Author: James Partridge

Synopsis 9th century China. 10-year-old general’s daughter Nie Yinniang is abducted by a nun who initiates her into the martial arts, transforming her into an exceptional assassin charged with eliminating cruel and corrupt local governors. One day, having failed in a task, she is sent back by her mistress to the land of her birth, with orders to kill the man to whom she was promised – a cousin who now leads the largest military region in North China. After 13 years of exile, the young woman must confront her parents, her memories and her long-repressed feelings. A slave to the orders of her mistress, Nie Yinniang must choose: sacrifice the man she loves or break forever with the sacred way of the righteous assassins. Thoughts Stunning visuals, locations, set design and costumes are let down by an incoherent script and fight scenes that are cut off before they even get going. This was mean to be a martial arts film, right? What gives!?! Very disappointed. Rating...

Synopsis: A once-in-a-generation talent, Amy Winehouse instantly captured the world’s attention. A pure jazz artist in the most authentic sense – she wrote and sung from the heart using her musical gifts to analyse her own problems. The combination of her raw honesty and supreme talent resulted in some of the most unique and adored songs of modern era. Tragically, relentless media attention coupled with Amy’s troubled relationships, her global success and precarious lifestyle saw her life fall apart. As a society, we celebrated her huge successes but were quick to judge her failings when it suited us. The talent that was initially her salvation eventually became the trigger for her disintegration. Thoughts: This is an emotional roller coaster of a film. You will come away feeling angry – but that’s a good thing in this case. Like with Senna, this Asif Kapadia has created a film that will move audiences, even if they aren’t fans of the person or subject matter. Outstanding. Rating:...