To Rome With Love

Legendary writer and director Woody Allen continued his journey abroad with another travelogue that took him to the eternal city. Rome is experienced differently by four different characters, an American family clashes with an Italian one when their children want to get married, a Italian couple on their honeymoon get separated and meet a prostitute and a movie star, an American student falling for the friend of his girlfriend and an ordinary Roman finds celebrity status addicting. Allen seems to have fallen under the spell of Rome that he tried to bring four different stories into one film which doesn't add up to a coherent film. As usual with a Allen film, it's up to the actors to make an impression and some manage to do that while others struggle but none can match the allure and grace of the eternal city which deservedly gets all the attention. Veterans such as Allen, Judy Davis, Roberto Benigni, Alec Baldwin and Penélope Cruz face off with newcomers like Jesse Eisenberg, Ellen Page, Alison Pill, Alessandra Mastronardi and Flavio Parenti. 1001 Films coverage of films on DVD.

Bachelorette

Writer and director Leslye Headland made her feature debut with this comedy about female bonding and rivalry. Three friends are shocked to find out that their overweight friend is getting married which sends them on a journey of self-discovery while trying to sabotage the wedding. Headland taps into the female psyche of entitlement that's rooted in superficiality more than substance allowing the talented cast dive into the characters with hilarious results. Kirsten Dunst stars along with Rebel Wilson, Lizzy Caplan and Isla Fisher with winning performances allowing them to shine. The supporting cast includes James Marsden, Adam Scott and Ann Dowd. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Cemetery Junction

British comedian, writer and director Ricky Gervais joined forces with fellow Brit, Stephen Merchant for his sophomore film going down the memory lane. In the 1970's England, three working class men try to escape their small town and its trappings, only to find themselves as adults. Gervais and Merchant tap into the formula trap to create this nostalgia infused homage to a bygone era full of its cliches and idealism. The best moments are the details in the conversations between several characters that seem genuine with its candor. Newcomers Christian Cooke and Tom Hughes star along with Felicity Jones and Matthew Goode and the strong support of veterans such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson, Anne Reid, Gervais and Merchant. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Kumaré

Indian-American writer and director Vikram Gandhi made his feature debut with this fascinating documentary. Gandhi suffering from a spiritual crisis finds inspiration in guru and pretends to be one to explore the nature of phenomena with unexpected and hilarious results. Gandhi taps into some interesting territory with this film which can be interpreted in many way which changes himself in the process. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Sound of My Voice

Writer and director Zal Batmanglij along with co-writer Brit Marling made their feature debut with this riveting drama. A couple try to infiltrate a mysterious cult whose enigmatic leader claims to be from the future. Batmanglij and Marling hit all the right notes with this original mystery tale that's executed expertly until the end. Co-writer Marling stars with Christopher Denham and Nicole Vicius where all deliver credible performances in this fascinating story about a cult set in Los Angeles that echoes another one with directly referencing it. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Winning Streak

Spanish writer and director Eduard Cortés made this drama based on a real story about a family's attempt to break the bank at a casino. After years of trying to come with a system to beat a casino, a gambler seems to found it and enlists his family's help which takes them on journey of defying the odd. Cortés uses the "Ocean 11" formula which gives the film its slick visuals but also one note characters. This kind of film requires meticulous plot and character development with perfect pacing for the climax to pay off. After the initial setup the story and film struggles to find the right balance which derails long before the pay off. Lluís Homar and Daniel Brühl star as the father and son along with solid cast that includes Eduard Fernández, Miguel Ángel Silvestre and Blanca Suárez. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

End of Watch

Writer and director David Ayer scored with his third feature which again deals with the LAPD officers in the streets. Two police officers on their daily routines in the streets of Los Angeles get themselves involved with the Mexican cartels which has tragic consequences for the two friends and family men. Shot in documentary style, Ayer hits all the right notes that feels compelling and authentic thanks the stellar cast, some which deliver their best work. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña deliver career best performances in the leads. The solid supporting cast includes Anna Kendrick, Natalie Martinez, David Harbour, Frank Grillo and America Ferrera amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Phil Spector

Writer and director David Mamet delivers his best work in a decade with this riveting drama based on the notorious case. Defense attorney Linda Kenney Baden is called upon to defend legendary music producer Phil Spector accused of murder. Mamet takes a well known case to create a Greek tragedy that challenges the audiences perception at every turn with its brilliant writing and performances. The Phil Spector case is used as tool to raise universal questions about the nature of guilt, celebrity and practice of law amongst others. Spector whose eccentric appearance played into the media frenzy is brilliantly played by Al Pacino who delivers his best performance in ages along with a superb Helen Mirren who delivers another riveting performance. The supporting cast includes Jeffrey Tambor and Chiwetel Ejiofor. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

