Costa-Garvas opens his polarizing political masterpiece with an arresting statement that sets the tone for the rest of the film: “any resemblance to real events, to persons living or dead, is not accidental. It is DELIBERATE.” Right from the outset, you find yourself hooked and drawn into one of the most thrilling explorations of politicalContinue reading “Exposing the Ugly Truth in “Z””
Author Archives: Wael Khairy
The Monstrosity of War in “Come and See”
Few films capture the monstrosity of war like Elem Klimov’s prolific masterpiece, “Come and See”. It is a war film that doesn’t interest itself in showcasing combat. It features no adrenaline-charged battle scenes or action sequences. Instead, Klimov exposes some of the most disturbing and traumatizing human behavior ever recorded in history, the systematic persecutionContinue reading “The Monstrosity of War in “Come and See””
The Simple Pleasures of Life in Abbas Kiarostami’s “Taste of Cherry”
Abbas Kiarostami fascinates me. He is a poet, humanitarian, and a master when it comes to blurring the line between art and reality. With his Palm D’or winning work, “Taste of Cherry”, the Iranian director challenges us to look at the forbidden subject of suicide in an Islamic state. It is a small independent filmContinue reading “The Simple Pleasures of Life in Abbas Kiarostami’s “Taste of Cherry””
Film Analysis: “The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On”
It took Kazuo Hara five years to get “The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On” made, and it took me even longer than that to finally see it. For the longest time, this masterpiece was only available to watch in extremely low-resolution video or by purchasing a pricy out of print DVD that would occasionally popContinue reading “Film Analysis: “The Emperor’s Naked Army Marches On””
A Look at “The Exterminating Angel” During Times of Crisis
It is not surprising that during these surreal times we live in, I find myself incredibly drawn to the work of Luis Buñuel, father of Surrealist cinema. Watching his 1962 masterpiece, “The Exterminating Angel” in the context of a nationwide quarantine has given this film a whole new meaning. Almost sixty years after it wasContinue reading “A Look at “The Exterminating Angel” During Times of Crisis”
Domestic Turmoil in John Cassavetes’ “A Woman Under the Influence”
John Cassavetes’ most revered film, “A Woman Under the Influence”, is one of cinema’s exemplary works of realism. The title refers to an urban housewife who is gradually losing her sanity. As this intense film unfolds, Cassavetes slowly shifts his focus to the eccentric husband. This subtle switch of the viewer’s gaze is absolute genius.Continue reading “Domestic Turmoil in John Cassavetes’ “A Woman Under the Influence””
Paranoia in John Carpenter’s “The Thing”
“Man is the warmest place to hide.” “The Thing” is John Carpenter’s greatest work; it is also a strong contender for the most entertaining horror film ever made. The film takes place on a remote base camp stationed in Antarctica. Life gets disrupted when the scientists spot a helicopter chasing and attempting to shoot aContinue reading “Paranoia in John Carpenter’s “The Thing””
Reevaluating Humanity in Kazuo Hara’s “Goodbye CP”
There is absolutely no way anyone can watch Kazuo Hara’s “Goodbye CP” without getting deeply affected by it. That said, it is not an easy film to watch by any means. “Goodbye CP” documents what it is like to live in Japan while suffering from cerebral palsy. People with cerebral palsy are often mistreated byContinue reading “Reevaluating Humanity in Kazuo Hara’s “Goodbye CP””
Film as a mosaic in “Dawson City: Frozen Time”
We tell stories that are worth sharing every single day. We do it in the form of a conversation at a dinner table, through a joke, a riddle, or even through news reports. But the best stories are told through an artistic medium such as film, music, theater, or literature. Those who practice storytelling forContinue reading “Film as a mosaic in “Dawson City: Frozen Time””
Identity Crisis in “A Brighter Summer Day”
“A Brighter Summer Day” is Edward Yang’s ambitious crime epic about Taiwanese street gangs in the 1960’s. Seeing this film reminded me of the first time I watched Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather”, Sergio Leone’s “Once Upon a Time in America”, or Martin Scorsese’s “Goodfellas”. It is a mammoth work of art that deserves its place among the greats of the genre. “A Brighter Summer Day” sweptContinue reading “Identity Crisis in “A Brighter Summer Day””
The Cinephile Fix 