God’s Own Country Review by Michael D Hollick 29.2.2018 One of the bravest films to be made in 2017, God’s Own Country is a very English coming of age romance. At its centre we have Johnny (Josh O’Connor), a young twenty-something who must do the brunt of work on the farm as his father (Ian Hart) has taken ill. However, Johnny has not fully grown into the shoes of his father yet, and preferring to spend his nights binge-drinking at the local village pub and seek a bit of slap and tickle with any like-minded lad he may come across, is … Continue reading REVIEW: God’s Own Country | Lotterywest Festival Films

  The Other Side of Hope Review by Michael D Hollick 22.1.2018 In comedy drama The Other Side of Hope, Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki shines a light on the politically-charged subject of the European refugee crisis in his home country, and rather than tell the story with a brutal realism, he threads together a wonderfully humane story filled with humour. By drawing upon the humorous undertones of everyday life, be it for residents or asylum seekers, Kaurismaki demonstrates that humane elements are within all individuals, and that humane acts do not have be overtly dramatic or even large gestures; in fact it … Continue reading REVIEW: The Other Side of Hope | Lotterywest Festival Films

Aurore Review by Michael D Hollick 8.1.18 Aurore is a funny and touching French film that defies Hollywood stereotypes and serves up a rousing celebration of femininity and ageing. That’s not to say that this film is a manifesto or a critique, but rather Aurore is very conscious of itself as director Blandine Lenoir strives to capture something that the (Western) world has (more or less) ignored.  Lenoir artistically insists on filling her film with characters and scenarios that, are skilfully crafted and familiar. As a result, the film is wholly relatable, and achieves its main goal: to portray a middle-aged woman who is … Continue reading REVIEW: Aurore | Lotterywest Festival Films

Back to Burgundy Review by Michael D Hollick 11.12.17 Back to Burgundy is a heartwarming drama that explores the meaning of home and family. Set against the backdrop of a vineyard, the film follows the actions of the Jean, played by Pio Marmai, as he returns home to visit his father who has fallen ill. Jean has spent ten years away from home after leaving the family business, the vineyard, to see the world and all that it has to offer; his return signals his reunion with his two younger siblings, Juliette, played by Ana Giardot, and Jeremie, played by … Continue reading REVIEW: Back to Burgundy | Lotterywest Festival Films

Good Time Review by Michael D Hollick 4.12.2017 The second offering from the 2017-18 Lotterywest Film Festival at UWA Somerville is Good Time, a heist film with an emotional pulse. Despite the innocuous name, the film steers clear of ‘feelgood’ territory, as directors the Safdie Brothers lead the audience on a desperate chase for freedom against the backdrop of gritty New York. Connie (Robert Pattinson) is stellar in the lead role, giving a Pacino-circa-Dog-Day-Afternoon-like performance, as he goes to extremes to prevent his mentally challenged brother, Nick (Ben Safdie) from ending up in Rikers Island. As the dedication of sibling … Continue reading REVIEW: Good Time | Lotterywest Festival Films

Faces Places Review by Michael D Hollick 27.11.2017 Icon of Perth’s summers, the Lotterywest Festival Films, opened its tree-lined doors this week to usher in its 2017-2018 season. Looking ahead, cinema audiences are in for yet another treat, as Tom Vincent, PIAF film program manager, has been busy again lovingly handpicking from the over 300 films he watches annually to bring the best and brightest of international cinema for Perth cinephiles to enjoy under the stars. First up this season is Faces Places, a free-flowing film that will catch you by surprise due to its effortless, yet precise, portrayal of … Continue reading REVIEW: Faces Places | Lotterywest Festival Films