Cave of Forgotten Dreams - Movie Poster

Cave of Forgotten Dreams

4.0 Anthony Macali

Werner Herzog gains exclusive access to film inside the Chauvet caves of Southern France.

Enter the "The Cave of Forgotten Dreams" and your world will be shaken. The walls are lined with stirring visuals, from bison and leopards to horses as clear as the day they were born. The fact these paintings are over 30,000 years old simply defies belief, marking a passage of time that pales our existence. There are a number of questionable guests filling the running time, but it's a joy to share in their wonder and commentary of such a dazzling discovery. This historical documentary is haunting and undeniably breathtaking.


Life in a Day - Movie Poster

Life in a Day

3.5 Wendy Slevison

A documentary shot by filmmakers all over the world that serves as a time capsule.

The scope of the task was immense. Two award-winning filmmakers took 4,500 hours of footage, representing 80,000 lives from 192 countries, and crafted it into a fascinating 90-minute glimpse into parts of our world that we may otherwise have never experienced. Enthralling in its simplicity, while sharing powerful moments of raw humanity, this awe-inspiring achievement bears witness to the spirit that unites us all. The gamut of emotions is experienced as deeply personal stories are shared with the entire world, making this a day to remember.


Page One: Inside the New York Times - Movie Poster

Page One: Inside the New York Times

3.5 Anthony Macali

Unprecedented access to the New York Times newsroom.

"Page One" is a fascinating insight into the inner sanctum of 'The Times', which we discover is more than a paper factory, but a renowned American institution. The film traces the history of some of its more colourful characters, acknowledging their commentary and fears for the future in a business destined for destitution. Most importantly, this documentary expertly covers all the recent developments to shake the industry, from wiki-leaks and twitter, to the iPad and the news online, all with genuine apprehension and humour. If this paper interests you, then it's definitely a good read.


Senna - Movie Poster

Senna

4.0 Anthony Macali

A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times.

If you have any spot of intrigue for racing, then you will adore "Senna". He was a purist and a gentleman, who faced his biggest battles off the track in his fast and short-lived career. Ayrton's relationship with Prost is unrivalled, fiercely competing with one another despite their team alliance, and world championships marred by controversy, politics and the French. The result is unflinching drama, given credence by vast and captivating footage of races and interviews. A man of genius.


The Greatest Movie Ever Sold - Movie Poster

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold

3.0 Anthony Macali

A documentary about branding, advertising and product placement that is financed and made possible by brands, advertising and product placement.

The self-proclaimed "Greatest Movie Ever Sold" is far from it, though it does provide an interesting exposé into the unfamiliar advertising industry. The director/ documenter's lack of charisma is redeemed by his resourceful and determined displays, especially when forced to sell his idea to the advertising companies themselves with the aid of some amusing place cards. In the end, it's hard to tell if the financiers or film-makers come out on top, although as an audience, we're not 100% sold.


Matchmaking Mayor - Movie Poster

Matchmaking Mayor

2.0 Anne Murphy

A generation of singles in their 30s live in a medium-sized Slovak village, and their mayor sets out to bring them together.

Marrying is not everyone's goal and there is some pressure to conform to please families and traditional life. The unmarried locals look quite uncomfortable playing along with the Mayor's plans. This is a documentary filled with glimpses of a lifestyle unfamiliar to city dwellers in our sophisticated on-line world. The audience was tickled throughout by the real life characters, but the filmmaker's style is a little gentle to sustain interest. A long build and no punch-line. Imperfect match.


Give Up Tomorrow - Movie Poster

Give Up Tomorrow

4.0 Anne Murphy

When a teenager from a political family in the Philippines is accused of a double murder, the country's entire judicial system is put to the test after years of alleged corruption.

This story is one of such a jaw-dropping miscarriage of justice that it instils outrage. "Give Up Tomorrow" documents 12 years of a murder case with sufficient information and detail to convince even the most hardened sceptic of a gross wrongdoing. The production quality is patchy, even grainy at times, but the story is compelling and impossible to watch without tears. Get through today and you can give up tomorrow.


The Hollywood Complex - Movie Poster

The Hollywood Complex

3.5 Anne Murphy

Spring heralds pilot season in Hollywood, and that means audition time as aspiring actors come to town with their Moms, desperately seeking that elusive call back from casting.

