Guides to the National Film Registry
America’s Film Legacy
America’s Film Legacy 2009-2010
-
Guides to the National Film Registry
-
Available from Continuum, Amazon, and other outlets, these two volumes offer commentaries and full credits for each of the first 550 films selected to the National Film Registry.
Category Archives: Drama
Hidden Blade: Wartime intrigue in Shanghai
Shanghai in World War II was a viper’s nest of competing interests. Occupying Japanese forces had to deal with Chinese fighters who were themselves splitting under two leaders, Communist and Nationalist. French and British nationals along with Shanghai natives were … Continue reading
Posted in Asian, Drama, New Releases
Leave a comment
The Eight Mountains: how friendships change
Based on a 2016 novel by Paolo Cognetti, The Eight Mountains is memorable more for what it shows than what it means. The novel, vivid descriptions of living and climbing in the mountains near the Aosta Valley alternating with observations … Continue reading
Posted in Drama, Film Festivals
Leave a comment
Bandit: old story, thin paint
As generic as its name, Bandit recounts the career of Gilbert Galvan, a felon who flees the US for Canada in 1985. There he exploits national traits of kindness and trust to rob 59 banks. Played largely for laughs until … Continue reading
Posted in Drama
Leave a comment
Coast review: Teen friends grow up fast
A coming-of-age story with more bite than expected, Coast follows four young teens as they navigate their way through a summer in the suburbs of Santa Maria. Strong performances and sensitive direction make this stand out from usual genre entries. … Continue reading
Posted in Drama, Film Festivals
Leave a comment
Review: Beneath the Banyan Tree
Sensitive to a fault, Beneath the Banyan Tree explores an uprooted Chinese family trying to find its way in Los Angeles. Anchored by strong performances, the movie overcomes script and pacing problems to reach emotional moments that will resonate with … Continue reading
Posted in Asian, Drama, New Releases
Leave a comment
Reminiscence review: Stop If You’ve Seen This Before
The future is grim in Reminiscence, a Warner Bros. release starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson and Thandiwe Newton. Written and directed by Lisa Joy (a Westworld vet), the movie slips time-travel tropes into a well-worn film noir plot. If you’re … Continue reading
Posted in Action, Drama
Leave a comment