Death Wish: DVD Review

Death Wish: DVD Review

It's hard to imagine a worse time to release a film about a guy righting wrongs with the power of a gun.

Certainly in the US, where thanks to the Parklands School shooting, the issue of gun control and the debate around it has never been stronger or more pertinent.

But horror wunderkind Eli Roth has taken on the mantle of the remake of the Charles Bronson 1974 vigilante revenge flick.

Willis stars as ER doctor Paul Kersey, who lives in a Chicago beset by gun crime (we know this because Roth hammers home the message repeatedly using cuts of DJs and talkback to emphasise the horror of gun chaos run amok).

On his birthday eve, he's called to work, and forced to leave his vivacious wife (Shue, whose brief time on screen lights up the grubby sheen) and soon-to-depart-for-college daughter (Morrone) behind.

Things take a turn for the worse when criminals break in, leaving both victims of gunshots - and they're transported to the local ER.....

As the police investigate the crime, and murder, Kersey finds he has no choice but to take justice into his own hands.

Eli Roth's Death Wish is a tame, somnambulant take on the revenge thriller.

Its main problem is that it's generic, watered down and blessed with a lead who barely offers a level of emotion that engages throughout. Even though it wants to clear be a pro-NRA film that promotes the message of one man making a difference with his gun.

It also doesn't help that it squanders any chance of moral discussion, preferring briefly to flirt with the morality of whether it's wrong or right (largely through the aforementioned DJs and a line that asks whether it's good a white man is on the streets shooting black people).

Preferring to tick the boxes of a training montage, some shots of laughable violence and extreme blood splatters from close up, this 2018 version of Death Wish, from writer Joe Carnahan, appears to squander the grubbiness of the 80s revenge flicks that continued to offer vicarious thrills thanks to varying levels of violence.

While Death Wish can be commended for not putting its hoodie clad Grim Reaper into a series of shoot-outs that glamourises gun crime, its desire to avoid any of the intellectual moments that could have made it more contemporary is a major disappointment.

And with the house break-in sequences have some of the elements of horror with their long drawn out sequences, dark lighting and angling, there's little else to recommend the remake of Death Wish.

Police action and inaction is laughable, and while Norris' biggest sense of debate comes over a low fat diet rather than conflict over when his suspicions fall into place. The lack of moral turpitude in the film stands out like a sore thumb, especially in times of Trumpian inaction, enraging gun debate and woefully inadequate policy.

The biggest disappointment is Willis - there's only one scene toward the end which shows him remotely engaging with the material, rather than sleep-walking throughout. It's a shocking reminder of what's missing during the rest of the film - a hero whose conflict is articulated by himself rather than others around him.

Ultimately, the non-exploitation 2018 version of Death Wish is a muddled, mistaken, and misshapen attempt at a remake - lacking any contemporary feel and any directorial flair, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

But for all the wrong reasons. 

Ocean's 8: Film Review

Ocean's 8: Film Review

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Richard Armitage
Director: Gary Ross

"A him gets noticed, a her gets ignored."

Uttered by Sandra Bullock's Debbie Ocean midway through this female-fronted heist, it's hard not to ignore a single line of dialogue which points to the dilemma new blockbuster Ocean's 8 faces.

On the one hand, it's faced with being released in a post Me Too world, and coming nearly two decades after the Steven Soderbergh led remake of the 1960s film. And on the other, the fact it's an all female cast will depressingly be viewed by some as a cynical film that's hardly warranted - a rebuttal to a societal issue of under-representation that's dogged Hollywood for the past 18 months or so.

Leaving all that aside, Gary Ross' Ocean's 8 is roughly on a similar trajectory to 2001's Ocean's Eleven.

This time, Bullock is Debbie Ocean, sister to George Clooney's Danny (who's apparently dead, a point repeatedly and unnecessarily replayed throughout the film, a statement perhaps on those hating the idea of this new spinoff). After being paroled from a 5 year stretch (the details of which become more apparent later on), Debbie meets up with former colleague Lou (the ultra cool Cate Blanchett) to propose a heist.

This proposition is to swoop on the Met Gala and steal a $150 million Cartier necklace from host Daphne Kluger (Hathway, in an occasionally preening and mickey-taking role) - so the duo begin to assemble a crew and hatch a plan to pull it off and get away with it.

So far, so similar to the original Ocean's series.

