The Arbor (2010) Director: Clio Barnard Starring: Manjinder Virk, Christine Bottomly, Natalie Gavin Andrea Dunbar, born and raised in Yorkshire, emerged in the 1980s as one of Britain’s most promising young playwrights. Her raw, uncompromising voice produced work that spoke candidly about life on the margins, and she went on to write the screenplay for … Read more

Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987) — Review Rita, Sue and Bob Too (1987) Director: Alan Clarke Screenwriter: Andrea Dunbar Starring: Michelle Holmes, Siobhan Finneran, George Costigan, Lesley Sharp Overview Branded with the strapline “Thatcher’s Britain with her knickers down,” Rita, Sue and Bob Too could easily be dismissed as an ironic, sensational 1980s drama … Read more

This article was written exclusively for The Film Magazine by George Forster. This is not a guilty-pleasure confession — not a shameful admission that I secretly enjoy something trashy. Yet, based on much of the existing commentary about Green Street (2005), you might expect it to be. Many commentators treat it as a run-of-the-mill football … Read more

This article was originally published to SSP Thinks Film by Sam Sewell-Peterson. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)Director: Hayao MiyazakiScreenwriter: Hayao MiyazakiStarring: Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Tatsuya Gashûin, Akihiro Miwa Howl’s Moving Castle is quintessential Hayao Miyazaki: a richly imagined fairytale that blends environmental concerns, the absurdities of war, and quietly human stories of pride, … Read more

This article was written exclusively for The Film Magazine by Sophie Cook of Sophie Beatrice’s Blog. Fantasy Island (2020) Director: Jeff Wadlow Screenwriters: Jillian Jacobs, Christopher Roach, Jeff Wadlow Starring: Lucy Hale, Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Austin Stowell, Ryan Hansen, Jimmy O. Yang Fantasy Island, produced by Blumhouse Pictures, reimagines the 1970s television series as … Read more

My Neighbours the Yamadas (1999)Director: Isao TakahataScreenwriter: Isao TakahataStarring: Toru Masuoka, Yukiji Asaoka, Hayato Isohata, Naomi Uno, Masako Araki Isao Takahata’s My Neighbours the Yamadas is a gentle, observant portrait of family life that stands apart within the Studio Ghibli catalogue. While Hayao Miyazaki often takes audiences on sweeping, mythic journeys, Takahata preferred the everyday … Read more

Vivarium: How Passive Characters Frustrate and Reveal the Horror of Suburbia I saw Vivarium at Abertoir Festival 2019 and left divided about the film’s choices—some viewers complained it was slow and evasive, while others (myself included) appreciated it for exactly those qualities. Now that the film has had an online release, I want to examine … Read more

True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)Director: Justin KurzelScreenwriter: Shaun GrantStarring: George MacKay, Essie Davis, Nicholas Hoult, Russell Crowe, Thomasin McKenzie, Charlie Hunnam, Earl Cave, Sean Keenan, Orlando Schwerdt Justin Kurzel’s films rarely offer a comfortable viewing experience. From the relentless atmosphere of Macbeth to the harrowing Snowtown and the divisive Assassin’s Creed, Kurzel favors … Read more

The High School Musical franchise defined the tween years for many millennials. When Disney Channel released the first film in 2006, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon — the franchise generated impressive revenue, with Disney earning more than $100 million from DVD sales alone. Two sequels and several spin-offs followed, and in 2019 Disney+ revived … Read more

2020 has been a year of extremes. With headlines often heavy and attention stretched thin, many people are seeking comfort and escape through cinema. Musicals, classic adventure films and reliable comedies have seen renewed interest as viewers look for films that lift the mood and offer a few hours of distraction. To help you find … Read more