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.


Food, Inc. - Movie Poster

Food, Inc.

3.5 Anthony Macali

An unflattering look inside America's corporate controlled food industry.

"Food, Inc." is stuffed with facts we already know, but confirms our suspicions in the most graphic of ways. Personal insights into industrial battery operations are particularly shocking, as it brings free-range to the fore without forcing it down your throat. The film's centre is confusing as it delves into the politics of farmers and seed patents, but still paints the picture of the greedy conglomerates. It rallies a response by rightly raising the question: do we know where our food is coming from? Unhealthy food is the cheapest, and if we want to eat well, it's up to us to drive the demand.


George Harrison: Living in the Material World - Movie Poster

George Harrison: Living in the Material World

4.5 Anne Murphy

Inter-cut with archive material, friends, family and associates of the musician tell the story of his life and how spirituality became such a major part of it.

ou might guess that this renowned musician had a extraordinary life but it takes the spotlight shone by this exceptional documentary to reveal just how remarkable his life and times were. It helps that much of the history is told to camera by the subject in his own words, and those close to him lovingly colour in the detail. Ultimately this is an affecting and moving portrait of a man whose guitar gently wept.


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.


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.


I'm Still Here - Movie Poster

I'm Still Here

3.5 Anne Murphy

A documentary on Joaquin Phoenix's transition from the acting world to a career as an aspiring rapper.

A documentary that gives the both the subject and the director writing credits, is perhaps not a documentary. "I'm Still Here" is as audacious as it is reckless, or perhaps a better description for the film and its star is wrecked. We see an actor seemingly discard his script and don his vulnerability, wearing it on the outside, unkempt and tormented. The Hollywood industry laughs and so does the public, at a stumbling mumbling freak. The point, no doubt, is to see who has the last laugh.


Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work - Movie Poster

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

3.5 Anne Murphy

A documentary on the life and career of Joan Rivers, made as the comedian turns 75 years old.

It might be hard to believe that a documentary about Joan Rivers could bring forth a tear. Be prepared. Joan Rivers is portrayed as a complete and complex woman: funny, self deprecating, honest and moving. Watching confirms her bawdy and raunchy take-no-prisoners stage persona. The surprise is witnessing her vulnerability and the resulting scars she wears. Joan as a 'piece of work' reveals a heart as big as Manhattan with anxieties to match, and all she asks is that you laugh. A work of art.


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.


La Danse - Movie Poster

La Danse

3.0 Tom Jones

The film follows the production of seven ballets by the Paris Opera Ballet.

At first, "La Danse" feels like a realistic and unpretentious glimpse into the Paris Opera Ballet. There's no commentary, no interviews and very little editing. However, at the two and half hour point, it could be accused of lazy film making and bordering on self indulgent. The talent and physiques of the dancers are to be marvelled, but an entire movie on this subject is unnecessarily long.This is one fly-on-the-wall film where you wish someone would hurry up and squat the fly.


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.


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.


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.


Outrage - Movie Poster

Outrage

4.0 Anne Murphy

An indictment of closeted politicians who lobby for anti-gay legislation in the U.S.

This is a fascinating consciousness-raising documentary presented through interviews and film clips. The movie is a compelling compilation of vignettes that are on public record. The filmmaker relentlessly exposes the hypocrisy of closeted politicians who vote against the civil rights of the gay and lesbian community. In doing so, the constituencies whose prejudices are pandered to are also shamed. The ethical quagmire isn't navigated with a strictly even hand but with a sense of injustice and anger. The situation is indeed outrageous.


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.


Project Nim - Movie Poster

Project Nim

4.0 Wendy Slevison

The story of Nim, a chimpanzee who was the subject of a 1970s experiment to see if an ape could learn to communicate with language if raised like a human child.

This is a brilliant telling of a harrowing and complex tale. Initially captivating due to the very cute subject, the mood soon shifts as we learn more about the arrogant and shameless exploitation of this remarkable animal, with no regard for any consequences. As Nim grows and becomes unmanageable due to his size and strength, he is cruelly discarded. You could hear a pin drop in the cinema as the audience absorbed his appalling plight. "F" for the Project; "A" for this film.