And yet, in its own way, Ocean's 8 becomes its own thing, and bizarrely, never quite does enough to make it its own thing as well.

Bullock's muted and introspective throughout, a counter to Blanchett's spikier and effortlessly energetic turn as Lou. It's an odd choice as a lead and while there's nothing missing from Bullock's turn, the film certainly misses a je ne sais quoi and enigma from its lead that's noticeable throughout.
Bonham-Carter's fashion designer, first glimpsed slumped behind a counter supping from a jar of Nutella after a failed show, has a spark of edginess that's underplayed; and the rest of the cast are barely given enough time to shine throughout - a criminal touch given how strong they potentially all could be.

Repeated mentions of Danny Ocean, and even a framed shot of Clooney's smiling mug on a table, give the feeling Ocean's 8 is struggling to escape the former's shadow.

But as with the usual Ocean's films, there's a slickness to the execution.

Jazzy soundtracks, split screens and stylish touches give it the spit and polish which is needed but also render it more as a sheen and once over than a strong DNA that seeps through the screen. It's all perfectly well-executed, yet it's an extended build-up to the laying of the plans and then a brief heist at the gala that surprises in a bait and switch.

The Gala itself seems to be a weak excuse to allow some of the fashion world's Glitterati to shine, with footage clearly shot at this year's event, and with some celebs given more time than is strictly necessary.

It's at this point that James Corden comes in, imbuing the film once again with an energy that's needed and while the end has more loose threads than a tapestry being picked apart, there is a general feeling that the jump-out-of-your-seat-and-punch-the-air moment is sorely missing.

The emotional investment for the heist is severely under-cooked, and while there are some twists at the end, the resolution feels piecemeal, the reward unearned and the oh-so-familiar touches to the narrative disappointing.

Ultimately, the film needs, and deserves, to be judged on its own merits, rather than as a piece of feminist sisterhood cinema, launched in a post-Weinstein world.

On that front, and sadly,  Ocean's 8 lacks the sparkle the likes of which has been given to its targetted diamond. Sure, it's polished, accomplished and blessed with some truly talented actresses, but it can't help feel muted and subdued, with the twists falling flat.

Its low-key understatement may help it in some perverse ways, but it certainly doesn't have the zing and bling which it's clearly trying to pursue. It plays a little too loose with its detachedness and relaxed approach.

And in any heist movie, that lack of sizzle is, sadly and fatally, nothing short of utterly criminal.

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part trailer

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part trailer



The much-anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed, global box office phenomenon that started it all, “The LEGO® Movie 2: The Second Part,” reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild. The battle to defeat them and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet, Lucy, Batman and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are. Reprising their starring roles from the first film are Chris Pratt as Emmet, Elizabeth Banks as Lucy (aka Wyldstyle), Will Arnett as LEGO BatmanTM, Nick Offerman as Metal Beard, and Alison Brie as Unikitty. They are joined by Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz, and Arturo Castro as, respectively, new characters Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi, Sweet Mayhem and Ice Cream Cone. “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” is directed by Mike Mitchell (“Shrek Ever After,” “Trolls,” “Sky High”). It is produced by Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Roy Lee, the team behind the LEGO film franchise since “The LEGO Movie” debuted in 2014. “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” opens nationwide in 2D and 3D on Friday, February 8, 2019.

Mortal Engines trailer is here

Mortal Engines trailer is here

Ahead of its December release the new Mortal Engines trailer's dropped.

CAST & CREW

Directed by: Christian Rivers

Written by: Fran Walsh (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Philippa Boyens (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy)

Produced by: Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Fran Walsh (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy)

Cast: Hugo Weaving (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Hera Hilmar (An Ordinary Man), Robert Sheehan (Misfits), Jihae (Mars), Ronan Raftery (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Patrick Malahide (Game of Thrones)

Synopsis: Thousands of years after civilisation was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities now roam the Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Tom Natsworthy – who hails from a Lower Tier of the great traction city of London – finds himself fighting for his own survival after he encounters the dangerous fugitive Hester Shaw. Two opposites, whose paths should never have crossed, forge an unlikely alliance that is destined to change the course of the future. 

Bumblebee trailer drops

Bumblebee trailer drops

The brand new trailer for BUMBLEBEE is here!

On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken.  When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.

This Transformers spinoff revolves around the fan-favourite Autobot, stars Hailee Steinfeld & John Cena and is directed by Travis Knight of “Kubo and The Two Strings/Coraline” fame.

