Ramin Bahrani's "The White Tiger" is an ambitious, darkly comic and gritty satire that sheds light on the oft-ignored class struggles of modern India. With his eighth feature, writer/director Ramin Bahrani has crafted a scathing indictment of the caste system in modern India. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to satirize the experiences of lower-caste drivers in India, but he pulls it off successfully. Using dazzling cinematography, Bahrani draws viewers into the world of a poverty-stricken chauffeur that dreams of becoming rich. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's cultural setting. Bahrani effectively employs a diverse color palette to draw a fine distinction between the lives of poor and upper-class individuals in India. It is hard to not praise the phenomenal performances from the cast. Adarsh Gourav delivers a star-making performance as Balram Halwai. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the ambitions, desperation and machiavellian streak of an impoverished servant that conspires to deceive his rich employers. The supporting cast, which includes the Bollywood legend Rajkumar Rao, is also spectacular and worthy of recognition. Although "The White Tiger" is undeniably an unforgettable class satire, ultimately it is not a flawless film. It is unevenly paced, and struggles to maintain momentum following an engrossing first hour. Moreover, it builds to an exaggerated conclusion that sugarcoats the harsh realities of poverty. Nevertheless, fans of the beloved book will definitely enjoy "The White Tiger" and so will movie-goers seeking enlightening entertainment. At a time when Indian impoverishment remains glamorized in Hollywood, its a stark reminder of the harsh realities that lower-caste servants continue to experience in one of the world's most underdeveloped countries.

Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Last Emperor" is an ambitious, lavish and sweeping historical epic that offers an insightful look at the eventful life of the Last Emperor of China. With his award-winning feature, Bertolucci crafted a gorgeous historical drama about the life of the legendary emperor of China. Using spellbinding cinematography, Bertolucci draws viewers into the world of an emperor that struggles with customs in the Forbidden City of Beijing. From intimate close-ups to extraordinary establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's Imperial setting. Bertolocci showcases immense control of craftsmanship over the production design, costumes and musical score, using these elements to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. John Lone delivers one of the finest performances of his career as the adult Puyi. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the angst, desperation and perseverance of a young man that struggles to assert authority as a majestic king. The supporting cast, which includes the legendary Peter O'Toole is also spectacular and worthy of recognition. Although "The Last Emperor" is undeniably a riveting historical drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. At nearly three hours, it is unevenly paced and suffers from an extended running-time. Moreover, its story can be hard to follow for viewers that are not well-versed in Chinese history. Nevertheless, fans of historical dramas will definitely enjoy "The Last Emperor" and so will movie-goers seeking enlightening entertainment. At a time when modern audiences have never heard of the last emperor of China, it's a stirring reminder that the stories of legendary Chinese sovereigns are worth retelling on the big-screen.

Lee Isaac Chung's "Minari" is an intimate, heartfelt and profound family drama that sheds light on the hardships of Asian-American immigration. With his fifth feature, writer/director Lee Isaac Chung draws on his own personal experiences as a first-generation immigrant to craft a compassionate portrait of a Korean-American family. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to humanize the experiences of Korean immigrants, but he pulls it off seamlessly. Using captivating cinematography Chung draws viewers into the world of a Korean family searching for the American dream in the 1980's. From intimate close-ups to extraordinary establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. Chung showcases extraordinary control of craftsmanship over the production design, locations and musical score. Chung's screenplay is also sensational, and effectively uses subtle symbolism to convey the growth of the family. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. Steven Yeun delivers one of the best performances of his career as Jacob Yi. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the ambition, frustrations and hopefulness of a father that struggles to balance his career with family obligations. Alan Kim is equally astonishing in the role of a precocious child that struggles to adjust to his new surroundings. Finally, it is hard to not mention Youn Yuh-jung. As the wise-cracking grandmother of the Yi family, she brings hilarious comical relief and persona to the movie. Fans of Korean Cinema will definitely enjoy "Minari" and so will movie-goers seeking meaningful entertainment. At a time when Asian-Americans are rarely represented in Hollywood, it's a stirring reminder that the stories of Korean-immigrant families that trascend cultures deserve to be seen and heard.

