Film Festivals 2005
Once again the wide world of cinema offers a cache of captivating films. From France the delightful 'Look at Me', Tony Gatlif's 'Exils' and horror/slasher 'The Ordeal'. 'Hotel Rwanda' and documentary 'Darwin's Nightmare' unlock some of Africa's darkest secrets while from Hong Kong came the diverse '2046' and Stephen Chow's comic tour de force 'Kung Fu Hustle'. From the US, Gregg Araki's disturbing 'Mysterious Skin', 'Birth' with Nicole Kidman and understated Southern pot-boiler 'Undertow'. Stand-out documentaries also included 'Wal-mart: The High Cost of Low Price', the incredible 'DiG!' and from North Korea a fascinating insight with 'A State of Mind'.
Hell on Wheels (2004)
7.3/10
Director: Pepe Danquart, Werner Schweizer
Starring: Rolf Aldag, Andreas Kloden, Alexander Winokurow, Erik Zabel, Steve Zampieri, Lan...
This documentary celebrates the 100th anniversary of the most well-known cycle race in the world - the Tour de France. Focusing primarily on two Germ... Read more
36 Quai des Orfevres (2004)
7.6/10
Director: Olivier Marchal
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil, Andre Dussollier, Valeria Golino, Roschdy Zem
Two of France's most charismatic and enduring actors, Gerard Depardieu and Daniel Auteuil face off as cops competing for the same promotion, using all... Read more
My Summer of Love (2004)
6.8/10
Director: Pawel Pawlikowski
Starring: Natalie Press, Emily Blunt, Paddy Considine
16-year-old Mona lives in a sleepy Yorkshire mining village where nothing much happens - especially now her wild older brother (Paddy Considine) has b... Read more
Head-On (2005)
8/10
Director: Fatih Akin
Starring: Birol Unel, Sibel Kekilli, Catrin Striebeck, Guven Kirac
Two desperate Turkish immigrants in Hamburg, Sibel and Cahit, meet at a psychiatrist's. She needs to escape her conservative family; he's a heavy drin... Read more
Hotel Rwanda (2004)
8.1/10
Director: Terry George
Starring: Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte, Joaquin Phoenix, Jean Reno
As his country descends into madness, five-star-hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) sets out to save his family. But when he sees that the w... Read more
Night Watch (2004)
6.5/10
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Starring: Konstantin Khabensky, Vladimir Menshov, Valeri Zolotukhin, Mariya Poroshin
In 14th Century Russia two warring factions of vampires called a delicate truce. Overshadowing this peace is an ancient prophecy, one that foretells o... Read more
Yes (2004)
6.8/10
Director: Sally Potter
Starring: Joan Allen, Simon Abkarian, Sam Neill, Shirley Henderson, Sheila Hancock
Sally Potter's daring and artful meditation on the dynamics of romantic and sexual relationships stars Joan Allen as 'She' the frustrated housewife of... Read more
Steamboy (2004)
6.9/10
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Starring: Voices Of, Anna Paquin, Alfred Molina, Patrick Stewart
The long-awaited new film from 'Akira' director Katsuhiro Otomo does not disappoint. One of the most expensive animes ever made, this is a retro-styl... Read more
The Miracle Of Bern (2003)
6.8/10
Director: Sonke Wortmann
Starring: Louis Klamroth, Peter Lohmeyer, Johanna Gastdorf, Mirko Lang, Birthe Wolter
Filmmaker and former professional footballer Sonke Wortmann directs this family sports drama, using the backdrop of the 1954 World Cup game between Ge... Read more
A State of Mind (2004)
7.8/10
Director: Daniel Gordon
North Korea's Mass Games bring together over 80,000 peformers to create a mind-boggling spectacle of dance, gymnastics and music in honour of their le... Read more