Michael Peterson was born in 1952 into a well off Luton family, "As a boy he was a lovely lad. He was obviously bright and always good with children. He was gentle and mild-mannered, never a bully – he would defend the weak" (comments from his aunt). Somehow something went seriously wrong and he has spent 34 years incarcerated at Her Majesty's pleasure, 30 of them in solitary confinement. He has renamed himself Charles Bronson and is proud of the one thing he has in his life: his reputation as t
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CADILLAC RECORDS (2009)
Certification15 Our Rating
This dramatic history of Chicago's Chess Records has a superb soundtrack(though it consists almost entirely of covers) and its insights into the relationship between white money making businessmen and poor black talent back in the stifling '50s more than makes up for its overwrought melodrama, historic inaccuracies and poor script.
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CARNAL KNOWLEDGE (1971)
Certification18 Our Rating
Two friends progress from college to middle-age, constantly in a state of sexual competition, comparing notes, methods and ideologies. "Carnal Knowledge" is a bitter-sweet comedy about sex, morality and, perhaps, even love. As interesting for the attitudes of the time as for the unfolding story itself.
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CHAPLIN (1992)
Certification15 Our Rating
Robert Downey Jnr demonstrates his prowess by giving a riveting performance as the little master. The cast delivers despite a disjointed narrative, and Chaplin's fall from grace, brought down by McCarthyism is very moving. Kevin Kline is excellent as the flamboyant Fairbanks Jnr.
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CHE PART 1 (2008)
Certification15 Our Rating
A monumental history of the Cuban Revolution; from the initial meeting in Mexico between Che and Fidel Castro, through the landing by boat of a few desperadoes, the years of the guerrilla campaign, the gradual build-up from a rag-tag band to a fully fledged revolutionary army, the political alliances and decisions to be made, and the eventual victorious battles over the demotivated Batista led government army.
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COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER (1980)
Certification15 Our Rating
Superb biopic of legendary country singer Loretta Lynn. Sissy Spacek, who incidentally has a belting voice, deservedly won the Best Actress Oscar for her moving portrayal of the naive Kentucky farm girl who became a singing superstar against all the odds, while Tommy Lee Jones is dynamite as her husband Doolittle. Beverly D'Angelo is also a revelation as Loretta's close friend, the late great Patsy Cline. An inspirational rags-to-riches story, only to be avoided if you have a strong aversion to
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COMANDANTE (2003)
CertificationPG Our Rating
Since 1959 Fidel Castro has been both pariah and paragon, an icon for young 'revolutionaries' and fashion victims, a committed leader of his people, a symbol of evil and distrust to the American government and his legacy has been made as much by myth as by fact. In this documentary politico/filmmaker Oliver Stone chose 95 minutes from 30 hours of footage that he filmed while spending time with Castro. The film opens with a placard stating that any time during the shooting Castro was able to say
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CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND (2002)
Certification15 Our Rating
George Clooney has put his thumb into the directorial pie and pulled out a plum. Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind is based on the fantasy novel of Chuck Barris, TV producer cum CIA assassin, played in the film by the grubbily handsome Sam Rockwell. Clooney deals with the ramblings of a delusional solipsist and adopts a surreal, almost Lynch-like style for the proceedings. This adds to the general feeling of disorientation as the story flits from television studios to Russian detention centres wit
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DANCING IN THE STREET: CROSSROADS (1995)
CertificationE Our Rating
Charting a golden era of British music. American blues found its first white audience, in British ports! Ergo The Animals, Stones, Yardbirds, Beatles and many others, the import of a young Hendrix, the development of R&B and its Heavy Metal progeny. Much twanging of guitars and blowing of blues harps.
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DRIVING MISS DAISY (1989)
CertificationU Our Rating
Winner of four Oscars including Best Film and Best Actress. Jessica Tandy stars as Miss Daisy, the cantankerous Jewish widow who very unwillingly has to hire a black chauffeur. Over the years these two very different people have to learn to live together. Both humourous and touching.
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