James Ivory's "Howard's End" is an intimate, heartfelt and exquisitely crafted period piece that offers a fascinating look at class relations in 20th Century Britain. With his sixteenth feature, legendary filmmaker James Ivory crafted an astonishing adaptation of E.M. Forster's classic book. Using spellbinding cinematography, Ivory draws viewers into the world of two sisters that experience class discrimination in the early 1900's. From intimate close-ups to extraordinary establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's Edwardian setting. As usual, Ivory showcases immense control over the production sets, costumes and musical score. Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses conversations to emphasize the differences between rich and poor families in 20th Century Britain. It is hard to not praise the astonishing performances from the cast. Emma Thompson delivers one of the best performances of her career as Margaret Schlegel. With mesmerizing expressions, she conveys the angst, infatuation and selfishness of an aristocratic woman that seeks love in the 20th Century. Helena Bonham Carter is equally excellent in the role of a feisty woman that demonstrates compassion for the impoverished. Finally, Anthony Hopkins imbues shades of humanity into a selfish aristocrat in one of his finest roles. Although "Howard's End" is undeniably an unforgettable period piece, ultimately it is not a flawless film. It is unevenly paced, and lacks the momentum of Merchant-Ivory's finest productions. Moreover, its Victorian language may be hard to follow for viewers that haven't read the book. Nevertheless, fans of the classic book will definitely enjoy "Howard's End" and so will movie-goers seeking old-fashioned entertainment. At a time when modern audiences have never heard of E.M. Forster, it's a stirring reminder that his timeless stories about British class tensions are worth retelling on the big-screen.

Emerald Fennell's "Promising Young Woman" is a bold, darkly comedic and utterly unpredictable revenge thriller that sheds light on the struggles faced by sexual abuse survivors. With her directorial debut, writer/director Emerald Fennell uses the female gaze to create an authentic portrait of a traumatized woman. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to humanize the lives of sexually abused women from a feminist perspective, but she pulls it off seamlessly. Using spellbinding cinematography, Fennell draws viewers into the world of a vengeful woman that is haunted by her traumatic past. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. For a first-time filmmaker, Fennell showcases extraordinary control of craftsmanship over the production design, editing techniques and musical score. Fennell's screenplay is also sensational, and effectively uses genre-mixing to subvert the expectations of viewers. It is hard to not praise the phenomenal performances from the cast. Carey Mulligan delivers her finest performance to date as Cassie Thomas. With alluring expressions, she conveys the grief, malice and resentments of a vengeful woman that seeks to murder the men culpable for her friend's rape. The supporting cast, which includes the scene-stealing Bo Burnham, is also sensational and worthy of recognition. Although "Promising Young Woman" is undeniably a riveting revenge thriller, ultimately it is not a flawless film. Fennell's decision to conclude the movie with the death of a central character is bold and innovative, but it doesn't entirely work. Nonetheless, fans of revenge thrillers will definitely enjoy "Promising Young Woman" and so will movie-goers seeking feminist entertainment. In an industry that has long adopted a toxic culture of silence, it's a stirring reminder that the stories of sexual abuse survivors deserve to be seen and heard.