RIP: Bigas Luna 1946 - 2013

A Royal Affair

Danish writer and director Nikolaj Arcel serves a delicious slice of Danish history with this splendid period drama. When a charismatic German doctor becomes the physician of the King, he brings the principles of the Enlightenment to the royal court which makes the lonely queen fall in love with him,  paving the way for tragedy for all involved. Based on the novel by Bodil Steensen-Leth, Arcel and his talented cast and crew delivered an excellent film about an important part of Danish history. Swedish beauty Alicia Vikander shines in the lead with a star making performance along with equally terrific performances by Danish superstar Mads Mikkelsen and newcomer Mikkel Boe Følsgaard who made his feature debut. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

RIP: Roger Ebert 1942 -2013

RIP : Ruth Prawer Jhabvala 1927 - 2013

RIP: Milo O'Shea 1926 - 2013

Lay the Favorite

British director Stephen Frears returned to the US for this uninspired comedy. A former stripper finds her calling in Las Vegas where she gets herself entangled in the world of gambling. Based on the memoir by Beth Raymer, Frears wasted his talent on this forgettable tale that doesn't bring anything new or fresh to the genre. The talented Rebecca Hall stars with a decent performance while the supporting cast doesn't fare so well which includes Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vince Vaughn and Joshua Jackson. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Kill Bill: Vol. 2

Writer and director Quentin Tarantino's second part of the film continues the revenge saga with more focus on the back story. The Bride continues to kill her way to find her former boss and lover to find out why she was targeted and the motivations are revealed. While the first film satisfied the need for action and fight, the second film delivers on story and character development without abandoning the action altogether. The action sequences are darker and more twisted. Uma Thurman delivers a more nuanced performance along with David Carradine, Michael Madsen and Daryl Hannah. Much credit has to go to the excellent team that includes amongst others, cinematographer Robert Richardson, production designer David Wasco and editor Sally Menke who took the vision of Tarantino to new heights with their superb work. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Kill Bill: Vol. 1

Writer and director Quentin Tarantino's homage to the countless martial art films that inspired him is a visual extravaganza. A former assassin awakes from coma to makes her way to seek vengeance on those responsible. The film is not about story or plot which will be familiar to most but the experience on how Tarantino takes his inspirations to another level of execution with a budget that most those originals never had. The first film of two is pure action hinting at the back story. Uma Thurman stars with a solid cast that includes Lucy Liu, David Carradine and Vivica A. Fox amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Deadfall

Austrian director Stefan Ruzowitzky made his Hollywood debut with this uneven thriller. Three estranged relationships are tested after a botched heist forces their paths to cross. After an accident, two siblings part ways which leads one of them to a paroled convict on his way for a Thanksgiving dinner that's is interrupted by a female officer struggling to live up to her father's expectations when they all collide with their fates. The problem with the script lies in the implausibility of the plot from the characters relations to the geography of the locations and even the weather which stretches far beyond the suspension of disbelief. The talented cast is the only saving grace which includes Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde, Charlie Hunnam, Sissy Spacek, Kate Mara and Kris Kristofferson who all make the film work due to their talents. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Robot and Frank

Director Jake Schreier and writer Christopher D. Ford made their feature debut with this charming film that blends sci-fi and drama. An elderly jewel thief receives a robot caretaker which enables him getting back into business. Schreier and Ford managed to keep their ambition in control which could have easily derailed their efforts. Frank Langella stars with another terrific performance which is the heart and soul of the film and elevates it beyond its minor flaws. The solid supporting cast includes Susan Sarandon, Peter Sarsgaard, James Marsden and Liv Tyler. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Day of the Falcon

Veteran French writer and director Jean-Jacques Annaud returns with this old-fashioned epic about the early days of oil boom in Arabia. The discovery of oil destroys a peaceful pact between two kingdoms and tears their families apart when their opposite philosophies clash. This Arabian fable feels outdated due to the problematic source novel by Swiss writer Hans Ruesch and its treatment which belongs more to the Hollywood of 50's and 60's than today's cinema where authenticity and realism are the currency. Never-the-less Annaud has assembled a talented international cast that includes Antonio Banderas, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim, Freida Pinto and Riz Ahmed amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Intouchables

