Category Archives: Drama

CROOKLYN (1994)

Spike Lee’s semiautobiographical depiction of his own childhood feels “true,” but really rubs me the wrong way.

LE MÉPRIS (1963)

One of the stereotypical European Art Films from Jean-Luc Godard, but if I’m honest its not the cinematography many viewers are going to remember.

DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990)

Probably the best known movie about Native Americans, directed by and starring a very laconic white guy who I’m not sure can actually act. But I think it mostly works?

SANSHO THE BAILIFF (1954)

A classic Japanese film where every frame looks like a classical painting. From a plot perspective, the weepiest of weepies.

DELIVERANCE (1972)

Actor Ned Beatty passed away this week, so we revisit his first and most famous/infamous role.

PLATOON (1986)

A very violent, dark Vietnam movie written and directed by an actual Vietnam veteran, so I would say it’s high quality but your mileage may vary.

ROCKY (1976)

A tiny boxing movie about a bunch of weirdos that became a massive cultural smash. I like some parts.

IMITATION OF LIFE (1959)

This over-the-top melodrama about mothers and daughters from director Douglas Sirk was considered populist trash at the time and is today seen as high art.