Jonathan Demme's "Philadelphia" is an intimate, poignant and heartbreaking legal drama that sheds light on the struggles faced by AIDS victims in the 1980's. With his fifteenth feature, director Jonathan Demme tackled the sensitive subject of HIV/AIDS with compassion and empathy that was rare for the time. Using gorgeous cinematography, Demme draws viewers into the world of a homosexual lawyer that experiences discrimination in 1980's Philadelphia. From captivating close-ups to disorienting dutch angle shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. Demme displays immense control over the technical aspects, editing techniques and musical score, immersing viewers into the perspective of an AIDS victim. Ron Nyswaner's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses non-linear storytelling to create a compelling portrait of a homosexual AIDS victim. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. Tom Hanks delivers one of the best performances of his career as Andrew Beckett. With riveting expressions, he conveys the desperation, grief and righteous anger of an AIDS victim that is unfairly treated by the judicial system. Denzel Washington is equally excellent in the role of a homophobic attorney that is forced to confront his prejudiced views. In one of his finest roles, Washington imbues shades of humanity into an inherently dislikable character. Although "Philadelphia" is undeniably an unforgettable legal drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. If there's a minor drawback to the movie, it suffers from a formulaic conclusion. It's an overly sentimental finale that overwhelms viewers with its heavy-handed AIDS message. Nevertheless, fans of legal dramas will definitely enjoy "Philadelphia" and so will movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. In an industry often criticized for its insensitive depictions of homosexuals, it's a stirring reminder that the stories of AIDS patients deserve to be seen and heard.

Regina King's "One Night in Miami" is an intimate, profound and moving period piece that celebrates the legacy of four African-American icons. With her directorial debut, Regina King has crafted a towering tribute to the lives of four black historical figures. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to adapt a beloved stage play to the big-screen, but she pulls it off seamlessly. Using captivating cinematography, King draws viewers into the world of four influential black leaders in 1960's Miami. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's distinct setting. King showcases immense control over the technical aspects, storytelling and performers, a rare achievement for a first-time filmmaker. Kemp Powers' screenplay is also spectacular, and expertly translates complex monologues from stage to screen. It is hard to not marvel at the magnificent performances from the cast. Kingsley Ben-Adir delivers a star-making performance as Malcolm X. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the angst, dedication and righteous fury of the renowned human rights activist. Leslie Odom Jr. is equally excellent in the role of the renowned singer Sam Cooke. It's a role that allows the actor to exhibit his powerful voice as a Broadway stage star. The final, most notable standout in the cast is Eli Goree. He brings shades of humanity to distinct interpretation of boxer Muhammad Ali. Although "One Night in Miami" is undeniably an unforgettable stage adaptation, ultimately it is not a flawless film. It is unevenly paced, and tests the viewer's patience during its first half. Nevertheless, fans of the legendary icons will definitely enjoy "One Night in Miami" and so will movie-goers seeking enlightening entertainment. At a time when black lives matter more than ever, it's a towering tribute to four black icons that deserve to be celebrated today.

Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River" is an intimate, gripping and riveting crime drama that offers a fresh interpretation of Dennis Lehane's best-selling book. With his twenty-seventh feature, legendary director Clint Eastwood crafted an astonishing adaptation of Dennis Lehane's book that holds up today as a crime classic. Using spellbinding cinematography, Eastwood draws viewers into the lives of three friends whose lives are impacted by a family tragedy. From intimate close-ups to gorgeous establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. Eastwood showcases immense control over the story, performers and setting, proving to be an expert at building a tense mood and atmosphere. Brian Helgeland's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses clever non-linear storytelling to keep viewers absorbed in the murder mystery. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. Sean Penn delivers one of the best performances of his career as Jimmy Markum. With riveting expressions, he conveys the guilt, desperation and righteous anger of a tormented father that is determined to avenge his daughter's death. Tim Robbins is equally excellent in the role of a sexually abused victim that becomes an easy scapegoat for the murder. Robbins brings out the trauma of sexual abuse through emotional monologues. Finally, it is hard to not mention Kevin Bacon. As an obsessive detective, he brings his natural charisma to one of his finest roles. Although "Mystic River" is undeniably an unforgettable crime drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. If there's a minor drawback to the movie, it suffers from a disappointing ending. It's an ambiguous finale that leaves viewers frustrated with its lack of resolution. Nevertheless, fans of crime dramas will definitely enjoy "Mystic River" and so will movie-goers seeking taut entertainment. At a time when Clint Eastwood seems to have lost his spark as a filmmaker, it's a rousing reminder of his long forgotten talent for telling stories about traumatized men whose lives are shattered by tragedy.

