Author: James Partridge

Synopsis: Overwhelmed by the success of her latest novel, Delphine is exhausted and has developed writer’s block. She then meets Elle, a smart and intuitive woman, who seems to understand her better than anyone. Soon, the intensity of their friendship manifests itself in increasingly disturbing ways. Thoughts: Despite Emmanuelle Seigner and Eva Green lighting up the screen, Roman Polanski’s latest thriller falls flat and has too many twists and turns for it’s own good. Sometimes less is more, Roman. Rating:...

Synopsis: A missing teenage girl. A brutal and tournament enforcer on a rescue mission. Corrupt power and vengeance unleash a storm of violence that may lead to his awakening. Thoughts: Lynne Ramsay does it again. I came out of the cinema buzzing from what I’d just seen. If there was another session afterwards, I would have walked back into the theatre for Round Two. Joaquin Phoenix, as he so often does, provides yet another acting masterclass. Joe should rank as one of his finest characters. Rating:...

Synopsis: Manji, a highly skilled samurai, becomes cursed with immortality after a legendary battle. Haunted by the brutal murder of his sister, Manji knows rat only fighting evil will regain his soul. He promises to help a young girl names Rin avenge her parents, who were killed by a group of master swordsmen led by ruthless warrior Anotsu. The mission will change Manji in ways he could never imagine … Thoughts: Takashi Miike takes on a Samurai action epic. How could this not be brilliant!?! It has the over-the-top action and all the blood and guts you’d expect from...

Synopsis: Katja’s life collapses after the death of her husband and son in a bomb attack. After the time of mourning and injustice, here some the time of revenge. Thoughts: This could easily have been a bulk-standard thriller. But it is far from it. Fatih Akin creates genuine tension and drama, without relying on classic thriller tropes. The film is deliberately paced and builds nicely, without every feeling forced. Diane Kruger deserves full credit too. Katja is strong yet vulnerable, driven yet conflicted – you really feel for her plight and care about what happens to her. Rating:...

Synopsis: Patti Cake$ introduces Australian native Danielle Macdonald in a breakout role, as aspiring rapper Patricia Dombrowski, a.k.a. Killa P, a.k.a. Patti Cake$. Fighting an unlikely quest for glory in her downtrodden hometown in Jersey where her life is falling apart, Patti tries to reach the big time in the hip hop scene with original and affecting music. Cheered on by her grandmother and only friends, Jheri and Basterd, Patti also shoulders her mother’s heartaches and misfortunes. Thoughts: The hidden gem of Cannes. A film that will make you laugh, cry and cheer – it’s that good. Aussie actress Danielle...