Past Lives: Berlinale 2023 Review

Year: 2023 Runtime: 105 minutes Written and directed by Celine Song Actors: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro, Moon Seung-ah, Leem Seung-min By Sarah Manvel There is nothing more human than wanting the best possible life, and no greater show of humanity than wondering if all the struggle was worth it. The choice of a new life and the promise it holds is amplified when … Continue reading Past Lives: Berlinale 2023 Review

NYFF 60 Review: Showing Up

Year: 2022 Runtime:  108 minutes Director: Kelly Reichardt Writer: Johnathan Raymond, Kelly Reichardt Cast: Michelle Williams, Hong Chau, Andre Benjamin, John Magaro, Judd Hirsch By Tom Moore Writer/director Kelly Reichardt and Michelle Williams reunite on the big screen for the fourth time to deliver another subtly emotional and tender personal story with their new film “Showing Up.” The film sees Williams play reclusive sculptor Lizzy as … Continue reading NYFF 60 Review: Showing Up

ITOL Top 15 Films of 2020 (So Far), Numbers 10-6

Good news everyone, there’s only 177 days left of 2020! Did you check out our picks for numbers 15-11? Well, if not then you can find them here. We’re not going to lie, picking our top 15 films of the year (so far) has been tough especially seeing how release dates of certain films have been delayed and how we’ve been trapped inside for months. However, we’re pleased that the ITOL team have come together to create our top 15 films from the last 6 months. Please let us know which films make your top 15 list and what films are you looking forward to catching later this year! Continue reading ITOL Top 15 Films of 2020 (So Far), Numbers 10-6

Review: First Cow

Writer/director Kelly Reichardt has gained quite some notoriety over her career, so much so that Bong Joon-Ho even denotes her as one of his heroes, and her latest film, “First Cow”, gives audiences a unique Western adventure filled with friendship, character, and a cow.

Set in Oregon during the 19th Century, the film follows two scavengers – a skilled but secluded cook named Cookie (John Magaro) and an opportunistic Chinese man named King Lu (Orion Lee). Although they meet on strange terms, the two grow a special friendship as they look to make a name for themselves. However, when an incredibly wealthy man named Chief Factor (Toby Jones) purchases and brings the first cow to the area, the two see an opportunity to gain a wealth of their own. So, as they sneakily steal milk from under Factor’s nose, Cookie and Lu make a name for themselves by cooking baked goods that eventually gets them unwanted attention. Continue reading Review: First Cow

In Competition: The 6 Female Directed Fims With A Chance To Win At Berlin

This week sees the Berlin film festival kick-off with six of its 18 competition films boasting a credited female director, representing a 33% proportion, compared with Cannes last year with 19% and Venice with 9%. Although six films isn’t an even split, it is still an improvement in the right direction. So, what are these six films and which ones are we most keen to catch at the festival? Continue reading In Competition: The 6 Female Directed Fims With A Chance To Win At Berlin