Kornél Mundruczó's "Pieces of a Woman" is an intimate, heartbreaking and poignant childbirth drama that beautifully captures the grief of losing a child. With his English-language debut, director Kornél Mundruczó has crafted a realistic portrait of a woman grieving the loss of her newborn child. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to humanize the experiences of women that lose their children in labor, but he pulls it off seamlessly. Using captivating cinematography, Mundruczó draws viewers into the world of a sensitive woman that struggles to move past her traumatic loss. Mundruczó's decision to shoot the childbirth sequences in a continuous long take is risky, but it works tremendously. It lends a palpable sense of realism and authenticity to the film that is missing from most childbirth dramas. Kata Weber's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses clever symbolism to trace the grieving process of a woman. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. Vanessa Kirby delivers one of the best performances of her career as Martha Weiss. With mesmerizing expressions, she conveys the angst, loneliness and resentment of a woman that struggles to come to terms with the loss of her newborn child. The supporting cast, which includes the ferocious Shia LaBeouf is also excellent and worthy of recognition. Although "Pieces of a Woman" is undeniably an unforgettable family drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. It is unevenly paced, and struggles to maintain the viewer's interest following a stunning opening sequence. Moreover, it suffers from an ambiguous conclusion that leaves viewers with questions. Nevertheless, fans of art-house Cinema will definitely enjoy "Pieces of a Woman" and so will movie-goers seeking therapeutic entertainment. At a time when neonatal death is rarely depicted in films, it's a stirring reminder of the power of Cinema as a healing art form for sharing personal stories.

David Fincher's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is an ambitious, gripping and suspenseful thriller that offers a fresh interpretation of Stieg Larsson's beloved book. With his ninth feature, director David Fincher crafted a mesmerizing murder mystery that showcased his sick strengths as a filmmaker. Using captivating cinematography, Fincher draws viewers into the world of two dedicated detectives that investigate the mysterious murder of a wealthy family. From intimate close-ups to tense long shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's gothic setting. Fincher showcases immense control over craftsmanship, proving to be an expert at building a suspenseful mood and atmosphere. Steven Zaillian's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses clever narrative twists to keep viewers absorbed in the murder mystery. It is hard to not admire the astonishing performances from the cast. Rooney Mara delivers one of the best performances of her career as Lisabeth Salander. With mesmerizing expressions, she conveys the angst, loneliness and introverted persona of an eccentric computer hacker that struggles to fit in with societal norms. Daniel Craig is equally excellent in the role of an obsessive detective that is determined to solve a mystery. He imbues layers of humanity into what could have otherwise been a one-dimensional character. Although "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is undeniably a taut literary adaptation, ultimately it is not a flawless film. If there's a minor drawback to the movie, it suffers from a lengthy running-time. At nearly three hours, it tests the viewer's patience and may have benefitted from a tighter cut. Nevertheless, fans of the beloved book will definitely enjoy "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. At a time when American audiences have never been exposed to the Swedish book, it's a stirring reminder that stories of foreign female detectives are worth adapting to the big-screen.

Milos Forman's "Amadeus" is an ambitious, lavish and powerfully constructed biopic that offers a fascinating look at the life of classical composer Mozart. With his eighth feature, director Milos Forman crafted a clever biographical drama about a legendary composer that holds up today as a modern classic. Using gorgeous cinematography, Forman draws viewers into the world of a dedicated classical composer in the 18th Century. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's period setting. Forman showcases immense control over the production sets, costumes and music concert sequences, paying heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Mozart. Peter Shaffer's original screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses a clever framing device to tell the story of the composer from the tainted perspective of his rival. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. F. Murray Abraham delivers one of the best performances of his career as Antonio Salieri. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the cunning, jealousy and resentment of a competitive composer that envies the success of his long-standing rival. Tom Hulce is equally excellent in the iconic role of the classical composer. With his infectious laughter, Hulce brings out the passion, joy and larger-than-life persona of the iconic musician. Although "Amadeus" is undeniably an astonishing biographical drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. At nearly three hours, it suffers from a lengthy running-time that occasionally tests the viewer's patience. While the film's length is almost justified by its epic scope, it does affect the pacing and cause the film to lose momentum towards the end. Nevertheless, fans of the classical musician will definitely appreciate "Amadeus" and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. At a time when modern audiences seem to have forgotten Mozart, it's a rousing reminder that the centuries-old stories of controversial classical composers are worth retelling on the big-screen.

