Film Reviews by DerekW

A wonderful and touching portrait of Benjamin Britten, showing his music, his life and his passions. Gay and don't forget homosexuality was criminalised for most of his life, an avowed pacifist and committed to an egalitarian ethos of service, to a large extent he was a counter cultural figure. Much of nocturne is focussed on his anti-war believe, Requiem expressed this, and while he died in the 1970s, there is little doubt how he would have reacted to Britain's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lots of interviews with friends, family, musical colleagues and his life long partner Peter Pears. Well worth a watch, very beautiful and thought provoking in a number of different ways.

Very odd and pleasing detective series, set I think in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Small town intrigue, secret conspiracies, and an intriguing female villain. A lost gem, watch and enjoy. 4 stories from Colin Watson's Flaxborough novels, that I think deserve reading too.

The 1983 escape by 38 republican prisoners from the Maze prison was a dramatic event and an important part of recent history, I did feel this was a bit flat, if you want a film about the Maze I would recommend Hunger instead. Hunger is a pretty taut and engaging and dramatic and contrasts with Maze which is kind of worthy but doesn't quite cut it,

Great independent film.

Highly recommended, high drama and tragedy.

Beautiful landscapes and sheep based drama, what more could you want.