Film: Green Border (Zielona Granica)

There is sadly more truth to this utterly realistic black and white co-production than most movies that carry the label “based on a true story” contain. That fact can be tough to tolerate in a movie that is as distressing as it should be covering the helpless and often ill-fated plight of asylum seekers at the Belarus-Polish border over the course of two and a half hours. For anyone who gives a damn about global and basic human rights, Green Border is simply unmissable. The content it documents in the manner it does is unforgettable and harrowing.

4/5

Film: Black Box Diaries

Young Japanese journalist Shiori Ito is immeasurably brave for not only pursuing legal action and some form of justice against her high-profile abuser, but for also writing a book and making a documentary covering her entire ordeal too. Her willingness to be vulnerable and publicly share her deeply personal and traumatic experience is worthy of every ounce of respect it will undoubtedly earn. This is never lost upon viewers. From a documentary filmmaking perspective, I do feel Black Box Diaries needed to be documented, edited, and presented by someone not as closely attached to its content. Without some more experienced direction to guide or oversee the production, there are important details that missing that can leave this documentary feeling incomplete in parts.

3.5/5

Film: A Different Man

A Different Man is quite an original work that summons intrigue and has thought-provoking layers underpinning its darkly comical and psychologically motivated plot. Overall, it undoubtedly succeeds, albeit I found it difficult to consistently be on the same wavelength as the movie, particularly its humour. Stars Sebastian Stan.

3.5/5

Film: Thelma

At close to an astonishing 100 years of age, June Squibb is deservedly guaranteed to receive a Golden Globe Nomination for her first-ever lead role in a film, portraying a kind and rebellious grandmother who embarks on an adventure to find the culprits who phone scammed her. An effortlessly enjoyable, frequently funny and crowd-pleasing delight that is inspired by Director Josh Margolin’s on grandmother.

3.5/5

Film: Close Your Eyes (Cerrar Los Ojos)

This Pedro Almodovar-like story about an actor that mysteriously disappeared two decades ago is deeply absorbing from the get-go and is meticulously crafted, but its slowed progression towards its ultimate trajectory over the course of almost 3 hours rids the film of much-needed intrigue and variation in tone. One I was most anticipating and sadly it is one that has most underwhelmed.

3/5

Film: Secret Mall Apartment

A well-constructed documentary feature that is engaging and interesting, though not to a level beyond what is (or might be) known about it prior to viewing.

3/5

Film: Bob Trevino Likes It

A semi-autobiographical dramedy based on director Tracie Laymon’s personal experiences, Bob Trevino Likes It seems destined for one of two fates; An independent hit upon its general release at the box offices around the world supported by great word-of-mouth or it remains a lesser discovered hidden gem. I hope and will do everything I can to ensure as many of you know about and see this beautiful movie that proves social media is also a place where from pain and alienation, kindness, connection, and humanity can all be discovered. Also features one of the better performances we’ve seen from John Leguizamo and a star-making one from lead actress Barbie Ferreira. Broadly and very highly recommended.

4/5

Film: Julie Keeps Quiet (Julie Zwijgt)

My tennis bias aside, Julie Keeps Quiet is a subtle and very respectable observation of a young tennis prodigy coming to terms with the suspension of her coach, whom she is incredibly loyal to. There might be a few too many scenes that slow the development of this film’s themes (particularly ones featuring tennis practice), but the conclusion is more than satisfactory.

3.5/5

Film: Memoir Of A Snail

An animated feature that is definitely NOT for the kiddies but is an absolute must-see for everyone else! Australian stop-motion animation filmmaker Adam Elliot’s second feature film after Mary and Max (2009) is a hilarious and heartfelt film filled with rich characterisation and an ingeniously inventive screenplay about the life of a woman who has lived more than her fair share of tragedy and trauma. It has been a heck of a long time since I can say I’ve seen an animated film as first rate as this. A MIFF stand-out, for sure.

Compiled by Leigh for Moviedoc

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