Robert Zemeckis' "Cast Away" is an intense, profound and heartwarming survival drama that showcases Tom Hanks at his absolute best. With his twelfth feature, director Robert Zemeckis crafted a powerful drama about a FedEx employee that struggles to survive on a South Pacific island. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to humanize the lives of stranded plane-crash victims, but he pulled it off seamlessly. Using spellbinding cinematography, Zemeckis draws viewers into the world of a resourceful FedEx employee stranded on an isolated island. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. Zemeckis showcases immense technical control over the sound design, locations and visual effects, immersing viewers into the desolate setting. William Broyles Jr.'s screenplay is also sensational, and effectively uses minimal dialogue to convey the isolation faced by the main character. It is hard to not praise the phenomenal performances from the cast. Tom Hanks delivers one of the finest performances of his career as Chuck Noland. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the angst, desperation and resourcefulness of a man that is forced to use his instincts to survive on a stranded island. Although "Cast Away" is undeniably an unforgettable survival drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. At nearly two and a half hours, it suffers from a lengthy running-time that tests the viewer's patience. Nevertheless, fans of survival dramas will definitely enjoy "Cast Away" and so will movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. As someone fortunate enough to have never been stranded on an island, it made me cherish my life and feel grateful for things that I too often take for granted.

David Lean's "A Passage to India" is an ambitious, heartfelt and sweeping historical drama that offers an informative look at the period of the British Raj. With his final feature, legendary filmmaker David Lean crafted an astonishing adaptation of E.M. Forster's beloved book that holds up today as a modern classic. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to dramatize the lives of British colonials in pre-partition India, but he pulls it off seamlessly. Using gorgeous cinematography, Lean draws viewers into the world of an elite British family in 1920s India. From captivating close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's post-colonial setting. The production sets, costumes and musical score are all carefully chosen, combining to create an unforgettable cinematic experience. It is hard to not admire the astonishing performances from the cast. Victor Banerjee is an exceptional standout as Dr. Aziz Ahmed. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the naivety, curiosity and disillusionment of an Indian tour-guide that is wrongfully accused of rape by foreigners. The supporting cast, which includes the unrecognizable Alec Guinness, is also excellent and worthy of recognition. Although "A Passage to India" is undeniably unforgettable, ultimately it is not a flawless film. At nearly three hours, it suffers from an exhausting running-time that often tests the viewer's patience. Nevertheless, fans of David Lean's epics will definitely enjoy "A Passage to India" and so will movie-goers seeking enlightening entertainment. At a time when modern audiences remain uneducated on Colonial India, it's a stirring reminder that the little-known stories of evolving relationships between the Indians and British are worth retelling on the big-screen.

