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Tag: Drama

Buffalo Soldiers (2001)

Drama Rated R

The story of a drug-dealing military clerk (Joaquin Phoenix) at a poorly disciplined U.S. base in 1989 West Germany, Buffalo Soldiers was long delayed out of fear it would be deemed too unpatriotic during wartime. If only it were unpatriotic – that would have been infinitely more interesting than the wishy-washy, morally skittish movie we

Chelsea Walls (2001)

Drama Rated R

“…works overtime to prove its artistic bona fides.”

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (1998)

Drama Rated NR

This big-screen version of the cult Japanese television series takes its stylistic cue from its hero: a pathologically bored, futuristic bounty hunter who treats everyone as if he is a 15-year-old and they are his lame parents. That and the eclectic soundtrack lend an atmosphere of carefully cultivated cool to the otherwise familiar anime elements:

Little Women (1994)

Drama Rated PG

Director Gillian Armstrong combines a documentary-like feel with the elegance of a period piece in this adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel about four daughters and their mother (played at different ages by Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Claire Danes and Kirsten Dunst, among others). The result makes you feel like a fifth sibling

Higher Learning (1995)

Drama Rated R

All statement, all speech, all display, this third feature from writer-director John Singleton is a frustrating fizzle, especially considering the promise of his Boyz N the Hood. As we see college life through the eyes of three freshmen – a naïve white sorority type (Kristy Swanson); a black athlete (Omar Epps); and a racist loner

La Vie en Rose (2007)

Drama Rated PG-13

Marion Cotillard undergoes an amazing physical transformation to portray legendary French singer Edith Piaf. By the end, when alcohol and drug abuse have reduced Piaf’s body to wreckage, the young actress looks like Gollum. Emotionally, Cotillard portrays Piaf as a blunt instrument – not unlike her blaring voice, which can feel as if it’s literally

Network (1976)

Drama Rated R

“Faye Dunaway devours this movie.”

Big Sleep, The (1946)

Drama Rated NR

The Big Sleep legendarily doesn’t make a lick of sense, but you really wouldn’t want it to. Watching the sleazy, double-crossing characters in this Raymond Chandler adaptation talk circles around each other is the movie’s great joy. The picture was delayed about a year while director Howard Hawks shot new scenes, partly to clarify the

Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)

Drama Rated PG-13

“…one of those bright, shiny things that delights us as if we were simple babies. If you don’t believe me, watch how it will even make some women drool.

Tokyo Godfathers (2004)

Drama Rated PG-13

Satoshi Kon isn’t working on nearly the same level here as with Millennium Actress, even if this animated feature has its slight charms. Centering on a trio of homeless wanderers who stumble upon an abandoned baby at Christmas, Kon’s film relies heavily on coincidence and broad humor. The main characters – an alcoholic, a former

Recent Reviews

Mother Mary (2026)

Drama Rated R

“A collage of religio-goth gestures…”

The Great Dictator (1940)

Comedy Rated G

“Charlie Chaplin was not messing around.”

Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Drama Rated R

“Streep has what can only be called a commanding fragility.”


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