As the cork trees are struck bare for harvest, so too are the silent tensions in the relationship of newlyweds, Helena (Vicky Luengo) and Ivan (Pol López). About to have their first child, the architect couple leave the city to renovate the old stone farmhouse on 1,200-acre cork forest Elena inherited from her aunt. Their renovation plans are grand, but it soon … [Read more...] about Cork – Film review
spanish film
Staring at Strangers – Film review
Felix Viscarret’s hypnotic thriller-drama adaptation of best-selling author Juan José Millas’ novel, Desde la sombra, unravels human nature with strangeness, humour and surrealism. I found the references to talk shows as pure ratings fodder most entertaining. Damián (Paco León) has just been fired after working at the same company for 20 years. Following an angry and violent … [Read more...] about Staring at Strangers – Film review
While at War – Film review
While at War is an intriguing and layered look into modern Spanish political and military history. Set in Salamanca in 1936, it covers the first few months of the Spanish Civil War. Nationalist forces have taken to the streets of Salamanca, challenging the authority of the democratically elected Second Spanish Republic. The mayor is rounded up and restrictions placed on all … [Read more...] about While at War – Film review
Latigo – Film review
Australian premiere Co-founder of Australia’s legendary Wogs Out of Work stage show, Simon Palomares knows comedy. In Latigo, he turns his attention as a documentary filmmaker to the comedy scene in Cuba. Palomares uncovers a vibrant, energetic history that proves humour truly is an international language and the Cuban way of dealing with decades of hardship. These … [Read more...] about Latigo – Film review
Pain and Glory – Brisbane International Film Festival Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJEDh4ikcWA Billed as an autobiographical piece from lauded Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, Pain and Glory is the most emotionally naked feature he has delivered yet. Whether it's commenting on his life through the film's actual content or its more just a matter of approach is subjective, but the narrative on hand certainly stands as his … [Read more...] about Pain and Glory – Brisbane International Film Festival Review