The scale of the 'wanna-be' industry is surprising, teeming with agents, drama-teachers and photographers, all fed by the sheer numbers of kids hoping to be discovered. While we can chuckle and scoff at the onscreen antics of the children and their parents, there is something very unsettling beneath the 'fun'. The opportunistic nature that all of the parties have in common suggests that many do not come away unscathed. Certainly no-one sings "Hooray for..."


How to Die in Oregon - Movie Poster

How to Die in Oregon

4.5 Anne Murphy

In 1994 Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide.

"How to Die in Oregon" is not an easy documentary to watch, and that is good reason to watch it. Death with dignity is a complex ethical concept to bring to the screen, and this film is an intimate exploration of life and planned death. The film maker is respectful and unobtrusive. The sensitivity is appreciated... he doesn't add his own narrative, the subjects do all the talking. No other voice is needed - their stories are incredibly moving. Choice allows us to die well.


Last Train Home - Movie Poster

Last Train Home

4.0 Tom Jones

A family embarks on an annual journey along with 200 million workers to reunite with their family.

To all who think New Years is overrated, your pessimism will pale in comparison to the endeavors made by the Chinese migrant workers who get home to celebrate their Chinese New Years. The footage captured in this movie is mind blowing. From the aerial shots of the crowds waiting (sometimes days) to board the trains to the more intimate moments depicting Chinese family life, it is astonishing to think that this film is real. A compelling documentary, which realises despite all cultural differences, for everyone, there's really no place like home.


L'Amour fou - Movie Poster

L'Amour fou

3.0 Anne Murphy

Explores the relationship between fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his lover, Pierre Berge.

Filmed after the death of Yves Saint-Laurent "L'Amour fou" provides a candid look into the life, the breathtaking art collection amassed by the couple and its eventual auction to benefit an AIDs charity. The narrative provides as glimpses into a privileged lifestyle without exploring too deeply. Interesting are revelations of an ongoing struggle with depression and resulting addictions, perhaps one of those being the central objects d'art. Archival film footage stills and interviews are used to effect and reveal much about the troubled man of fashion. Melancholic.


First Love - Movie Poster

First Love

4.0 Stefan Bugryn

Three young girls share their love of the waves as they make a trip to Hawaii.

This film is a hidden gem. As the title suggests, you fall in love with these young playful girls as you follow their inspiring passion for surfing. You get swept up in their carefree attitudes, and it really does make you want to pick up a surfboard and hit the waves! It is stunningly shot, where every shot looks like a masterpeice. It almost feels like a young girls scrapbook, where even the soundtrack and editing add to the lively tone. Don't miss this one.


Countdown to Zero - Movie Poster

Countdown to Zero

2.5 Stefan Bugryn

An intensive look at the atomic bomb, from its history, to where it's at now, and where its heading.

Much like any other documentary, if you don't have an underlying interest in the subject matter, you won't engage with the narrative. This is no different for "Countdown to Zero". There are tidbits of interest, but there's probably not enough 'wow' factor to suck everyone in. Lucky for some, what could have been a harrowingly complex story full of jargon and gobbledygook has been simplified for a wider audience. But if you don't like bombs, then you just don't like bombs. Stay for the countdown if you want.


Catfish - Movie Poster

Catfish

4.5 Anthony Macali

Filmmakers Ariel and Henry document a story involving Ariel's brother, Nev, a 24-year-old photographer, and Abby, an 8-year-old girl contacts Nev via Facebook.

Never has a film captured the simple day-to-day tidings of social networks as well as "Catfish". Through pure happenstance, the film monitors a new relationship form, brilliantly blending the interaction of modern media in a series of clever montages. As characters delve deeper the tension builds, gradually creating a sense of dread as we ponder what could only amount to be a frightening conclusion. This documentary will astound everyone online and confirm the fears of many others.


This Way of Life - Movie Poster

This Way of Life

3.5 Anne Murphy

A lionhearted father struggles valiantly to create a life of idyllic simplicity for his family.

The central character in this engrossing documentary tells us that he lives for a living and we learn that trying to lead a simple life is not so simple. Even so, the contentment revealed when idealistic parents speak from the heart touches a yearning for a different way of life. Creating interest are plenty of children and animals, not to mention the stormy New Zealand coastal setting, which is simply stunning. You mightn't choose this way of life, but don't let that stop you from watching it.