Kings and Queen [Arnaud Desplechin, 2004]

Almost two and a half long, but engrossing throughout. The credits
roll and you just want to ask the projectionist to start again from
the beginning. There are so many layers to peel back and discover,
deceptions and misunderstandings to negotiate, and complex
characterisations to comprehend: the audience are never allowed to
remain passive in this film. Emmanuelle Devos gives an outstanding
performance in portraying a very difficult character, as does Mathieu
Amalric.

Intelligent, witty, and at times, savagely bitter.

Thirst [Tawfik Abu Wael, 2004]

There is a tense, claustrophobia to the family at the centre of this
film, which is set in a bleak landscape imbued with a mythic quality
by the stunning cinematography. The tyrannical patriarch of this
society in miniature is played to perfection by Hussein Yassin
Mahajne, who is unbelievably a non-professional (as are all but one
of the whole cast). The director has somehow managed to coax some
enormously subtle characterisations from these actors.

This is a film which relishes silence and encourages ambiguity; it is
rich and poetic, a moving and troubling account of the need for, and
fear of, leadership and even tyrany.

Nightwatch [Timur Bekmambetov, 2004] – UK Premiere

Tarantino apparently describes this as `am epic of extraordinary
power'. Well, I wouldn't put it that strongly, but it was an
enjoyable enough film. You certainly get value for your money in
terms of effects per second of film: if someone makes a cup of tea it
is rendered in biblical proportions. This is cinema of excess – very
enjoyable, but after the glucose rush, its – well – a bit of an empty
feeling.