Filmed during the Nazi occupation of Denmark, Carl Dreyer's Day of Wrath is a harrowing account of individual helplessness in the face of growing social repression and paranoia. Anna, the young second wife of a well-respected but much older pastor, falls in love with his son when he returns to their small 17th century village. Stepping outside the bounds of the village's harsh moral code has disastrous results: Anna faces the stake, accused of witchcraft.
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FAUST (1926) (1926)
CertificationPG Our Rating
Murnau's version of the story of the man who sold his soul to the Devil in return for youth is visually extraordinary but uneven in terms of dramatic effect. Certainly, its opening scenes (the prologue between an Angel and Satan, and the temptation of Faust, after which Mephistopheles takes him on an astonishing, beautiful journey through the skies) easily hold the attention, but a long central section, portraying Faust's courtship of Marguerite, sits awkwardly with what has preceded it. The fin
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FAUSTO 5.0 (2001)
Certification12 Our Rating
Dr. Fausto is a man consumed by daily routine, his job as a specialist in
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MACBETH (WELLES) (1948)
CertificationPG Our Rating
Welles's interpretation of Shakespeare's treacherous tale does have its faults, not surprisingly since it was shot on the cheap in just 23 days. However, the photography is superbly atmospheric, and the direction captures beautifully the moody, malevolent atmosphere of the barbarous setting.
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MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (1964)
Certification15 Our Rating
An intelligent and genuinely creepy adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe's novel. Set in 12th Century Italy; Prince Prospero watches from the giddy heights of his castle as the plague decimates those below him, all the while contempating the delicious torture of his guests. Superbly atmospheric camera work by Nicolas Roeg and the camp wickedness of Vincent Price make for haunting viewing.
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NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF TERROR (1922)
Certification12 Our Rating
Seminal vampire film, the first to be based upon the Bram Stoker tale. An estate agent's clerk from Bremen embarks on a journey to Orlock's castle, where a client of his resides. On arrival, the full horror of the inhabitants confront him. Wonderful imagery and direction. Imitated but never equalled.
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SHE (1964)
CertificationU Our Rating
Ursula 'undress' Andress is wonderfully seductive, numerous scenes demonstrate her true sensual nature, as "She who must be obeyed". In Palestine, after WWI, archaeologist Holly and buddy Leo are penniless. Leo is abducted and told a beautiful woman is waiting for his return, he is given a ring and a map and told that all will be revealed if he travels beyond the Mountains of the Moon. Leo tells Holly about the encounter and the two friends set out on an expedition to seek the mythical city of K
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TERRY PRATCHETT'S 'HOGFATHER' (2006)
CertificationPG Our Rating
Set in the semi-medieval but strangely familiar Discworld, the Hogfather, the jolly fat man who delivers presents to the kiddies at the midwinter festival of Hogswatch, has gone missing. However it's vital that all the presents are delivered, or else the sun won't rise tomorrow, which leaves only a reluctant, false bearded ‘Death' to step into Santa's substantial boots. Big of budget and star studded, Hogfather is a largely successful adaptation of Terry Pratchett's best selling book.
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THE BROTHERS GRIMM (2005)
Certification12 Our Rating
Will and Jake Grimm travel the land collecting and imparting magical tales to the villages they visit, but their real money spinner is the age old con, creating elaborate scenarios whereby they rid the locals of various imagined demons of the night. This being the 19th Century and a Terry Gilliam film it is inevitable that the two are eventually confronted by the dark tales of fear and superstition that they weave. When Will and Jake arrive at one particular village they find the folk under the
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THE CRUCIBLE (1996)
Certification12 Our Rating
Excellent, highly accessible production of Arthur Miller's play. Set in the fanatically puritan town of Salem in 1692, Ryder is one of several unfortunate teenage girls are caught "doing the Devil's work", inducing a potent and dangerous cocktail of paranoia, hatred and mass hysteria - Miller's contemporary references to 1950s America are all to palpable. Superb.
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