Shadowlands (1993). 10&12.5.23. Very nonchalantly directed – admirably so - this would have been better if it had somehow managed to explicitly show the progression of the depth of feeling between the first wedding and the second (in a characteristically nuanced way of course). The absence of this means the viewer is not as invested in the love as they might have been, and is quite a major flaw to an otherwise gently agreeable production. 7½/10
I’m your man (2021). 18.3.23. Mildly amusing, laid-back film, with some nice touches and plot developments. An easy watch. 7/10
Eighth grade (2018). 26.5.23. Mesmerising and meticulous character and situational study, the awkward reality of it all making it a hard or jarring watch at times. Although this is about a teenage girl and her relationships, it is not a teen-flick; instead it is geared towards and can be appreciated by intelligent people of all ages. Extra kudos for a thoughtful ending. 8½/10
So long, my son (2019). 28&29.5.23. It might take a while for many or most Westerners to get to know the characters (and their names!) but this three-hour, low-key epic – clearly a labour of love – is well worth persevering with. There is not much explicit drama but the fundamental cohesion, pathos, exceptional acting (notably from Mei Yong) and alternating timeline ensure it is always far from boring. 8/10
Are you there God, it’s me Margaret (2023). CINEMA (twice!). 1.6.23 and 5.6.23. I liked this very much the first time (when on my own), but even more so the second time (with my girlfriend). Gentle, amiable, undemanding....and very often delightful. All the cast are winning, but Abby Ryder Fortson’s performance as Margaret is very special indeed. 8½/10 (comments and grade revised slightly after second viewing).
Do the right thing (1989). 10&11.6.23. What seemed like a fun and cosy, slightly corny watch became anything but that near the end. Intellectuals can doubtless talk about this film for ages, but even if you don’t analyse themes this is an excellent cinematic experience. 8/10
Clueless (1995). 13,14 and 17.6.23. I was aware of this film’s somewhat iconic status so thought it would be better. It has been superseded by funnier, sharper and smarter high-school films, so it feels dated and something like a prototype. Still, quite good fun, and the Emma allusions are a very worthy gimmick. 7/10
How to marry a millionaire (1953). 22&23.6.23. Lots of mildly-moderately amusing stuff here, with the occasional belly-laugh – such as when Bacall’s character refers to Bogart: Bacall’s real-life husband. There is further richness in the excellent (groundbreaking?) colour cinematography and what was, presumably, bang up-to-date dialogue. But all three women’s performances seem a little off (or maybe the casting was wrong?), and this contributes to the overall charm not being quite sufficient to make this really great. 7½/10
The Pink Panther (1963). 27.6.23. Somewhat broad comedy – you need to be in the mood for farce! - with a surprisingly understated Peter Sellers playing Clouseau (did he ham it up in the later PP films? I shall see....) and set in the most glamorous locations in Europe in a very glamorous era. The result is a chocolate-box visual feast (and aural feast – some beautiful music). And finally, the opening credits are perhaps the most beguiling of all time. 8/10
A shot in the dark (1964). 15.7.23. This was weaker than the
first in the Pink Panther film series in every way: even Sellers’ slapstick seemed a little tired and this was just the second in the series. It substituted the elegance of the first film
with even broader comedy so that it became more of a Carry-On-type experience.7/10
I also watched about half of the below films but did not get into them sufficiently to continue watching:
Personal history of David Copperfield (2019). 14.5.23.
The magnificent seven (1960). 18&19.6.23.
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