VIEW - OUR FAVOURITES
AMY
When it was announced that a documentary about the late Amy Winehouse was in the works, it was greeted with high levels of anticipation and reservations from fans and critics alike. Thankfully the film was made by Asif Kapadia (Senna) who, once again, has proved himself to be one of the great British filmmakers working today. Comprising of in-depth interviews that are intercut with behind-the-scenes footage and home movies, the film chronicles Winehouse’s life from the age of fourteen until her untimely death at just twenty-seven. What makes Amy such a groundbreaking piece of filmmaking is its focus on Winehouse as a songwriter, rather than trying to portray her as a drug addict. ‘Amy’ is moving and at times harrowing but ultimately a glowing tribute to the singer.
Moonrise Kingdon
Set in New England in 1965, Moonrise Kingdom is, at its core, a story of young love and the thrill that comes along with it. Drawing influences from classic outlaw tales, with a deadpan delivery reminiscent of the French New Wave, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Filled with an array of wacky characters, with a cast that includes Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, and a career-best performance from Edward Norton, Wes Anderson’s coming-of-age comedy is everything one could expect from the idiosyncratic writer/director: charming, zany, and injected with just the right amount of angst and melancholy.
The Imitation Game
Based on the true story of mathematician Alan Turing, The Imitation Game is one of the best historical thrillers of recent memory. Sherlock himself, Mr Benedict Cumberbatch, plays Turing as he and his team try to crack the Enigma code created by German intelligence during World War II. A gripping and informative film, The Imitation Game is also incredibly moving in regards to Turing’s personal life, and the injustice he suffered as a result.
Pretty in Pink
The teen movie genre has taken a pretty hard nosedive in the last few years, but thankfully we will always have the movies of John Hughes. He might not have been in the director’s chair for this one, but the script is Hughes all over, which is probably why Pretty in Pink, remains such a cult classic. Like John Hughes’ entire back catalogue, its lovable characters and snappy dialogue enrich the simplicity of the plot – plus the soundtrack is filled with so many New Romantic anthems that even if you weren’t a teenager during this time period, you will still experience the same nostalgia as those who were.
