* I attended this event for free, in exchange for a full and honest review. * Every now and then I’m lucky enough to attend film events. On April 30th I had the opportunity to attend the first Rooftop Film Club screening of 2019, on the roof of Bussey Building in Peckham. The screen, surrounded by balloons – a nice hint at the film … Continue reading A film with a view: watching “Up” at Rooftop Film Club
The London Short Film Festival 2019 runs between the 11th-20th January. I was lucky enough to preview some of the International films from this year’s festival, and have compiled five of the films that really stood out to me. These films are from a variety of different countries and vary between live-action and animation. They are very different in their tones and styles, which makes … Continue reading London Short Film Festival (LSFF 2019): 5 films you must see
Last month, I had the chance to attend the latest interactive experience at the ExCeL London. As a Marvel fan and big ol’ nerd, Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N was right up my street and I was excited to see what was in store for me. The name is an acronym for ‘Science Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network’. I’m someone who also loves multiroom experiences (I’m making … Continue reading Marvel Fans, Assemble! My thoughts on Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. London
This review references sexual assault. Reader discretion advised. Rating: ★★★★ The second film I’m reviewing from the Women’s Voices Shorts Programme is Oh Su-yeon. Running at 27 minutes, A Blind Alley follows school friends Moonyoung and Eunjae, after Moonyoung suffers a traumatic incident and becomes withdrawn. She hides it from Eunjae, refusing to confide in her for most of the film. This short does an excellent job … Continue reading Short Film Saturdays: “A Blind Alley” (LKFF)
Rating: ★★★ 1/2 Breathless is probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences I’ve ever had at the cinema. Shot in 35mm and riddled with close-ups, every punch, kick and act of violence is presented to us very explicitly. It was first released in 2008, but played at this year’s London Korean Film Festival with director and actor Yang-Ik Joon present for a Q&A. Hearing Yang … Continue reading LKFF Review: “Breathless”
This review references sexual abuse. Reader discretion advised. Rating: ★★★★ Choi Cho-ah’s Playground featured in the Women’s Voices Shorts Programme, running at 29 minutes. The film follows new nursery teacher Si-eun as she struggles with a past sexual trauma and witnesses inappropriate behaviour from one of the boys in the class towards a girl, Seolha. Whilst it deals with some incredibly dark, personal themes, it does so … Continue reading Short Film Saturdays: “Playground” (LKFF)
Rating: ★★★★★ Cho Kyu-Jang’s cat-and-mouse thriller is definitely one of my favourites from this year’s London Korean Film Festival. The film follows businessman Sang-hoon as he drunkenly returns to his apartment one evening, only to witness a horrific murder right outside his complex. Before he has a chance to call for help, the killer looks up, and the two make eye contact. Paralysed by fear, he chooses not … Continue reading LKFF Review: “The Witness”
Rating: ★★★★ For the 13th annual London Korean Film Festival, the opening film was Microhabitat by Jeon Go-woon. The film follows Mi-so; a young housekeeper who decides to give up her small, cold apartment due to an increase in rent, so she can enjoy the things she loves most in life: whiskey and cigarettes. It is an incredibly bold and somewhat silly idea that resulted in a … Continue reading LKFF Opening Gala: “Microhabitat”
