“You could say that the descendants of old enemies came together to make this film – which is part of our message.” Hamish Downie, writer and producer of An American Piano. Paul Leeming and Hamish Downie, the director and writer/producer of An American Piano, both lived in Japan for several years (Hamish still does). Their… INTERVIEW: How to make An American Piano, set in Japan, by two Aussies – Hamish Downie & Paul Leeming Read More
An American Piano (Short Film) Short Film 4 stars
Music, like war, is a great leveller. During World War Two, Youko (Leon Masuda), a little girl living in Japan with plans to train to be a concert pianist, sits at her grand piano playing Chopin. Across the way, an Allied prisoner of war listens and catches her eye. Based on a true story, An… An American Piano (Short Film) Read More
Shoplifters 4.5 stars
According to Osamu shoplifting is morally acceptable as “whatever’s in a store doesn’t belong to anyone yet”. Though it turns out that this family takes the “not belonging to anyone” reasoning into other areas too – decisions which actually seem in some ways less morally dubious, when they find themselves taking home a little girl… Shoplifters Read More
Isle Of Dogs 4 stars
I’ll admit when I first heard about Isle Of Dogs I assumed it was actually set on the Isle of Dogs in London, perhaps starring those famous pooches from Eastenders, Willie, Roly and Wellard. In fact I was so consumed with what director Wes Anderson could possibly be up to on the Thames, I missed the… Isle Of Dogs Read More
The Third Murder 3.5 stars
This is a murder mystery with more twists than a 1960s dancefloor. It’s definitely gripping, and superbly acted, though I’ll not deny it is also frustrating; as we try to work out who in the movie is being played before the realisation hits that it could well be us. A man has been murdered on… The Third Murder Read More