

Storyline: O Roshiya koku suimu tan 1992 This epic story starts out interesting, if rather gently paced, and gradually builds up to involving and terrific The scenery and cinematography range from grim to spectacular, and are always effective The Japanese actors do a sterling job, whilst the Russians are adequate though a cut above the typical one dimensional gaijin so often seen in Japanese film I, along with others in the audience, was captivated by and feeling for every one of their considerable number of hardships, knockbacks and their few triumphs The gritty determination of a continuously reducing number the sailors to return home, despite the passing of months leading to years, was a joy to behold I had the pleasure of being in the audience at the Japan Foundation to hear a talk about the author, Yasushi Inoue, before the screening of the film Inoue was passionately concerned with bridging the gap between Japan and foreign countries, and this passion is forcefully expressed throughout the movie with respect to relations between Japan and Russia Or rather, considering the story was set in the 1790s during the reign of Catherine The Great, the potential for relations This period was perhaps the darkest days of Japans period of self imposed isolation, and the feeling of opportunities lost looms large here This being a tale of sailors bearing hardships through a long journey inevitably draws comparison with Ulysses, as does the journey across Siberia to Doctor Zhivago, and the film comes up quite respectably in comparison In summary, this is an film epic in scale which also manages to show the humanity of the main characters as well, and equally well Recommended
The Flesh and the Fiends (1960)
In 1828 Scotland, Edinburgh surgeon Dr Knox does medical research on cadavers he buys from murderers Burke and Hare, without questioning the unethical procurement methods
Year One A Political Odyssey (2022)
It centers on President Joe Bidens first year in office
Wa wa fu ren (1972)
Under false pretenses, Zhenzhen marries Mr Lin, who happens to be her teacher
Home Before Midnight (1979)
A successful rock lyricist becomes romantically involved with a girl he picks up hitchhiking only to learn that she is only fourteen Her parents take action against him
Demon Warrior (1988)
A group of young friends go hunting during their holidays near a small town in Texas, where the father of one of them own a piece of land But the place has a legend Years ago the grandfather stole the land from the Indians and they
Last Men in Aleppo (2017)
After five years of war in Syria, Aleppos remaining residents prepare themselves for a siege Khalid, Subhi and Mahmoud, founding members of The White Helmets, have remained in the city to help their fellow citizens and experience daily life, death, struggle and triumph in a city under fire
One Night in Istanbul (2014)
A screen adaptation of the hit play about the exploits of a group of Liverpool Football Club fans at the UEFA Champions League 2005 final in Istanbul
Jumping Jacks (1952)
Nightclub comic Hap Smith assumes the identity of another soldier so he can tour army bases in a revue with his ex partner Chuck Allen
Wait with Me (2023)
When romance novelist Kate Smith suddenly gets writers block as shes beginning the final installment of her international bestselling steamy Bed n Breakfast series, shell do pretty much anything to get her groove back Like sn
Satanico Pandemonium (1975)
A young nun is tempted by visions of forbidden sexual fantasies to cross over to Satan
The Murder Party (1934)
A major newspaper publisher dies in suspicious circumstances during a parlour game at a dinner party The publishers secretary is the obvious suspect, but the Inspector isnt so sure
Royalteen (2022)
Follows prince Karl Johan and newcomer Lena, who have feelings for each other but are aware that their relationship might put them in an impossible situation, while he has to carry a nation on his shoulders, she carries lies on hers
The Seduction of Misty Mundae (2004)
An innocent teenage girl undergoes her sexual coming of age at the hands of her older, wiser Aunt Inga
The Witch (1966)
A historian goes to a castle library to translate some ancient erotic literature While there he discovers what he believes to be supernatural forces at work