Schrader’s terrific work here treads familiar thematic ground as his ‘Taxi Driver’, but make no mistake, this character study on guilt and salvation is stylistically a different animal.
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Light Sleeper (1992)
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Tag / USA
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Kingmaker, The (2019)
If politics can be beguiling, then this documentary about Imelda Marcos entertainingly captures the ups and downs of The Philippines’ larger sociopolitical history with aplomb.
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Temple of Doom, The (1984)
A fun, thrilling if sometimes disturbing ride, but it is not as substantial as ‘Raiders’ or ‘Crusade’.
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Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Arguably the most iconic and memorable action-adventure film ever made and a textbook example of how Hollywood filmmaking can go so right.
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Last Samurai, The (2003)
The best parts of this decent Hollywood-style samurai epic are the heart-to-heart conversations between Tom Cruise and Ken Watanabe, backed by a lush, emotional score by Hans Zimmer.
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Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
An astonishing sci-fi-drama that is also one of Spielberg’s very best, complete with awe-inspiring scenes and heartwarming embrace of humanity.
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Lolita (1962)
With incredible restraint and backed by all-round excellent performances, Kubrick’s exploration into a revolting form of sexual obsession is remarkable for its implicit portrayal of an erotic relationship between a (step)father and his daughter.
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Fear and Desire (1953)
Kubrick’s much-maligned first feature, while a sketchy exercise, is still (barely) watchable as it ruminates about war and existence, albeit in too self-important and vacuous a manner.
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Duel (1971)
A young Steven Spielberg tries to master the art of suspense filmmaking in this highly thrilling telemovie.
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Mystery Train (1989)
An essential early work of Jarmusch, this is a cinematic hymn to Memphis city’s rich musical history, filmed as a connecting triptych of oddball characters of various nationalities over the course of one day and night in this ‘ghost town’.
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Eternality Tan 