Film Reviews by Steve

Raw, highly imaginative love story/fantasy of lost souls Binoche and Lavant, slowly evolving from monsters into angels. A remarkable achievement.

Devastating Italian Neo-Realism, with non-professional cast, about the humiliations of a man who can't provide for his family. A totem of social film making, and utterly relevant today.

Ridley Scott's intelligent fusion of Philip K Dick and Metropolis is an all round triumph, visually, emotionally and intellectually. The sets and models are marvellous. But, as well as the superb visuals, there is a very moving human story.

No other film comes close for rendering the the horror of war on the screen. An overwhelming cinematic experience, though necessarily shocking and distressing.

Wender's unique lyrical poem to human spirituality and the experience of being alive, in a wonderful black and white Berlin.

Important and inspiring documentary style drama about the Italian resistance, which kick started the Italian Neo Realist movement. Remarkable that it was even made, more so that it is so brilliant.

Visconti's Marxist Neo Realist masterpiece focuses on the poverty and criminal exploitation of Sicilian fishermen. Very involving and utterly heartbreaking.

Low key, stylish version of The Talented Mr Ripley set on the Amalfi Coast, Italy. Deservedly made a star of moody Alain Delon.

Intelligent and intense allegory about the impact on history of the discharging of atomic bombs in Japan. Quite a sensual and poetic film.

Clever allegorical fantasy about the artistic process, featuring Johnny Depp in one of the great film performances. Emotional, but not sentimental, and a visual treat.

A high point of early German cinema. Mabuse controls staff/inmates of an asylum using telepathic mind control, with orders taken from real Nazi speeches! Lang's final German film before the war is a wonderfully feverish stream of distressed imagination.

Lyrical adaptation, in couplets, is a very moving and moral story; elevated into greatness by Depardieu's huge performance.

Energetic fusion of comic timing and outrageous imagination. Buster Keaton enters the screen, and becomes his hero. One of the great silent comedies.

Herzog masterpiece about Spanish conquistadors in South America feels truly real. The brilliant opening scene of a royal train in a mountain descent, captures the greed borne insanity, the cultural incongruence, and the misguided heroism of Empire. Benchmark deranged performance by Klaus Kinski.

Sensual, unique allegory of itinerant entomologist who finds himself trapped with/by a placid, submissive woman who seems to have accepted her life, continually digging out the pit of sand which serves as her home. Intriguing, engaging, and ultimately heartbreaking.

The photography is unforgettable. The pacing is superb. The performance, in particular, of Kyoko Kishidi is a marvel.

Wonderful Japanese art film. Once seen, never forgotten.