Category Archives: Crime
Miss Bala (2011)
Once in a while I come across a film that’s a complete surprise, and that brings me to Miss Bala, a 2011 Mexican film from director Gerardo Naranjo–a film I rented on a whim and which proved to be one of … Continue reading
The Perfect Host (2010)
“You can’t kill me. I’m having a dinner party!” DVD trailers sometimes appear to be selected with the idea of common tastes, so with that thought in mind, I wondered what to expect when I painstakingly made my way through the … Continue reading
Red Hill (2010)
“Jimmy Conway rides into town, he’ll be bringing hell with him.” I watched the 2010 Australian film, Red Hill because: a) I’m an Aussie film fan b) It’s a crime film While Red Hill is a combination of two of my … Continue reading
Wallandar (2008)
Things are tough in Sweden…. The DVD Wallander features Kenneth Branagh as the middle-aged beleaguered detective Kurt Wallander. This release is a 2-DVD set–with two films on the first disc and a third film–One Step Behind on the second disc. The … Continue reading
Filed under British television, Crime
Blood and Wine (1996)
“The interesting thing about rich people is that they’re so cheap.” There are some films that burn images on our brains, and Blood and Wine from director Bob Rafelson is one of those films. There’s a scene in the … Continue reading
Filed under Crime
Finney (1994)
“The fact that your husband wants to become a christian isn’t in itself a sign of mental illness.” Finney is a 5-hour, 6-episode made-for-British television film that follows the struggle for power between various crime families in the North of … Continue reading
Filed under British, British television, Crime
Not For Or Against (2002)
“When you choose a path, you go all the way.” I’ve enjoyed a couple of films from director Cedric Klapisch–When the Cat’s Away and Un Air de Famille. Klapisch’s saccharine, fluff piece L’Auberge Espagnole, however, was a huge disappointment, so … Continue reading
The Elite Squad (2007)
Capitao Nascimento (Wagner Moura)–a veteran of the BPOE (Special Police Operation Battalion) narrates the violently, explosive Brazilian film The Elite Squad (Tropa de Elite). When the film begins, the Captain is under a lot of pressure, and he’s beginning to … Continue reading
Tight Spot (1955)
“Whenever I deal with something dirty, I always get a little soiled.” Tight Spot AKA Dead Pigeon is a little known but surprisingly good crime film, loaded with excellent performances, strong dialogue, and a very tight script. If you’re a … Continue reading
This Woman is Dangerous (1952)
“Never mind how much you’d give, how much would you take?” This Woman is Dangerous stars Joan Crawford as Beth Austin, member of the notorious Jackson Gang and girlfriend to brutal gangster Matt Jackson (David Brian). When the film begins, … Continue reading
Filed under Crime, Joan Crawford
