Carlos (2010) aka "Carlos the Jackal"

TV mini-series chopped down for a UK cinema release, think along the lines of The Baader Meinhof Complex and Mesrine then you'll know what to expect.

Rapt (2009)

The Ghost (2010) aka The Ghost Writer

Pierce Brosnan plays ex-PM Tony Blair Adam Lang in this languorous but watchable thriller.

Janck 3.5 stars



Plotted and paced like a book itself, there is nothing overly gripping or cinematic about the Ghost, but a satisfying ending left me in good spirits.

Mitch 3.5 stars

Pour Elle (2008) a.k.a. Anything For Her

In spite of some artistic license, I would doing anything for Diane Kruger.


3.5 stars

À l'intérieur (2007) aka "Inside"

Edgy and dark, everything you'd expect from a French shocker.

Un prophète (2009) aka "A Prophet"

I often like to complain when a film is anything over 90 minutes long (if it's good enough for football then it's good enough for movies) but even at over two and a half hours long I didn't want A Prophet to end.. profonde douceur.

Janck 4.5 stars (Mar '10)


Gritty French prison drama which i wanted to love, but ending up liking a lot. Some superb performances are marred by a script this is meandering and, at times, unfocussed. Though do not let that detract from a solid drama that kills the rest of it's Hollywood peers.


Mitch 4 stars

L'armée du crime (2009) aka "The Army of Crime"

Think 'Allo 'Allo! meets The Lives of Others.

L'ennemi public n°1 (2008) aka "Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1"

Part deux doesn't disappoint, in fact I'd say it makes for a more coherent and exciting film.. probably the best film I've seen this year to date.

L'instinct de mort aka (2008) "Mesrine: Killer Instinct"

Vincent Cassel inhabits Mesrine with sufficient arrogant swagger and aplomb. Pumping film score, explosions, hot French girls, sex, guns 'n robbing banks. People who overlook foreign language movies because they ''don't do subtitles" are really missing out.

4 stars

Martyrs (2008)

After thoroughly enjoying Switchblade Romance I had high hopes for this French "shocker" but this sadly lacked the same va va voom.

Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001) aka "Amélie"

If you don't smile watching this then shame on you :)

I've Loved You So Long a.k.a. Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008)

Decent French drama in which family secrets are deftly unravelled. Well paced and plotted.

3.5 stars

Le temps du loup (2003) (a.k.a. Time of the Wolf)

Rural France suffers an unexplained disaster setting up a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Grim and bleak cinematography capture this well with lonesome wide shots, although Haneke fails to convey the visceral human struggle in the way he so obviously intended.


3 stars

La pianiste (2001) a.k.a The Piano Teacher

Sitting firmly on the stool of ''disturbing World Cinema'' Michael Haneke's (Caché , Funny Games) La pianiste showcases a mesmerising Isabelle Huppert in one of the most unsettling movies I have seen in a long time. This blend of classical piano art-house and dark subject matter truly allow you to 'react' and 'feel' in a way few Hollywood movies can do these days. Despite some narrative implausibility, La pianiste more than holds its own and will no doubt strike a deep chord with those who wish to seek out challenging cinema.

5 stars

Persepolis (2007)

It sure ain't no Disney movie, the black-and-white style of a graphic novel works a treat as we enter Marjane Satrapi's world of veils and Iron Maiden.

Janck 4 stars (Aug 2008)



Autobiography of Iranian girl on the cusp of the Islamic Revolution. Works surprisingly well as an animated feature, but misses the opportunity to be more emotive.


Mitch 3.5 stars

La Vie En Rose (2007)

Edith Piaf biopic *yawn*, which on film, is surprisingly better than it sounds. Marion Cotillard lives up to the hype and fully deserves the Best Actress Oscar to deliver a memorable performance.


4 stars

Scaphandre et le papillon, Le (2007) a.k.a. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

True story adaptations are usually let downs, but this speaks volumes about everything good about foreign cinema. Emotive and very well made; highly recommended.


4.5 stars

13 Tzameti (2005)

French roulette.

4 stars

Haute tension (2003) aka "Switchblade Romance"

Oooh la la. This is how horror movies should be, nasty and stylish in equal measures, director Alexandre Aja leads the way in the recent spate of throwback slasher movies.

4.5 stars

Ne le dis à personne (2006) aka "Tell No One"

A tense and exciting thriller from Guillaume "The Beach" Canet. The frantic pace holds your attention and the twisting plot line together nicely until the films climatic ending. Très bon.

4 stars