Sam Mendes' "American Beauty" is an intimate, heartfelt and deeply thought-provoking drama about the unseen beauty of American suburban life. With his directorial debut, director Sam Mendes crafted an unforgettable drama about a dysfunctional family in the midst of a mid-life crisis. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to humanize the lives of suburban American families, but he pulls it off seamlessly. Using captivating cinematography, Mendes draws viewers into the world of a middle-aged man that is stuck in a mid-life crisis. For a first-time filmmaker, Mendes shows exceptional control over the storytelling, technical aspects and performances. Alan Ball's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses clever voice-over narration to put viewers into the mindset of an unhappily married father. It is hard to not admire the astonishing performances from the cast. Kevin Spacey delivers one of the best performances of his career as Lester Burnham. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the droll humor, loneliness and sexual frustrations of a middle-aged man that struggles to mend his broken family. The supporting cast, which includes the scene-stealing Annette Benning, is also excellent and worthy of recognition. Although "American Beauty" remains a powerful drama, ultimately it is not a flawless film. If there's a minor drawback to the movie, it often struggles to find a consistent tone. The film switches back and forth between moments of satirical humor and darkness, never quite achieving a balanced tone. Nevertheless, fans of family dramas will definitely enjoy "American Beauty" and so will movie-goers seeking evocative entertainment. At a time when Kevin Spacey remains a controversial public figure in Hollywood, it's a beautiful reminder that an actors' filmography is worth separating from his tarnished public reputation.

Darius Marder's "Sound of Metal" is an intimate, gripping and heartbreaking disability drama that sheds light on the experiences of marginalized deaf communities. With his directorial debut, writer/director Darius Marder has crafted an authentic account of a heavy-metal drummer that rapidly loses his hearing. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to humanize the lives of deaf musicians, but he pulls it off seamlessly. Using captivating cinematography, Marder draws viewers into the world of a musician that struggles to cope with hearing loss. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. Marder uses impeccable sound design to recreate the experience of hearing loss, effectively shifting between deaf and normal audio. It is hard to not praise the powerful performances from the cast. Riz Ahmed delivers his finest performance to date as Ruben Stone. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the frustrations, disillusionment and self-denial of a heavy-metal drummer that struggles to come to terms with his loss of senses. The supporting cast, which includes the heartfelt Paul Raci, is also excellent and worthy of awards-recognition. Although "Sound of Metal" is undeniably an immense technical achievement, ultimately it is not a flawless film. If there's a minor drawback to the movie, it suffers from a slow pace that tests the viewer's patience. Moreover, its sensitive themes may not appeal towards everyone. Nevertheless, fans of disability dramas will definitely enjoy "Sound of Metal" and so will movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. At a time when deaf communities are rarely represented in films, it's a stirring reminder of the power of Cinema as an auditory art-form for telling disability stories.

Anthony Minghella's "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is a clever, suspenseful and unsettling psychological thriller that offers a fresh interpretation of Patricia Highsmith's novel. With his fifth feature, writer/director Anthony Minghella crafted a tense psychological thriller in the vein of classic Alfred Hitchcock. Using captivating cinematography, Minghella draws viewers into the world of a cunning con-artist that assumes fake identities. From intense close-ups to lavish establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's suspenseful setting. The sets, costumes and musical score are all carefully chosen, combining to create an immersive cinematic experience. Minghella's screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses voice-over narration to place viewers into Tom Ripley's sociopathic mindset. It is hard to not marvel at the astonishing performances from the cast. Matt Damon delivers one of the best performances of his career as Tom Ripley. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the charm, cunning and remorseless persona of a clever con-artist that pretends to be someone he isn't. The supporting cast, which includes the scene-stealing Jude Law, is also excellent and worthy of awards-recognition. Although "The Talented Mr. Ripley" is undeniably unforgettable, ultimately it is not a flawless film. At over two hours, it suffers from a lengthy running-time that tests the viewer's patience. Moreover, it builds to an ambiguous conclusion that leaves viewers with questions. Nevertheless, fans of psychological thrillers will definitely enjoy "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and so will movie-goers seeking taut entertainment. At a time when sociopaths are rarely seen in films, it's a cautionary reminder of dangers posed when con-artists use their talents to steal identities.

