Two women climb a 600-metre abandoned television tower, only to get stuck at the top with no way of getting back down. There is something nice about these human-versus-nature stories, which by their very construction use a minimum of locations, … Continue reading REVIEW: Fall (2022)
There are many good films released around the world every year. Masterpiece celebrates the best of the very best: genuinely superb works of cinema that come with FictionMachine‘s very highest recommendation. If we had our own Criterion Collection, these are the films we … Continue reading MASTERPIECE: Zodiac (2007)
In Emily the Criminal, a modest crime drama gets mixed with strong character work and a savage social critique of American society. The overall effect is superb: had I managed to see the film last year it likely would have … Continue reading REVIEW: Emily the Criminal (2022)
When its theatrical release was delayed by more than a year, Glenn Chan’s bleakly violent thriller Shadows was left making its way around what few film festivals remained open during the pandemic. It is a flawed work, but still boasts … Continue reading REVIEW: Shadows (2020)
The devastating fire that struck Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral in 1999 was always going to lend itself to a film adaptation. While it is surprising to see it be made quite so soon, it is even more surprising to discover what … Continue reading AFFFF: Notre-Dame on Fire (2022)
On its final voyage across the ocean before it is decommissioned, the luxury liner Poseidon is struck by a tsunami that capsizes the vessel. With much of the crew and passengers dead, a small group of survivors led by firebrand … Continue reading REVIEW: The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Few figures cast as long a shadow over Japanese comic art and animation as Osamu Tezuka. From 1947 to his death in 1989, Tezuka was the most influential writer/artist and animation director of his age. He was personally inspired by … Continue reading REVIEW: Tezuka’s Barbara (2019)
High school senior Itsumi Shiraishi (Marie Iitoyo) falls to her death from a building at the exclusive Seibo Maria Girls High School. She was the school administrator’s daughter and the President of the school’s prestigious literary club. Now, in the … Continue reading REVIEW: The Dark Maidens (2017)
In 1830, the body of a West Point military cadet is found hanged in the forest. Before the body may be examined by the academy’s doctor (Toby Jones), its heart is mysteriously cut out. Retired detective Augustus Landor (Christian Bale) … Continue reading REVIEW: The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Better Days truly is one hell of a thing. From what seem to be social realist beginnings, Derek Tsang’s fourth film shifts effortlessly into a genuinely touching melodrama and then again into a violent thriller. It is an impressive feat to … Continue reading REVIEW: Better Days (2019)
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