Bumblebee will be releasing in NZ cinemas this December 20 for your Christmas viewing pleasure.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Pre-order details

 Red Dead Redemption 2 Pre-order details

Today we're pleased to announce details for the Special Edition and Ultimate Edition of Red Dead Redemption 2, and the Red Dead Redemption 2 Collector’s Box, a unique assemblage of real-world collectibles inspired by the game.

Pre-order bonuses for Red Dead Redemption 2 are also now available, featuring the War Horse and The Outlaw Survival Kit for Story Mode, and more for digital pre-orders including a treasure map and a cash bonus for Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode.

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition and Ultimate edition are now available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store, the Rockstar Warehouse and at other select retailers.

The Red Dead Redemption 2 Collector’s Box is available now for pre-order from the Rockstar Warehouse and look for it to also be available from select retailers.

Please see below for full details.

All pre-orders of Red Dead Redemption 2 will include this pair of Story Mode enhancements:

War Horse: This handsome iron-grey-colored Ardennes War Horse can always be relied on in the heat of the battle. With greater courage and stamina than the average steed, this is a horse that knows how to keep its head under fire.

The Outlaw Survival Kit: The Outlaw Survival Kit contains a collection of key supplies for enduring the rigors of life on the frontier, including items to replenish Health, Dead Eye and more.

In addition to the War Horse and Outlaw Survival Kit mentioned above, digital pre-orders on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store will also receive these added rewards:

Cash Bonus for Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode: The Van der Linde gang is always looking for ways to make more money and bring in new supplies. This in-game cash bonus will give Arthur Morgan enough to buy a weapon, some food, a handful of useful items and ammunition.

Treasure Map: Secret buried treasure can be found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. This exclusive Treasure Map for Story Mode will give Arthur a head start on the hunt for hidden riches. Must pre-order by July 31, 2018.

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition delivers exclusive content for Story Mode including:

Bank Robbery Mission and Gang Hideout in Story Mode: Get exclusive access to a Bank Robbery Mission, in which Arthur and a couple of his fellow gang members come up with a daring plan to break in and rob the bank in the southern town of Rhodes. Elsewhere, the Del Lobos Gang has taken over a hacienda - clear this gang’s hideout and rob their stash for a lucrative take.

Dappled Black Thoroughbred: This thoroughbred racehorse sporting a beautiful reverse-dappled black coat will keep you at the front of the pack with its exceptional speed and acceleration.  You will also get the exclusive Nuevo Paraiso Saddle, handmade in dark chocolate leather with silver medallion detailing. This horse and saddle are available in Red Dead Redemption 2 Story Mode.

Talisman and Medallion Gameplay Bonuses: These special Story Mode items will give Arthur a helping hand whenever they are equipped. Attaching the Eagle Talon Talisman to his boot, Arthur’s environmental awareness skill will last longer. By carrying the Iguana Scale in his personal Satchel, Arthur will take less damage while riding on horseback.

Gameplay Boosts, Cash Bonuses & Discounts: This collection of exclusive Story Mode boosts, bonuses and discounts will help Arthur to survive out in the harsh wilderness and better provide for his gang members and their camp. The Core Stat boost benefits Arthur’s Stamina, Health and Dead Eye Cores. Earn more cash during robbery missions with the Van der Linde gang, and when hunting and selling animal carcasses. Receive discounts on all upgrades to the Van der Linde gang’s camp.

The Nuevo Paraiso Gunslinger Outfit: This exclusive Story Mode outfit for Arthur is inspired by the clothing worn by vaqueros and banditos south of the border. The outfit features a wide brimmed black cowboy hat, deep indigo coat, worn denim chaps, leather gloves and boots.

Free Access to Additional Weapons: A good range of weapons is essential for survival in the Old West. Get free access to three weapons at the in-game Gunsmiths in Story Mode: the robust Volcanic Pistol, devastating Pump Action Shotgun and versatile Lancaster Varmint Rifle.

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition is available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store, the Rockstar Warehouse and at other select retailers.

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition delivers all of the Story Mode content from the Special Edition plus additional bonuses for online including:

Bonus Outfits: Get two exclusive outfits for your online character. The Blackrose Bounty Hunter Outfit features a long oxblood-colored coat, a vest with gold pocket watch chain, and dark pants tucked into chocolate leather boots. TheCopperhead Enforcer Outfit features a fur-lined saddle-brown leather waistcoat, two-tone gloves, and pinstripe black pants tucked into black leather boots.

