Category: Classic
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JEAN DE FLORETTE
“Jean de Florette,” a 1986 film directed by Claude Berri, is a profoundly emotional and tragic drama set in the picturesque countryside of Provence, France, during the 1920s. Based on Marcel Pagnol’s novel, the film explores themes of human greed, ambition, and the harsh realities of rural life. It stars Gérard Depardieu as the titular…
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STAR WARS (77)
“Star Wars” ( as reluctant as I am about this, I have to note that it was later retitled “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope”, thus not to upset the Star Wars aficionados) is a 1977 epic space opera film written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first film released in…
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WITHNAIL AND I
“Withnail and I” is a 1987 British black comedy film written and directed by Bruce Robinson. It is a darkly comedic portrayal of two struggling actors who embark on a chaotic, booze-fueled holiday in the English countryside. Starring Richard E. Grant as the flamboyant Withnail and Paul McGann as the more reserved “I” (whose name…
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SAFETY LAST!
“Safety Last!” is a 1923 American silent romantic comedy directed by Fred C. Newmeyer and Sam Taylor, starring Harold Lloyd in one of his most famous roles. The film is renowned for its iconic scenes of daredevil stunts, particularly the thrilling climax where Lloyd’s character hangs precariously from a skyscraper’s clock. The film opens with…
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SACRED HOUSES: FOX THEATER, FORT MADISON
“Sacred Houses Series” This month, we would like to pay homage to the Fox Theater in Ft. Madison, Iowa, USA, as we continue to celebrate and honor notable movie theaters around the globe. There is little information available online about this theater besides a contribution to another great website called Cinema Treasures which essentially gives…
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LE MEPRIS aka CONTEMPT
“Contempt” (Le Mépris) is a complex and visually stunning film directed by Jean-Luc Godard in 1963. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the nature of filmmaking. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy, the film delves into the disintegration of a marriage amid the pressures of the film industry. The story begins with Paul…
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THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH
“The Tragedy of Macbeth,” directed by Joel Coen, is a stark and atmospheric adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play. The film stays faithful to the original text while bringing a fresh, minimalist visual style that enhances the story’s dark and haunting themes. The film opens with the victorious Scottish general Macbeth (Denzel Washington) and his…
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LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG aka THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG
“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is a 1964 visually stunning musical drama directed by Jacques Demy. The film, notable for its entirely sung dialogue and vibrant color palette, tells a poignant love story set in the coastal town of Cherbourg, France. The story begins in 1957, focusing on 17-year-old Geneviève Emery (Catherine Deneuve), who works in…
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THE EVIL DEAD
“The Evil Dead” is a 1981 horror film directed by Sam Raimi. This cult classic is well known for its innovative camera techniques, intense atmosphere, and a blend of horror and dark humor. It has become a seminal piece in the horror genre. My first viewing was from behind a couch. The story centers on…
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SHORT FILM: AN OCCURENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE
“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” is a short film directed by Robert Enrico. It is based on the short story by Ambrose Bierce. Originally released in France in 1962 as “La Rivière du hibou,” it was later broadcast in the United States in 1964 as an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” The film stars…
The Other Cinema 