Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  Black Bag 2025

  ★★★½ Rewatched 18 Mar 2025

  A very watchable film in which Cate Blanchett lets elegant arm movements do the bulk of her acting. 😎

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  Gladiator II 2024

  ★★★ Watched 23 Nov 2024

  I was more entertained by the very rich visual landscapes, always full of beautifully considered detail than by the story. At several points I could have sworn that various 19th century Orientalist paintings were being referenced, or were at least a clear influence. Otherwise, Denzel Washington is an opulently talented scene-stealer.

Popular reviews

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  Wings of Desire 1987

  ★★★★★ Watched 18 Feb 2019 1

  Not since my first viewing of "Mulholland Drive" have I felt so deeply moved and affected by a film without completely understanding why in an intellectual sense. While I could easily discuss at length what's wonderful and astounding and surprising about this beautifully humane film, I feel I'll need to see it at least one more time to better assimilate and process the many philosophical inquiries it prompts. Or maybe it's better to simply be at peace with the purity…

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  Mamma Roma 1962

  ★★★★½ Watched 09 Aug 2018

  I've long loved Pasolini and have seen almost all of his films, but none other has affected me as emotionally as Mamma Roma. I had to stop the film a few times to maintain composure and collect my thoughts. At one point in the film Mamma says that people are responsible for what happens to them, but the fact is that circumstance and fate never really gave her or her previously estranged son Ettore a chance to get ahead. I…