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.

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

Das weisse Band a.k.a. The White Ribbon (2009)

The White Ribbon is an understated piece from Michael Haneke (The Piano Teacher, Funny Games, Hidden) though not as dark and visceral as his previous offerings. The loose ends and lack of dot connecting is typical Haneke, though the runtime and pace may be too wearisome for some.


3.5 stars

Antichrist (2009)

This generated the Director's desired affect upon me; queasy & uneasy throughout. There is nothing (and I mean nothing) uplifting here; this psychological headfuck unsettles far more than the visual extremes, which are used surprisingly sparingly. That said, this is technically well made, and Charlotte Gainsbourg digs deep for a career defining role. Not for the faint of heart (or body, or soul). Troubling, unsettling, challenging.

3 stars

Der Baader Meinhof Komplex (2008) aka "The Baader Meinhof Complex"

An interesting period of history, this entertaining film shows plenty of the "what" and "how" but not enough of the "why".

Janck 3.5 stars (July '09)



A touch long, but still engaging. This re-telling of actual events makes for a surprisingly good screenplay. Solid German export.

Mitch 4 stars

Die Welle (2008) aka "The Wave"

German students in dictatorship shocker ;-)

3.5 stars

The Counterfeiters (Die Fälscher) (2007)

One of the lesser known tales of WWII, this absorbing story centres on a group of note forgery criminals within Nazi controlled concentration camps . Karl Markovics is outstanding in the lead role; the narrative deftly leads the viewer through moments of real tension. An impressive achievement in cinema.

4.5 stars