Tag Archives: Coming-of-age drama

Thelma (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Her power awakens

Posted on August 8, 2018 by

“Thelma”, which was chosen as Norway’s official entry for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in last year, is a calm but unsettling experience. Firmly sticking to its young heroine’s increasingly agitated state of mind, the movie constantly unnerves us throughout … Continue reading →

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Morris from America (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): African American father and son in Germany

Posted on July 1, 2018 by

“Morris from America”, which received the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award when it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in early 2016, is plainer than I expected. As phlegmatically observing the bumpy struggle of its young hero in his new … Continue reading →

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Beach Rats (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Bright summer days of a sexually confused lad

Posted on June 10, 2018 by

Calmly and closely observing bright summer days of its sexually confused hero, “Becah Rats” gives us a palpable sense of uncertainties surrounding him. While not so sure about his sexuality, he casually lets himself drifted around drug and sex, and … Continue reading →

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Super Dark Times (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): A dark, disturbing coming-of-age drama thriller

Posted on June 10, 2018 by

“Super Dark Times” is a dark, disturbing coming-of-age drama which turns out to be more unnerving and compelling than expected. Set in a suburban area of New York State, the movie initially presents itself as a calm, realistic depiction of … Continue reading →

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Lean on Pete (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A boy and the horse

Posted on May 13, 2018 by

“Lean on Pete” surprised me with its considerable sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Here is a simple but heartfelt character drama which simply goes its own way as wisely avoiding clichés and conventions, and I was both entertained and touched by how … Continue reading →

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First Match (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): Wrestling for her father

Posted on April 6, 2018 by

“First Match”, which is currently available on Netflix, initially draws our attention through its supposedly unconventional promise. Here is a young girl who has struggled a lot in her tough environment, and it is often poignant to observe how she … Continue reading →

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The Breadwinner (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): The story of a young girl in Kabul

Posted on February 24, 2018 by

“The Breadwinner”, a little animation feature film which was recently nominated for Best Animated Feature Oscar, distinguishes itself with its simple but appealing storytelling coupled with an impressive animation style. While its story often feels bleak and desperate for good … Continue reading →

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