Safe Return Doubtful

No Other Choice 

The Director Park Chan-Wook, master of black comedy, has made something here characteristic of his unique style. His previous work includes Oldboy, Decision To Leave and The Handmaiden. 

It may appear to be a lively caper of an employee losing his job, then trying to get it back through nefarious means, but actually it’s far more than that. There’s a slow pace to it, but very soon the viewer is drawn in to follow the protagonist’s weird journey full of unexpected twists and turns. It demands a second watching; one of my films of the year. 

IMDb score 7.5 / 10 – My score 9 / 10 

Happyend 

This focuses on four 17 year olds in their last few weeks at school, preparing for exams, whilst at the same time trying to pull off some memorable pranks. It’s a coming of age film that takes place in the near future in Japan, but with the dark spectre of a huge earthquake looming. 

There are many themes here, growing up, the relationship between Japan and China, and a generation becoming adults in a world of great technological advance, not all of it to their benefit. It’s a dark comedy, and very well done. 

IMDb score 6.8 / 10 – My score 8 / 10 

The Mastermind 

This is a heist movie set in the 1970s with Josh O’Connor in the main role. He plays the father of two young boys trying unsuccessfully to balance his family life with work,  supplementing it with art theft. It’s enjoyable enough, but the character O’Connor plays, is delved deeply into enough.  It’s a nice throwback to the 70s, but I was left with the feeling that it could have been so much better. 

IMDb score 6.3 / 10 – My score 6 / 10 

Die My Love 

I found this a tough watch; a well made and memorable film, quite gripping, but not very enjoyable. After ten minutes or so, I realised I had read the book it was based on a couple of years ago, by French writer Ariana Harwicz. I looked up my review, and it was very similar to what I thought of the film. Having said that, the performances of the key actors / actresses are very good.

IMDb score 6.1 / 10 – My score 6 / 10 

One Battle After Another 

An entertaining film without being anything special, so a bit over-hyped I think. It’s also so long at 2 hours 45 minutes that I think many will be put off watching it, though those watching it at home can easily split it into two settings. 

I don’t watch many ‘thrillers’ any more, which I think this is; a simple plot, decent performances from the cast, and lots of AI generated action scenes. I knew it wouldn’t be my sort of thing, so it was actually a bit better than I expected.. 

IMDb score 7.8 / 10 – My score 7 / 10 

The Coffee Table (La Mesita Del Comedor) 

Disturbing and shocking. What on earth would posses a director to make a film like this? Surely there’s a limit.. 

To say much about the plot would spoil it, though I very much doubt anyone reading this would want to watch it. 

I loved it. Brave film making, and it’s funny.. not laugh out loud funny, but a sort of can’t believe what you’re seeing type of humour. 

IMDb score 6.7 / 10 – My score 8 / 10