Film Reviews by MM

A fine tribute to people of integrity, honour and respect for others. So well acted could be a documentary but told with empathy and warmth for all involved. And a welcome reminder that among the sleaze and greed there are still such people.

Searing insight into the culture and everyday life of ordinary people in Afghanistan at the time of the film.

So glad not to have missed seeing the work of an artist previously unknown to me. James Morrison's landscapes of Scotland and the Arctic are stunning.

An interesting story highlighting the struggles of life for many in rural Arkansas. Great characters, authentically and touchingly portrayed in depth, conveying more than at first appears. A film which encourages reflection on human relations.

Others have outlined the storyline, so will not repeat. Just to say that the Italian countryside and atmosphere are well captured, but the script is thin and the acting seems sadly forced. Didn't make it to the end of the film, which was a disappointment as I love all things Italian!

Previous reviewers have described the characters and plot. I found the film an informative and gripping view of a criminal world - pulling few punches - and the court scenes are particularly compelling (superbly acted). Certainly a film worth watching.

I will not reprise the film, as others have already done so. Just to say it is one of those umissable memorable films - gripping and illuminating - a astonishing story in terms of realism, brilliant acting and cinematography - a true classic.

Too whacky - an absurdity too far for our taste. Having said that, we did endure watching to the end, so two stars instead of one.

Agree with many of the comments already made, so won't repeat except to confirm very brilliant acting by main protagonists. A moving story, even if stretched credulity a little, brought tears to more than one eye here.

Beautiful cinematography in set scenes. The script made Ruskin a total villain, ditto his parents - so a bit wooden/cliche, but worth seeing for its interesting story and sumptuousness. Subtitles would have made it more enjoyable as the sound was not the best.

Black and white, grainy and a bit disjointed as it is, this film conveyed more than so many modern films about humanity.

This is what war must have been really like for those who actually went through it. Presented in an unsentimental, matter-of-fact way made it even more devastating. The lives of real people - we were mesmerised by this film.

Growing up in the 1950's I was taught about the American Declaration of Independence 'all men are created equal' - Enlightenment values etc. I later spent a lot of time trying to get my head around the fact that the American south had a slave economy. (The architecture of Washington was based on ancient Roman/?Greek styles - also slave economies.) Slavery was (is) brutal and an unspeakable injustice, the effects of which are still being felt by many black people in the USA (and elsewhere). This film really does highlight the legacy of slavery - as MLK said - 'how can you expect people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, when they don't have boots' - people left with nothing materially, but often a fighting spirit, worthy of great respect, well highlighted in this film.

Still can't get my head around it!

A totally engaging and serious film, set in Iran - a perfect, slow film, with excellent acting and cinematography - transporting you to the people, the landscapes, with subtle and not-so-subtle insights into the culture, particularly the lives of women - but also the men - very highly recommended.

Don't miss this lovely film - a moving story, beautifully acted with wonderful Italian scenery - a 'slow' movie of authentic human interest.

Well worth watching - in fact the acting is gripping. The story looks under the skin of appearances, to the way power is really wielded, nearly always advantaging those in control. Set in Russia - but in fact universal. Would be fascinating to see a film which so powerfully illustrates the corruption of privilege, set perhaps in Britain today......(not the Downtown Abbey variety!).