ATHENA
Delivered with virtuosic action choreography, this film about the battle between overzealous cops and outraged residents of a council immigrant housing estate made for an explosive French urban thriller and political drama. (Netflix)
C'MON C'MON
The chemistry between Joaquin Phoenix's carefree uncle and the impressionable pre-teen nephew (a stunning Woody Norman) whom he's forced to babysit as they criss-cross the US made this one of the year's most genuinely heart-warming offerings.
(VOD) DAME VALERIE ADAMS: MORE THAN GOLD
The first feature documentary about a New Zealand sportswoman was an absorbing portrait of the shot-put great; one that showed just what it takes to be able to be the best at hurling a 4kg steel ball 20 or so metres; and one that showed why Adams devoted herself to being so good at it from childhood to motherhood. (Cinemas)
DECISION TO LEAVE
This Korean noir won Park Chan-wook the Best Director gong at Cannes before it won over audiences worldwide with its gripping, twisting mystery romance about an insomniac detective cop who falls for the widow he suspects might have killed her husband. (Cinemas)
DRIVE MY CAR
An adaptation of a Haruki Murakami short story, this unhurried Japanese film about the burgeoning friendship between a troubled theatre director and the young woman hired as his driver was surprisingly affecting and thought-provoking. A compelling meta-examination of how humans connect across the barriers of language, age and distrust. (VOD, Rialto Channel)
ELVIS
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 24 2022 - January 2 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 24 2022 - January 2 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?
