Film Reviews by DW

With some solid acting & a sectioned, sequential story line (no flashbacks, bloody or otherwise) this is a fine World Cinema watch albeit with a soft-propaganda message (clarified over the closing credits, in case we missed it).

I think I know how the British justice system works but I was fascinated to watch the section of this film devoted to German courtroom procedures which were the most enjoyable bits for me, quite an eye-opener. A few of the "you don't want to miss a word" courtroom speeches were both longish & fast & I felt the otherwise excellent sub-title function couldn't keep up; just me being picky, I suppose. See what you think.

Modern slow-moving films intended for International distribution invariably have minimal dialogue in order to make them entirely compatible with sub-titles: good news for me because I can now enjoy a wide range of non-British films. (Consequently, it's become clear to me that "same old, same old" British films are being left behind in terms of entertainment value).

Minimal dialogue leans heavily on the need for more expressive & interpretive acting: this film is a strong example. From the audience's point of view, we're required to "understand" the film by closely watching the actors (rather than listening to them) & make our own judgements as to the message we're being given. A most enjoyable experience.

The ending felt like the end of a chapter but not the end of the book so I was happy to be left with my own ideas of what subsequently happened to who, when, why & how: a sort of thought provoking after-film guessing game.

Faultless acting, inspired direction. I've just watched a "This is how it's done" Masterclass.

A simple story line gave a range of actors a chance to show us the true realism of a slice of modern life: they didn't pass up the opportunity to raise the bar. British film makers, by comparison, are light years away from getting close to entertainment of this quality.

(How I wish UK doctors were as committed to patient well being as was depicted here).

Watching this versatile performance from Robin Williams was yet another confirmation of his apparently easy ability to shine. Sadly, we were not to know about his own inner demons. The final ultra-schmaltzy scene is a winner for me!

Sugar-coated, over- dramatised, populated by drama school drop-outs, child-like dialogue. The only good bits were the archive clips of real football games.

This is a documentary, thankfully without a poncey presenter hogging the limelight. Instead, the very personable "talking heads" are some of the ordinary people who were fortunate enough to "ride" this wonderful roller-coaster journey. Top class home entertainment.

The other 5-star reviews are grossly understated! This terrific film is the first I've seen to be entirely set in a police emergency response room.

The sub-titles (something I normally avoid but will no longer do so) perfectly suited the dialogue: almost all the Danish words were in very short bursts so looked great in written English, especially when simultaneously showing dialogue from 2 people, i.e a question & the answer.

PS. Just kidding about the other 5 star reviews!

Don't bother to watch this rubbish. Why the makers thought we'd be entertained by this is a complete mystery to me.

Rogue corrupt under-cover cop with mental & emotional problems goes out looking for revenge. Sound familiar?

Base-line film based on a generic story line, why did they bother to make it?

A respectable young man "borrows" his dad's car & we're treated to a domino-effect drama that involves the forces of crime, drugs, police, prison & the legal profession. Despite being an outstandingly good work of fiction, the realism accent is very strong. Even so, the final scene should raise a smile!

PS. This is said to be a re-make of a BBC effort called "Criminal Justice", typical wishy-washy BBC cop "drama". It seems this far superior American series was a collaboration with a BBC Worldwide arm & HBO in the States. Pity the BBC don't do this more often, I would then get better value for my licence fee.

This is a fictionalised version of a true story so it's truly unique. In recognition of the unusual nature of the subject matter, the filming is also non-conventional so if you like something very different then settle back to be richly rewarded.

If you watch it to the end (I didn't) you won't see any scenes that you haven't already seen many times over in other films.

From an ultra-slow start to a thought provoking finish, this film brings total entertainment. I knew nothing of the director, Debra Granik but I know that I'll enjoy her other films. Perfect casting; I normally shy away from a cast list of unknown names but I'm glad I didn't fall into that trap this time. In fact, there was only one familiar face throughout the entire film..............which I did not want to end!

Only the BBC drama department can take a fascinating true crime scenario & turn into unwatchable rubbish.

***The end is NOT the end! Keep watching whilst the closing credits roll by: you will see a mini-sequel.***

Terrific restrained performances from Meryl Streep & Tommy Lee Jones: we're used to seeing these two going at it full throttle to portray the extremes of their characterisations but both actors have dialled it right down to create this fine film. Their superlative acting was a fitting response to a non-formulaic story line. (I was greatly amused by the corgi dog woman: see if you agree with me)!