An all time classic 60s movie glamourising the real life story of the Barrow gang who terrorised the American South in the early 30s. 'Reclaiming the American gangster movie, after it had been stolen by the Nouvelle Vague, Penn's film was so successful (and so imitated) that it inevitably met with some grudging devaluation. But it's still great, half comic fairytale, half brutal fact, it reflects the essential ambiguity of its heroes by treading a no man's land suspended between reality and fant
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DISTRICT 9 (2009)
Certification15 Our Rating
Set in Johannesburg (more than a welcome change to the usual formulaic Hollywood paradigm whereby LA or New York are not only the backdrop for disaster but act too as the centre-point of planet Earth), An ominous mothership hovers above Johannesburg containing an alien race of insectoid refugees. Derogatively referred to as 'Prawns' by humans they are cordoned off in an apartheid-esque fashion and forced to live a desolate and slum-like existence in the titular District 9. While forcibly relocat
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IN BRUGES (2008)
Certification18 Our Rating
Two London based Irish hitmen await orders in Ye Olde Bruges of picturesque canals, churches and towers in this clever tragicomedy. Ken does the tourist bit while Ray chases skirt and rues the accidental killing of a child on his first and last job. Then Ken gets the word, and it's not what he expected. Meanwhile back in Blighty their gangland boss, Harry, has problems with his anger, his language and keeping his honour. A dark unpredictable tale, original and savvy.
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LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (2006)
Certification15 Our Rating
The battle of Iwo Jima from an American perspective of the view of Japanese soldiers, eg 'good' Japanese soldiers are those that had had prior contact with the US. Starting with a contemporary archaeological discovery of a box of unsent letters from Japanese soldiers, we flashback to follow the fortunes of individual soldiers and officers through the horrific and unwinnable battle. Much beloved by 'liberal' US critics.........which has to be a lot better than unbeloved by them. Also check out it
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SCARFACE (1983)
Certification18 Our Rating
Chucked out of Cuba as an undesirable by Castro a small time crook claws his way to the top in the Miami cocaine trade. A megolamaniac rise in a twisted version of the American dream. Very violent, foul mouthed and bloody - a telling parable for the 80s.
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TAXI DRIVER (1976)
Certification18 Our Rating
A disenchanted Vietnam vet becomes a New York taxi driver and lets the violence and squalor around him explode in his mind. One of the most atmospheric films ever made about urban alienation. Foster's first film and the one which almost resulted in Ronald Reagan's assassination when he was President - it must be good!
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