French writing and directing team of Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano scored their breakthrough film with this inspiring film based on a true story. A quadriplegic aristocrat hires a poor immigrant as his caretaker which improves both of their lives despite their class and cultural gap. Nakache and Toledano created an effective film that seamlessly blends drama with comedy which the talented leads take to another level. François Cluzet and Omar Sy star as the opposite men with stellar performances along with a solid supporting cast. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Story of Film: An Odyssey

Irish writer and director Mark Cousins made this epic documentary about the history of film which is the best to date on the subject matter. The story of film from its birth at the end of 19th century all the way through the 20th century where it matured into a full blown art form outgrowing all the others and becoming the most popular medium breaking new ground from decade to decade around the world. Cousins meticulous film shows influences of various films and filmmakers in chronological order and focusing in detail the evolution of film through the ages all the way into its current state. A must see for all film lovers around the world as it provides the big picture in a glorious canvas. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry

Writer and director Alison Klayman made her feature debut with inspiring documentary about Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Ai Weiwei is one the most important Asian/Chinese contemporary artists whose brilliant art made him an international sensation but uses his art to fight censorship and injustice that got him into hot waters with the Chinese government. Klayman's access to the artist makes this documentary fascinating and inspiring as she chronicles the artist and activist in action. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

17 Girls

French writing and directing team of Delphine & Muriel Coulin made their feature debut with this drama based on a true incident. When a popular girl at a school in small seaside town becomes pregnant, 16 other girls follow her and become pregnant as well much to the shock of the community where the parents and school are clueless how to fight it. The Coulin sisters cleverly tap into the psyche of teenage girls and their rational which clashes with the opposite sex and authority. Louise Grinberg leads a talented ensemble which includes newcomers and veterans such as Noémie Lvovsky amongst others. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

My Summer of Love

Polish born, Britain based writer and director Pawel Pawlikowski made this relationship drama. In the British countryside, a local working class girl befriends an upper class city girl and escape their mundane world but their happiness is short-lived. Pawlikowski explores the class difference of two similar girls where their status ultimately betrays them. Natalie Press and Emily Blunt got their first lead roles with solid performances along with Paddy Considine in the supporting cast. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Becket

British director Peter Glenville served a lesson in British history with this period drama that explored the relationship between King Henry II and his best friend Thomas Becket.  After the King appoints his best friend as the Archbishop of Canterbury, his plans backfires when his friend takes his position seriously and their friendship leads to tragedy. Based on the play by French writer, Jean Anouilh, Glenville and writer Edward Anhalt imagined the historical relationship that's more 1960's than 12 century England. Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole star as the two friends with solid performances along with John Gielgud and Paolo Stoppa. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

5 Branded Women

Veteran Hollywood director Martin Ritt made this unusual war drama set during WWII. Five Yugoslav women accused to had an affair with a Nazi officer are branded by having their heads shaved and thrown out of their town find a chance to redeem themselves by joining the partisans and fight the enemy. Ritt mixed Hollywood and European styles that blended war, melodrama and exploitation in this effective drama about five different women sharing the same fate during the war. Silvana Mangano, Jeanne Moreau and Vera Miles star along with Van Heflin and Richard Basehart. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Legendary actor, writer and director Vittorio De Sica paired two screen legends into three hilarious vignettes about three different couples. Three different Italian women from three different iconic cities such as Naples, Milan and Rome face dilemmas where the men can't keep up with their temperaments. Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni star as the three different couples and show sizzling chemistry with their terrific performances. The always accomplished and versatile De Sica proved he could make comedies as well as dramas in a stellar career before and behind the camera. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

War and Peace (USSR)

Russian writer, director and actor Sergey Bondarchuk delivered the definitive adaptation of the monumental novel by Leo Tolstoy with this dazzling masterpiece. The lives of three aristocrats are explored during peace and war where they experience love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, loss and tragedy. Bondarchuk created the greatest of all epics that can take on any epic ever produced by Hollywood in its magnificent scope that has to be seen to believed. The sheer grandeur of this epic film is jaw-dropping and a deserving film for one of the greatest novels ever written. Bondarchuk captured the essence of the novel from the epic canvas of war to the intimate details of its characters caught by the wind of war. Besides writing and directing, Bondarchuk also stars as one of the leads along with Lyudmila Saveleva and Vyacheslav Tikhonov. Bondarchuk and his stellar cast and crew made one of the greatest films ever made that will be never equalled or surpassed and a must see for the lovers of cinema. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

