Film Reviews by None

This is an eye-opening insight into the long journey faced by the millions of young Brazilians hoping to make it as professional footballers. We track the stories of 4 of these teenage hopefuls as they desperately try to beat the odds and get contracts with clubs. For the majority of young Brazilians trying to make it as footballers, their dream is not just about a preferred vocation, but is the one glimmer of hope they have of lifting themselves and their families out of poverty. Relatively speaking, so few make it. And as you see the passion and hope with wich these boys pursue this goal it is a harsh and stark realisation that so many have their dreams crushed along the way. To see the way the spirit and identity of the Brazilian people is so intertwined with the sport though is beautiful. Ex-pros give insight into their own route to glory and the obstacles they had to overcome. Will the 4 boys overcome these obstacles too? It's not just fans of the game that will enjoy finding out.

this is an interesting film giving insight into the difficulties of a country tentatively experimenting with the democratic process. we see ballot day on a small island off the coast of Iran where a female election agent from the mainland is escorted around the island by a soldier stationed there. the girl is an idealist with a passion for democracy and a strong belief that it can benefit the people, while the soldier is somewhat jaded. the human aspect of the film is where the charm is - between the two main characters and with the various people they encounter on the island that they encourage to vote. a rather basic film but certainly one that's worth watching.

family opens mountain villa. guests don't come. guests finally show up and start dying. going to police would be bad for business. bodies disposed of in secret. impending work on new road threatens to expose truth. a decent premise for a black comedy but i feel this one doesn't make best use of the situation. slow-paced and lacking comic moments you may reach the end and feel like your time could have been better spent.

This film is based on the true story of the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic from the 1930s to 1960s. The country is ruled by the dictator Trujillo in a regime of fear and intimidation where people who speak out against the government 'disappear', and consequently most people just try and keep their heads down, not ask dangerous questions, and hope that they and their families will be able to live in peace. However, for some, especially those who have lost family members, peace on these terms is not acceptable and there is a growing feeling that something must be done. Dangerous as it is, some form an underground revolutionary movement with the aim of overthrowing the Trujillo regime. The Mirabal sisters come from a fairly wealthy family but nevertheless get invovled and become key figures in this movement. The 3 sisters show incredible courage and nobility of spirit in the face of extreme adversity, including imprisonment and torture. An amazing story, really well told, of how these courageous sisters impacted history for the good of their people.