One of the true pleasures of a film festival is the ability to walk into a movie, know nothing about the film or the filmmakers, and walk out floored. Sometimes it leads to discovery, other times it leads to familiarity. … Continue reading BIRDS OF PASSAGE
Birds of Passage—from directors Cristina Gallego and Ciro Guerra—is a masterpiece. Set in Colombia and spanning the years 1969 to 1980, Birds is divided into five sections, songs really, that recount the tale of ancient rituals, tight-knit tribes, and the sudden and … Continue reading DFF Review — BIRDS OF PASSAGE (Pájaros de verano)
Wildlife’s signature image is of a husband and wife pensively looking at each other across an empty chair. Momentarily, their only child will occupy that chair, but his presence will not unite them. Instead, it will only amplify the gulf … Continue reading DFF Review — WILDLIFE
It’s only a matter of minutes before a loaded gun is produced. Not unusual considering Ash is Purest White revolves around two gangsters, but this is mid-’90s China and unregister firearms are illegal and come with a heavy penalty. Just showing someone … Continue reading DFF Review — ASH IS PUREST WHITE (江湖儿女)
The 41st Denver Film Festival brings together more than 300 shorts and feature films from Oct. 31–Nov. 11. Sure, there are bound to be some duds in there, but 2018 is a veritable cinematic bumper crop, particularly when you look … Continue reading The World Comes to DFF: Dispatches From the 41st Denver Film Festival
Michael J. Cinema 