Cinema Cento

In 2013 I saw 50 films at the cinema, I was gutted that I hadn't made it to 52. I upped the ante in 2014 with exactly 100 films. There was a problem though, I couldn't remember them all. I have a note of the names, but couldn't necessarily remember what each film was about. Hence from 2015 Cinema Cento, more of an aide-mémoire than a blog. More a quick description of each film rather than a review.

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Tuner

Enjoyable film about a piano tuner who needs money and uses his hearing skills to crack safes for some unsavoury characters. Great central perfomance, even if the plot is a little contrived.

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Backrooms

Brilliant film from a young director that has its roots in a YouTube series. The owner of a failing furniture store discovers a seemingly infinite set of rooms connected to his basement, many containing mutated versions of everyday items.

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Normal

Starts off a bit wooden, but then you realise that none of this is really supposed to be realistic. Just a full on violent romp with lots of fighting and bullets. And my favourite needle-drop of the year so far. A temporary sheriff takes on a role in the frozen town of Normal, but doesn't realise that the Yakuza have some interests there.

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The Christophers

An art restorer is employed by the son and daughter of a once-renowned artist to surreptitiously discover and "complete" some lost masterpieces. Really enjoyed it.

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Primavera

In 18th century Venice, the charitable Ospedale della Pietà (an institute for abandoned/orphaned girls) takes on Vivaldi to teach music and lead their renowned orchestra and choir. This story follows a young woman as she grapples with lead violin and the prospect of an arranged marriage and having to give up music.

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Rebuilding

After a devastating fire destroys his ranch, a cowboy rebuilds his relationship with his daughter as he begins to start again. Really lovely film.

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Rose of Nevada

Mark Jenkin brings us another brilliant analogue film, a long-lost trawler mysteriously reappears at a desolate Cornish fishing harbour and must be crewed again. Loved it.

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Project Hail Mary

Fun thriller, in which a science school teacher finds himself 11.9 light years from earth on a bid to save humanity. And there is someone else there too. Enjoyable ride.

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No Ordinary Heist

Based on a true story, a bank manager and one of his employees are forced to rob their own bank as their loved-ones are held hostage.

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EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

Superb documentary, featuring lots of Vegas-era concert footage, rehearsal footage and voice-over from the man himself. Beautifully put together, you can see the magnetism of the King and begin to understand why he is so lauded.

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La Grazia

As a fictional president of the Republic (the head of state in Italy) enters the final six months of his term he must decide whether to sign a euthanasia bill and two pardons. Enjoyed the usual Sorrentino visuals and music, and Toni Servillo is, as ever, fabulous. Interesting film, I just thought some of the peripheral characters were a bit too simplistic.

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The Secret Agent

A stranger arrives in Recife, Brazil in 1977, a time of politcal turmoil in the country. Hiding from the corrupt authorities and a couple of assassins he navigates the chance to escape from the country with his young son. Excellent.

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If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

A mother juggles looking after her daughter (with a feeding disorder), her job as a therapist and a hole in her ceiling. Stressful, darkly comedic, really liked it.

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The Chronology of Water

A young woman obsesses with writing as she reflects on her youth and the father who abused her.

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No Other Choice

After a paper engineer loses his job, he takes things into his own hands to ensure he gets the next role.

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Saipan

Tells the story behind the infamous bust-up between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy ahead of the 2002 World Cup in Japan. Both leads are excellent.

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Joint Security Area (JSA) - (2000)

A Swiss/Swedish team investigate an incident that has taken place on the North/South Korean border - the JSA. Really enjoyed it.