War and Peace (US)

Veteran director King Vidor took on the epic novel by Leo Tolstoy as one of his last films before his retirement. Three aristocratic families are explored during war and peace which changes their destiny as Napoleon wages war on Russia. The novel was simplified and watered down for this epic Hollywood adaptation which couldn't do it justice but pales compared to the masterpiece by Sergey Bondarchuk who delivered the definitive version. The only saving grace in the version is the presence of Audrey Hepburn who shines in the lead. The all star cast included Henry Fonda, Mel Ferrer, Vittorio Gassman, Anita Ekberg and Herbert Lom. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Devil's Mistress

British director Marc Munden made this period drama for  British TV. The English Civil War is told through the eyes of a fictional woman and various real characters between the years of 1642 to 1660. Munden blended history with melodrama to recreate a dark period in British history with a talented cast that includes few rising actors. Andrea Riseborough, Dominic West, John Simm and Michael Fassbender star with solid performances that makes this drama worthwhile. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

In the Realm of the Senses

Japanese writer and director Nagisa Ôshima delivered one of the most controversial films in cinema with this tale of sexual obsession. In pre-WWII Japan, a brothel owner and one of his servants enter a fatal affair that consumes them to a dangerous level that ends in murder. Based on a true story, Ôshima made this French funded film that brought pornography and drama together that became immediately banned in most countries and remains shocking and controversial while still banned in many countries around the world. Tatsuya Fuji and Eiko Matsuda gave fearless performances in the leads. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

Japanese writer and director Nagisa Ôshima took on the cultural clash in a prison camp during WWII. American and British prisoners of war clash with their Japanese captors where the Eastern values clashes with the Western with dire consequences. Ôshima focused on the behaviors of the soldiers where each side perceived them differently that lead to more misunderstanding and rebellion. David Bowie, Ryûichi Sakamoto, Tom Conti and Takeshi Kitano star with nuanced performances with different styles of acting which enhances the cultural divide. Sakamoto also scored the film besides being one of the leads. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD. 

Lawrence of Arabia

Legendary British director David Lean reached the pinnacle of his career with this dazzling masterpiece. The rise and fall of T.E. Lawrence, an eccentric man with conflicted loyalties who played a key role in uniting Arab tribes to help the British to defeat Ottoman forces in the Arabian desert. Based on the writings of Lawrence, writers Michael Wilson and Robert Bolt delivered a brilliant script along with Lean's masterful direction to create one of the greatest films ever made. To appreciate the true magnificence of this film, it has to be watched on the big screen in glorious 70mm. Peter O'Toole gave his greatest performance in the lead along with superb supporting cast that includes Omar Sharif, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins and Claude Rains amongst others. The contribution of cinematographer Freddie Young cannot underestimated whose glorious work remains unparalleled. So is the work of composer Maurice Jarre and the rest of the artists involved. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

The Place Beyond the Pines

Writer and director Derek Cianfrance returns with his third feature which is his most ambitious film to date, an epic drama about fathers and sons. Two young fathers find themselves defined by their choices which pulls them to different sides of the law with long lasting consequences on the lives of their sons. Cianfrance and his talented cast and crew deliver another saga of iconic American characters that's another original film with complex but familiar characters. Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper star with terrific performances along with a stellar supporting cast that includes Dane DeHaan, Ray Liotta, Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn, Harris Yulin, Rose Byrne, Bruce Greenwood and Emory Cohen. 1001 Films' coverage of current releases.

Léon Morin, Priest

French writer and director Jean-Pierre Melville delivered this compelling chamber drama about the relationship between a young priest and a widow during WWII. In a German occupied French town, a young widow finds herself drawn to a young priest where attraction and faith collide. Melville uses his attractive stars to explore faith and sexuality that creates tension and conflict. Jean-Paul Belmondo and Emmanuelle Riva star with terrific performances at the height of their careers. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.

Sound of Noise

Swedish writing and directing team of Ola Simonsson and Johannes Stjärne Nilsson made their feature debut with this hilarious genre bending comedy. A tone-deaf cop gets assigned to track down a group of guerrilla musicians who terrorize the city with their public avant-garde performances. Simonsson and Nilsson's original film blends drama, comedy, crime and romance into a charming mix that's utterly intoxicating. The musical performances have to be seen to believed, each more outrageous than the other. Sanna Persson and Bengt Nilsson star with charming performances. 1001 Films' coverage of films on DVD.