Tag Archives: Prison

Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Inexorable descent into sheer brutality

Posted on June 10, 2018 by

While delivering a fair share of remorseless violence to shock you, “Brawl in Cell Block 99” patiently takes its time before delivering that, and I sort of appreciate its slow but inexorable descent into sheer brutality. While some of those … Continue reading →

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A Prophet (2009) ☆☆☆☆(4/4): A criminal education in prison

Posted on February 11, 2018 by

It is always fascinating to see a smart character rising up from the bottom step by step, and French film “A Prophet” is one of such cases. Here is a plain young man thrown into a grim, violent closed world … Continue reading →

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Paddington 2 (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A cuddlier sequel with more charm and warmth

Posted on February 9, 2018 by

“Paddington 2” is so genuinely cute, sincere, and charming that it is virtually impossible for me to say anything negative about it. This may sound like a complaint to you, but, folks, I am not complaining at all, and I … Continue reading →

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13th (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): From Slavery to Mass Incarceration

Posted on November 27, 2016 by

At the beginning, Netflix documentary film “13th” presents an alarming piece of statistical data. While the population of US is merely 5% of the entire human population in the world, 20% of the prisoners in the world are incarcerated in … Continue reading →

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Hunger (2008) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A striking debut work by Steve McQueen

Posted on March 28, 2016 by

On one day in 2009 June, I happened to get a chance to watch Steve McQueen’s debut work “Hunger”, and it was one of the most memorable movie experiences during that year. The movie struck me hard with its uncompromising … Continue reading →

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Starred Up (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : He finally meets his match – his dad

Posted on August 28, 2014 by

 While it is a mix of familiar elements to be expected from its main subjects, “Starred Up” is a compelling mix to watch none the less. Mainly through its violent young antihero with issues, it transfers us into a harsh, … Continue reading →

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Way Back Home (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : It’ll take very long for her and her family

Posted on December 13, 2013 by

As a tear-jerking melodrama, South Korean movie “Way Back Home” is so transparent in its plot that I always knew every bright moment in the story would be soon followed by another punishing moment for its ill-fated heroine and her … Continue reading →

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