To be honest, I am not all that familiar with the works of director Krzysztof Kieślowski until recently and had the pleasure of watching his masterpieces Three Colors Blue, Three Colors White and Three Colors Red which are all part of his Three Colours Trilogy. These are all French classics, although these are all co-productions…
French Noir Collection Blu-ray review
For those that like French films and Noirs, Kino Lorber has assembled a trio of French Noir films for a Blu-ray release, called the French Noir Collection, which houses Speaking of Murder, Back to the Wall and Witness in the City. This is their first French Noir set offering on Blu-ray from Kino as far…
Monsieur Hire Blu-ray review
People that live quiet lives alone and generally keep to themselves might related to Patrice Leconte’s Monsieur Hire. This picture looks at a man who is a loner but finds love through a window. This is the tragic story of Hire (Michel Blanc, Strike It Rich, The Odd Job) a middle-aged man who lives alone…
He Who Must Die Blu-ray review
He Who Must Die (French: Celui qui doit mourir) is a 1957 French-Italian film directed by Jules Dassin. It is based on the novel Christ Recrucified by Nikos Kazantzakis. It was also published as The Greek Passion. Taking place in a Turkish-occupied Greek village shortly after World War I, villagers want to stage a Passion…
The Cop (Un Conde) Blu-ray review
The Cop (Un Conde) is a French- Italian crime film from 1970 directed by Yves Boisset. This film is known for some scenes of both extreme violence and themes of police corruption that had to be cut or re-shot for the film to be released in France. The violent story is about a various crime…
The Last of Sheila Blu-ray review
The Last of Sheila is a murder mystery from 1973 and is a neo noir film. Herbert Ross both produced and directed the film, with a spectacular cast that includes several screen legends and veterans including Richard Benjamin, Dyan Cannon, James Coburn, Joan Hackett, James Mason, Ian McShane, and Raquel Welch. Sheila Green (Yvonne Romain,…
Nana Blu-ray review (Kino Lorber)
After his directorial debut of Whirlpool of Fate, legendary director Jean Renoir came back with his second offering, Nana from 1926. Nana stars the director’s wife Catherine Hessling as the title character, and is the story an actress without tact or morals. Nana is arrogant, vain, and admired by men because she’s so beautiful! She…
Rififi in Paris Blu-ray review
Rififi In Paris aka The Upper Hand is a story about an experienced gold-smuggler Paul Berger “Paulo” (Jean Gabin, Moontide, The Sicilian Clan) and his partner Walter (Gert Frobe, Goldfinger) is at war with other gangsters who would like to be part of the gold-smuggling operation including a gang from America, led by Charles Binnaggio…
Madame Claude – The French Woman Blu-ray review
The 1977 film, Madame Claude aka The French Woman is a French erotic crime drama that was based on a true story of French brothel madam, Madame Claude. This picture takes a closer look at the life of Madame Claude. Take that anyway you wish. Parisian Madame Claude (iconic film actress Francoise Fabian, How to…
Panther Squad (Full Moon) Blu-ray Review
The “evil” environmentalist terrorist group C.L.E.A.N Space has come out with a brilliant plan. Since the Earth is doomed to be destroyed from pollution, they have collectively decided to rescue space from the same fate. To show the world they mean business they kidnap a space shuttle and threaten to destroy any object that leaves…