France/Mauritania; Year: 2002; Director: Abderrahmane Sissako; Writer: Abderrahmane Sissako; Stars: Khatra Ould Abdel Kader, Maata Ould Mohamed Abeid, Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mohamed, Nana Diakite)

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