Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  MPD Psycho 2000

  ★★★★ Watched 11 Mar 2025

  Watched part one, the first two episodes. The version that I have has been censored because it was made for TV and was deemed too gory. So, the bloody bits have been censored with screens. The crimes are violent and psychotic. The pace is fast and it was difficult to follow (I don't have the manga version). There are moments of Miike's cinematic brilliance: beautiful shots that feel like contemporary painting. My only caveat is the pacing. Reading the manga would help. A must watch for Miike fans.

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  The Disappearance of Shere Hite 2023

  ★★★★★ Watched 21 Jan 2025

  This is an excellent biographical documentary about author Shere Hite, but it is also about a woman's attempt to elevate compassion, equality, justice and analysis above politics, social norms, religion and conspiracy theory in this country's ongoing debate about sexism and patriarchy. Highly recommend.

Popular reviews

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  A Short Film About Love 1988

  ★★½ Watched 01 Jan 2016

  This is a short film about what love is not: women as observed sex object; women catering to solipsistic male sex fantasies; tolerance for stalking and sexual harassment; the assumption that women yearn for any attention no matter how harmful. The film is worth watching for Kieslowski's skillful use of composition, lighting and color but it is a study of dated values that have been challenged by feminist ideology and gender politics.

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  The Mechanics of Love 1955

  ★★★★ Watched 19 Mar 2018

  Looking back through the cynical lens of 2018, The Mechanics of Love seems almost unbearably romantic. But it is the empathy, consideration and innocence of the film that speaks to the beauty of that inexpensive New York walk up and the poetry of an afternoon liaison. Sex is seen in a large, encompassing light, drawing inspiration from common activities and implying consequences that will define all aspects of life. There seems to be a direct line from The Mechanics of…