Black Chestnut Thoroughbred: Outrun the competition with this thoroughbred racehorse in a striking black chestnut coat and also receive the exclusive High Plains Cutting Saddle beautifully crafted in jet-black leather with gold metal accents. This horse and saddle are available in online.

Free Access to the Survivor Camp Theme: Customize your own personal Camp in online with free access to the Survivor theme. 

Free Access to Additional Weapons: Get access to the Volcanic Pistol, Pump Action Shotgun and Lancaster Varmint Rifle, free of charge from Gunsmiths in online.

Rank Bonuses: As a great start for all Ultimate Edition players, you can rank up faster in online, up to rank 25.

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition is available for pre-order on the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store, the Rockstar Warehouse and at other select retailers.

No matter which version you choose, all digital pre-orders from the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store will receive an immediate infusion of GTA$ to their Maze Bank accounts in GTA Online: 

Red Dead Redemption 2: Standard Edition Digital Pre-Order: Get GTA$500,000
Red Dead Redemption 2: Special Edition Digital Pre-Order: Get GTA$1,000,000
Red Dead Redemption 2: Ultimate Edition Digital Pre-Order: Get GTA$2,000,000

Digital pre-orders for Red Dead Redemption 2 made via the PlayStation Store will receive an automatic download for their bonus GTA$. For those pre-ordering digitally through the Microsoft Store on Xbox, this GTA$ bonus can be downloaded by searching for the requisite amount associated with your specific pre-order (“$500,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online” for Standard Edition digital pre-orders, “$1,000,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online” for Special Edition digital pre-orders, and “$2,000,000 for Grand Theft Auto Online” for Ultimate Edition digital pre-orders) on the Microsoft Store.

The Red Dead Redemption 2: Collector’s Box, available exclusively from select retailers and the Rockstar Warehouse, features a curated assortment of outlaw essentials all packaged in a thick gauged metal tithing box (Red Dead Redemption 2 sold separately).

Metal Tithing Box with Lock & Key: Inspired by the lockbox used by the Van der Linde gang to stash contributions to the camp’s upkeep, this thick gauged metal box includes a lock & key, and features black metal band detailing and an engraved Cornwall Freight & Commodities plaque.
 Collectable Challenge Coin: Featuring the majestic American Buffalo on one side and a scenic landscape on the other side, this engraved, gold-colored collectable coin comes in a magnetic presentation holder with a black, engraved plaque describing the history of this endangered species.
 Double Sided Puzzle: This double-sided, 100-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle features an illustrated view of the bustling port of Saint Denis on one side, and a classically inspired Rockstar Games logo on the reverse.
 Six Shooter Bandana: A staple for any frontier outlaw, this bandana features a traditional paisley-inspired pattern with hidden weapon iconography throughout.
 Treasure Map: Printed on durable, unrippable paper, this exclusive treasure map reveals the location of some buried treasure that may start Arthur on a search for more riches hidden throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2.
 Pin Set: This set of six individual pins includes representations of key weapons from Red Dead Redemption 2 including a shotgun, revolver and Dead Eye “X” marker.  The set comes in a canvas carrying bag.

Playing Cards:  Commemorate the outlaws of the Van der Linde gang with this fully illustrated deck of playing cards featuring key members of the gang including Arthur Morgan, John Marston, Javier Escuella, Bill Williamson and Dutch van der Linde.

Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue: The one-stop shop for everything from weapons to clothing, the Wheeler, Rawson and Co. Catalogue is an essential shopping tool for turn of the century life.  This complete 150-page book is a replica of the edition found in stores throughout Red Dead Redemption 2.

12 Cigarette Cards: These beautifully-illustrated collectable cards can be found throughout the world of Red Dead Redemption 2. This physical collection includes one select card from each set like Famous Gunslingers and Outlaws, Stars of the Stage and Marvels of Travel and Locomotion.

The Red Dead Redemption 2 Collector’s Box is available now for pre-order from the Rockstar Warehouse and look for it to also be available from select retailers.

NZIFF announces special programme of films to mark 50th anniversary in Auckland

NZIFF announces special programme of films to mark 50th anniversary in Auckland

NZIFF announces special programme of films to mark 50th anniversary in Auckland Twelve retrospective films have been announced to screen at the New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) in 2018 to mark the 50th anniversary of the festival in Auckland.