John Madden's "Shakespeare in Love" is a charming, delightful and witty period piece that celebrates the legacy of legendary writer William Shakespeare. With his fourth feature, director John Madden crafted a whimsical period piece that payed homage to the works of the Bard. Using captivating cinematography, Madden draws viewers into the world of the famous playwright in the 16th Century. From intimate close-ups to stunning establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's theatrical setting. The production sets, period costumes and musical score are all carefully chosen, immersing viewers into the olden time-period. It is hard to not admire the astonishing performances from the cast. Gwyneth Paltrow delivers one of the best performances of her career as Viola de Lesseps. With mesmerizing expressions, she conveys the hopes, dreams and aspirations of a woman that falls in love with Shakespeare. Joseph Fiennes is equally remarkable in the role of the famous playwright. He brings an irresistible mixture of charisma and egotistical pride to the legendary poet. Although "Shakespeare in Love" is undeniably unforgettable, ultimately it is not a flawless film. Its love-story is highly formulaic, and follows the conventions of the genre. Moreover, it builds to a melodramatic conclusion that lacks a sense of subtlety. Nevertheless, fans of the Bard will definitely enjoy "Shakespeare in Love" and so will movie-goers seeking old-fashioned entertainment. Although the film isn't quite on par with other Best-Picture winners, it is still well worth a watch. At a time when modern audiences seem to have forgotten William Shakespeare, it's a stirring tribute to the legendary poet whose timeless works deserve to be celebrated today.

David Fincher's "Mank" is an ambitious, informative and sweeping period piece that offers a fascinating look at the making of a classic. With his eleventh feature, director David Fincher has crafted a glorious homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. It's the filmmaker's first attempt to recreate a long forgotten era of film history, but he pulls it off seamlessly. Using captivating black-and-white cinematography, Fincher draws viewers into the world of an alcoholic screenwriter in 1930s Hollywood. From intimate close-ups to dazzling deep-focus shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. The production sets, costumes and musical score are all carefully chosen, combining to evoke the feel of 1930s films. It is hard to not admire the astonishing performances from the cast. Gary Oldman delivers one of the best performances of his career as Herman Mankiewicz. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the ambition, narcissism and self-destructive persona of a booze-addled screenwriter in 1930s Hollywood. The supporting cast, which includes the scene-stealing Amanda Seyfried, is also excellent and worthy of recognition. Although "Mank" is undeniably an unforgettable period piece, ultimately it is not a flawless film. It is unevenly paced, and features sudden time jumps that may leave viewers confused. Moreover, it requires viewers to be familiar with "Citizen Kane" to fully enjoy it. Nevertheless, fans of "Citizen Kane" will definitely enjoy "Mank" and so will movie-goers seeking old-fashioned entertainment. At a time when modern audiences have never heard of "Citizen Kane", it's a glorious reminder of the magic of old Hollywood movies.

Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" is an ambitious, poignant and sweeping drama that remains one of the greatest movies ever made. With his directorial debut, Welles crafted a masterful biopic about a newspaper magnate that has stood the test of time as a classic. Welles utilized groundbreaking cinematic techniques that were considered ahead of their time. Using captivating cinematography, Welles draws viewers into the world of a selfish business tycoon. From intimate close-ups to evocative establishing shots, the cinematography keeps viewers immersed in the film's setting. The sets, costumes and musical score are all carefully chosen, combining to create an immersive cinematic experience. Welles' screenplay is also sensational, and expertly uses non-linear storytelling to keep viewers absorbed in the mystery surrounding Kane's death. It is hard to not admire the iconic performances from the cast. Orson Welles delivers one of the best performances of his career Charles Foster Kane. With mesmerizing expressions, he conveys the ambition, torment and selfish persona of the titular business tycoon. The supporting cast, which includes the scene-stealing Joseph Cotten, is also excellent and worthy of recognition. When discussing "Citizen Kane", it is hard to not mention the musical score. Bernard Hermann's classical score is highly effective. It builds palpable tension and suspense. With the exception of its outdated ten-minute expository opening sequence, "Citizen Kane" remains a timeless classic nearly 80 years after its release. A must-see for movie-lovers, it set the stage for influential cinematic techniques that continue to be used in the film industry today. Put simply, it is one of those certified classics that no movie-buff should miss.