David Parkinson

Warm and thought-provoking portrayal of a journey and a man coping with the onset of age and all that might mean.

Director Pablo Trapero seals his enviable reputation with this exceptional study of isolation and grief.

Outstanding account of a pivotal moment in small-screen history.

A rich and imaginative evocation of a family in turmoil.

With Pendleton inhabiting three different bodies in the course of 93 minutes, this was quite an intricate storyline for a Hollywood comedy. But Alexander Hall (an unsung journeyman whose credits included Shirley Temple's Little Miss Marker) kept the action briskly accessible, even where Death was involved.

A powerful and provoking take on a violent and volatile era.

Visually striking and explosively violent, this simmering parable makes exceptional use of its rustic locations — and the faces of a vibrant cast — to reinforce a sense of authenticity.

Not as depressing as the subject matter might suggest, this tackles heavy themes of modern life.

Woody's neuroses are still gloriously present, and the whole thing is made accessible by Herbert Ross' dynamic direction.

A moving treatment of a deeply personal subject (France's own partner died of an AIDS-related illness in 1992), and an enthralling depiction of a seriously fired-up popular movement.

Full of fascinating behavioural insights and moments that are both hilarious and adorable, this studied treatise on the personality and emotionality of domestic animals should provide plentiful food for thought.

Written with great insight by Kogo Noda and filmed with painterly delicacy by Asakazu Nakai, though Ozu's touch brings the magic to this domestic drama.

Poetic, provocative and unstoppably powerful. But, depressingly, it probably won't change a thing.

A delight from start to finish.

A bruising psychodrama from the Palme d'Or winner that taps into the dark heart of central European superstition.

Compelling morality tale that works on multiple layers.

A true emotional epic.

Although lacking specific context and fussily presented, this is a harrowing account of the Arab Spring as witnessed by seven reluctant and committed activists in Libya, Syria and Bahrain. The footage of the violence inflicted upon civilians is truly terrifying.

Long, but engrossing and frequently enraging drama that not only exposes the flaws in the Romanian health service, but also in modern humanity.

Unstintingly raw and cynical, this disconcerting and deeply affecting State Of The Union treatise regularly comes dangerously close to caricature.

A deeply disconcerting provocation about the future of civilisation: a powerfully performed vision of an insignificant humanity.

Challengingly spellbinding.

Seminal feature from Tarkovsky, the master of atmosphere and multi-functional allegory is truly affecting, as well as fodder for countless film studies curricula.

An epic masterpiece, albeit in need of a tweak here and there.

Whether viewed as a political allegory or a domestic drama, this is the most accessible film yet from one of Europe’s very finest filmmakers.

A joyous exploration of family life that will touch and surprise.

A bleak and moving drama with reflective performance from Jack Nicolson.

As meticulous as one of Claudel's sculptures, Hors Satan director Dumont and his star do this true-life story justice with an empathetic telling.