A storyline that absorbs, ,cinematography that awes, and pacing that steadies the whole enterprise; "Ghost Writer" is an engrossing, suspenseful film that is crafted as well, if not better than, any other contemporary thriller. Recommended.

"The 400 Blows": A film which adeptly captures the unique beauty and romanticism of adolescence; one, however, that does not impart enough depth to its subject and characters to be considered a great film.

There is unspeakable beauty found in many of Mr. Kalatozov's scenes, none however more worthy of remark than those focused in upon the eyes of Ms. Tatyana Samojlova. Her performance represents the film as a whole; having austerity without coldness. Highly Recommended.

Harakiri is a thoroughly engrossing film that addresses the true nature of Honor. Kobayashi is more than an adept director, effortlessly gliding the camera through the beautiful buildings and landscapes of Japan, and somehow always settling it in the ideal positions. The story is consistently dynamic and involving, while the acting rarely disappoints. Highly recommended.

"The Virgin Spring" is both an intellectually rich and visually brilliant film. Ingmar Bergman once again focuses his direction upon the unfortunate inevitability of Idealism and Innocence being sullied by the realities of the world. And here Bergman presents an interesting resulting approach to a world that has been corrupted; one of Stoic acceptance and Optimistic hopefulness in an eventual purification.

Heat and Dust attempts to tell three separate tales occurring at three disparate times and places, in hopes of tying them together in an organic and fruitful way before the conclusion of the film. It is enough to say that in this all-important attempt it fails miserably.

Hollow acting from lead lady Jennifer kendal, aimless direction from Sir James Ivory, and an empty storyline from Ms. Jhabvala are only partially redeemed by inspired cinematography from Mr. Mitra and a great soundtrack scored by Mr. Jalkishan. Bombay Talkie seems to be a very underdeveloped film and the quality pales in comparison to Ivory's previous Indian offering "Shakespeare Wallah".

Shakespeare Wallah: Confronting the essential choice between a life spent in pursuit of Beauty and Truth, and a life content consumed in domestic comforts. Beautifully directed by Sir James Ivory (each shot is elegantly framed), well-acted (supporting cast does particularly well), sonically excellent (composed by the great Satyajit Ray) and written without any hint of superfluity; a very good film.

The central motif of the movie is an interesting one; involving how a past moral obligation ignored can subtly and irreparably alter the course of one's life. And for that we can thank E..M Forster. However the characters are underdeveloped, the script is average, and the cinematography is mostly weak (excepting the scenes of the poet in the field of flowers). And for that we can thank Mr. James Ivory.