Tag: Survival
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JAWS
“Jaws” (1975), directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel, is a groundbreaking thriller that combines suspense, horror, and adventure with an iconic creature feature. The film is often credited with creating the summer blockbuster formula and remains one of the most influential films in cinematic history. It also casued an entire…
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SUNA NO ONNA aka THE WOMAN IN THE DUNES
“The Woman in the Dunes” (Suna no Onna) is a 1964 film directed by Hiroshi Teshigahara and based on the novel by Kōbō Abe. It is a surreal, psychological drama that explores themes of isolation, existentialism, and the human struggle for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The film is one of the most important…
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LE SOLDATESSE aka THE CAMP FOLLOWERS
“The Camp Followers” is a poignant war film released in 1965 and directed by Valerio Zurlini, adapted from Ugo Pirro’s compelling novel. Set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II in 1942, the narrative follows a young lieutenant, portrayed by Tomas Milian, in the Italian Army. Tasked with a morally complex mission, he must…
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SCUM
Scum (1979) is a British crime drama that depicts the harsh realities of life inside a borstal in the UK. The film is directed by Alan Clarke and starring a young Ray Winstone in his breakout role. It is a shocking indictment of the British penal system, exposing its institutionalized violence, abuse, and corruption. Originally…
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THE THING (82)
‘The Thing’ is a seminal 1982 horror film directed by John Carpenter. It stars Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, and Keith David and is an adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr.’s novella Who Goes There?, which also inspired the 1951 movie The Thing from Another World. Carpenter’s The Thing takes a more visceral and paranoid approach,…
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WANDA
“Wanda” (1970) is an independent film directed, written by, and starring Barbara Loden. The film, which has a stark, minimalist style, tells the story of a drifting, disaffected woman trying to navigate her bleak existence in working-class America. Loden’s film stands as a landmark of feminist cinema, capturing the aimless life of its central character…
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MARATHON MAN
“Marathon Man,” directed by John Schlesinger, is a 1976 thriller that intertwines political intrigue, family secrets, and a relentless quest for survival. Based on William Goldman’s novel, the film features standout performances from its leading cast. The story centers on Thomas “Babe” Levy (Dustin Hoffman), a Columbia University graduate history student and avid marathon runner.…
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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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WATERSHIP DOWN
“Watership Down” is a 1978 British animated adventure-drama film directed by Martin Rosen. Based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Richard Adams, the film features an ensemble voice cast including John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson, Michael Graham Cox, and Zero Mostel. The film is notable for its mature themes and unflinching…
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SHORT FILM: SHOOK
“Shook” is a 2024 dark comedy short film written and directed by Valentina von Klencke. It takes place in the Californian desert after a devastating earthquake strands a vacationing family on an idyllic weekend getaway from the outside world. The film follows their survival while supplies diminish rapidly after the disaster. The film opens by…
The Other Cinema 