THIS MONTH'S RECOMMENDATIONS
6 Films. 3 from this year, 3 from previous years. Recommendations of what I've enjoyed recently, or what I think others could really stand to discover.

2022
Fire Of Love
This is a film that benefits completely from the sheer scale of a cinema screen, the volcano footage is insane. The heart of the film though, the relationship between the two volcanologists, is just as strong. Wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if this wins Best Documentary at the Oscars. Highly recommend seeing this as soon as possible.
★★★★★

2022
Prey
An absolute blast, the first 30 minutes is a touch slow but it pays off very well. The Predator design is insanely good, one of the best designed creatures I've seen in a long time, and all the weapons and adornments that come with it are so visually effective as well. The entire premise of a Comanche warrior going against a futuristic hunter is so well done here.
★★★★½

2022
Parallel Mothers
What a wild ride, a good message about knowing the importance of where we came from.
I was explaining the plot to a friend afterwards and realised how complicated and bloated it sounded, yet the film never feels confusing or bogged down in exposition.
This film and everyone in it is gorgeous.
★★★★★

1966
Daisies
These girls are crackers! A really interesting, study of bourgeois wealth and how 'proper behaviour' is destroying the people and their freedoms. Anarchist, yes, in both form and message - something that I'd like to see more films strive for nowadays. Some sequences reminded me of Bomberg in a way.
★★★★

1995
La Haine
Incredible in every single way. The three central characters are so well established, their energy and life just pours out of the screen. The direction is beautiful, like absolute art, yet it's never flashy or overstated in a way that some films are. The in camera split shot of the three guys in the bathroom might be one of my favourite shots I've ever seen. It's marvelous, it's tragic, it's everything a great film should be, it's everything a Story should be.
★★★★★

1990
King of New York
Christopher Walken as a gangster who thinks he is the salvation of his city, Wesley Snipes as a cool kid cop, Steve Buscemi and Giancarlo Esposito as side-character henchmen, all topped off by Laurence Fishburne as a hyena put into human form. This cast is STACKED, and everyone is at the top of their game. Strong messages are supported by stronger visuals, and every shot of New York is beautiful to look at. Fantastic, hard-boiled, yet very fun crime story.
★★★★½
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