1982 film Liquid Sky is one of 12 restrospective films to mark NZIFF’s 50th anniversary in Auckland

NZIFF Director Bill Gosden has curated the programme of films from half a century of NZIFF screenings including the film which opened the first-ever 1969 Auckland International Film Festival, Hunger. Other highlights of the retrospective programming include Cannes Film Festival 1976 Grand Prix award-winning film Cria Cuervos, landmark lesbian love story Desert Hearts, spectacular Swedish documentary The Atlantic, Soviet era romantic comedy Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears and a new 4K restoration of 1987 German/French film Wings of Desire. “In looking over the films of the past five decades I wanted to bring together a selection which represented a broad spectrum and celebrated some of the many highlights we have seen over the years,” says Gosden. As well as the retrospective film programme, festival fans can relive the history at an exhibition of past festival posters and clippings on display at ASB Waterfront Theatre during the 2018 NZIFF. Additional films for the 50th anniversary programme will be announced. The confirmed films marking the 50th anniversary are: Chulas Fronteras/Del mero Corazon USA, 1976 Director/Photography/Editor: Les Blank Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1980 A beautiful, timely restoration of Chulas Fronteras (meaning ‘Beautiful Borders’), folklorist/cine-poet Les Blank’s classic ode to Norteña music and the migrant culture that exists along the Texas–Mexican border. Shot in the late 1970s – and restored now by his son Harrod – Chulas Fronteras and its companion piece Del mero corazón celebrate pioneering figures like Narciso Martínez and Lydia Mendoza as well as then-current performers like Flaco Jiménez and Los Pingüinos del Norte. “It calls for dancing in the street with a bottle of Pearl Beer in one hand and a chili relleno in the other.” — Michael Goodwin, Village Voice https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/chulas-fronteras/ Cold Water France, 1994 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1995 Director/Screenplay: Olivier Assayas This early triumph from French director Olivier Assayas (Clouds of Sils Maria, Personal Shopper) centres on two doomed teenage lovers swept away by the nervous musical energy of 1970s countercultural Paris. This deeply personal tribute to rock and roll, teen love, and the impermanence of youth, and including one of the greatest party sequences ever put to film, this semi-autobiographical portrait of youth in revolt drew from Assayas’ own experiences and features an iconic soundtrack that includes Nico, Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. “Cold Water has the kind of emotional purity that puts it in a class by itself. Its blue fog envelops you.” — David Edelstein, Vulture https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/cold-water/ Cosy Dens Czech Republic, 1999 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 2000 Director: Jan Hrebejk A vivid comic valentine to the Prague Spring, a short-lived era when mop-topped teenage boys nourished hopes of ditching their standard issue army wear and stepping out in Beatle boots. Two families co-exist in a small Prague apartment block in 1967 each with a fulminating patriarch at the head of each household; one a devoted party man, the other a former resistance hero clamouring for the end of Bolshevik idiocy. Supercool Jindřiška and hopelessly smitten Michal, the teenage children of these battling neighbours, have grown up like siblings, blithely certain that their parents are living in the past. https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/cosy-dens/ Cria Cuervos Spain, 1976 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1978 Director/Screenplay: Carlos Saura One of the great films of the first decade of NZIFF, winner of the Grand Prix award at Cannes Film Festival 1976, and one of the great film portraits of childhood. Ana Torrent, surely one of the screen’s most compelling child actors, and Geraldine Chaplin as her mother are unforgettable in Carlos Saura’s unique and haunting evocation of an eight-year-old girl’s fears and fantasies. “The film is a masterpiece of form and technique, and Chaplin and Torrent are both outstanding.” — Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/cria-cuervos/ Desert Hearts USA, 1985 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1986 Director: Donna Dietch The landmark lesbian love story returns to the giant screen as vibrant, beautiful and celebratory as ever. Exuberant and sexy, Desert Hearts belts along on fresh air, country music and sassy dialogue so that you can almost feel that warm wind in your hair. “Steeped in moody, classic country and western music, it conveys romantic longing and confusion with bittersweet intensity.” — Camille Paglia, Sight & Sound https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/desert-hearts/ Hunger Denmark, 1966 Screened at Adelaide/Auckland International Film Festival 1969 Director: Henning Carlsen This exacting, bleakly funny portrait of a starving artist opened the first Auckland International Film Festival in 1969. A Scandinavian classic, this is an intense, superbly acted portrait of a self-dramatising young writer and the late 19th-Century society he rejects. “This unforgettable film version of Knut Hamsun’s great novel won the Best Actor award at Cannes. It is one of the great film performances of all time.” — Albert Johnson, Pacific Film Archive https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/hunger/ Liquid Sky USA, 1982 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1984 Director: Slava Tsukerman Invisible aliens descend on Manhattan’s post-punk club scene for the heroin and then stay for the sex when a lesbian fashion model discovers she can feed them by bringing her unwelcome suitors to climax. As out-there in 2018 as it was when it filled the St James for two successive Festival midnight screenings in 1984, this awesomely jaded carnival of sexuality as artform and weapon looks sharper than ever in a brand new 4K restoration. https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/liquid-sky/ Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears USSR, 1980 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1982 Director: Vladimir Menshov Considered charmingly old-fashioned when it arrived in the West in 1980 and won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, this epic romantic comedy from the Soviet era stands as a classic now – a loving chronicle of the lives of three feisty provincial girls who emigrate to Moscow in 1958, tracing their romantic and professional lives through 20 years of friendship. “Lively acting, vivacious editing and a deft ironic treatment of a classically naïve storyline make this Academy Award winner a sunburst in the rain.” — Kathleen Hulser, Film Journal https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/moscow-does-not-believe-in-tears/ Orlando UK/Russia/France/Italy/Netherlands, 1992 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1993 Director: Sally Potter Tilda Swinton strides through four centuries of history, switching genders as she goes, in Sally Potter’s gorgeous, playful subversion of British Heritage cinema. With Billy Zane, and Quentin Crisp as Elizabeth I. “Tilda Swinton’s performance as Orlando in this adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel is luminous and thrilling, an omnisexual romp through 400 years of history.” — Kate Muir, The Sunday Times https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/orlando/ The Atlantic Atlantean, Sweden, 1994 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1995 Directors: Jan Röed, Kristian Petri, Magnus Enquist All the CGI in the world pales beside the unearthly spectacle of the world itself as discovered by cinematographer Jan Röed in this magnificent, haunting film, shown at the Festival in 1995 and never seen here since. This spectacular documentary, shot on and around Atlantic Islands from Iceland to South Georgia, is reprised in a rare 35mm print.  “A must-see… One of the most hauntingly beautiful Swedish documentaries ever made.” — Gunnar Rehlin, Variety https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/the-atlantic/ The Swimming Pool France/Italy, 1969 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1970 Director: Jacques Deray Divine decadence in the south of France, this silkily sexy psychological thriller stars Romy Schneider, Alain Delon and Jane Birkin, France’s hottest young stars of the 1960s, and shimmers with cool jazz and mid-summer menace. “Set in a to-die-for villa in the verdant hills overlooking Saint-Tropez, this icily elegant pas de quatre involves four of the most outrageously photogenic actors to ever appear on screen.” — David Melville, Senses of Cinema https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/the-swimming-pool/ Wings of Desire West Germany/France, 1987 Screened at Auckland International Film Festival 1988 Director: Wim Wenders Two angels watch over a divided Berlin in Wim Wenders’ visually astonishing city symphony from 1987 – restored 30 years later, under his direction, to look and sound better than ever in this glorious 4K presentation. The surround-soundscape is as gloriously untethered as the film’s floating camera, a symphony of voices, music and urban ambience cradling the spoken poetry of Peter Handke’s script. Lyrically articulating a profusion of existential doubts and fleeting sensory delights, it’s one of the great Rorschach test movies, many things to many people – and incidentally a must for Nick Cave completists. “It’s full of astonishingly hypnotic images… and manages effortlessly to turn Wenders’ and Peter Handke’s poetic, literary script into pure cinematic expression.” — Geoff Andrew, Time Out https://www.nziff.co.nz/2018/auckland/wings-of-desire/ The 50th retrospective films will be scheduled throughout the Auckland NZIFF programme and will screen at various NZIFF cinemas. NZIFF is run by a charitable trust and encourages lively interactions between films, filmmakers and New Zealand audiences in 13 towns and cities around the country. The full NZIFF programme will be available from Tuesday 26 June for Auckland and starts in Auckland on 19 July 2018.