September 9, 1989

City Of Sadness (1989) ***

La Réception (1989) ***

A Canadian adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians". Very low-budget, but ingenious.

Drugstore Cowboy (1989) ***

Black Rain (1989) ***

Superlative human drama about survivors of Hiroshima. Great portrait of Japanese customs and moral principles.

The Abyss (1989) ***

Crimes And Misdemeanors (1989) ***

A humorous tale about jealousy and success is contrasted with a serious story about obsession and murder. Excellent Woody Allen's film, skilfully combining his witty dialogue comedies (like "Annie Hall") with his grim, introspective dramas (like "September").

84 Charlie MoPic (1989) ***

Vietnam War seen through the lenses of a reporter's camera.

Great Balls Of Fire (1989) ***

This musical biography of rock 'n' roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis (played by Dennis Quaid) focuses on his controversial marriage to his 13-year old cousin, Myra (Winona Ryder). Songs include:

"Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" ***
"Great Balls Of Fire" ***
"High School Confidential" **
"Breathless" **
"Real Wild Child (Wild One)" **

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989) ***

Good special effects and some clowning from Rick Moranis just about save this otherwise average science-fiction/comedy/adventure.

Sea Of Love (1989) ***

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) ***

Enemies: A Love Story (1989) ***

Born On The Fourth Of July (1989) ***

Mystery Train (1989) ***

Ashik Kerib (1989) ***


Tango & Cash (1989) ***


In The Line Of Duty 4 (1989) ***

A fine crime flick starring Cynthia Khan and Donnie Yen. The film is surprisingly anti-American - the villains are CIA agents who deal drugs in order to finance the Contras. Aka "Witness".

I Want To Go Home (1989) ***

An American cartoonist tries to find his daughter while attending an art exhibition in Paris. Screamingly funny comedy written by Jules Feiffer and directed by Alain Resnais. It's a sincere tribute to the American cartoon artists. One should absolutely avoid a horrendously dubbed French version, which doesn't make any sense, since the crucial point of the film relates to the American cartoonist's inability and unwillingness to communicate in French.

Licence To Kill (1989) ***

An unusually serious James Bond flick with Timothy Dalton seeking revenge. Dark and violent.

My Left Foot (1989) ***

Film biography of Christy Brown, the famous Irish poet and painter, who suffered from celebral palsy that crippled his arms and right leg.

Pedicab Driver (1989) ***

A chop socky film from Hong Kong; one of the best of its kind.

Roger & Me (1989) ***

Powerful documentary about the economic disaster in Flint, Michigan, where GM closed a large plant in the mid-1980's. Director Michael Moore unsuccessfully tries to meet the company's president Roger Smith. Often hilarious, always sarcastic, the film is a devastating condemnation of the corporate greed.

Sex, Lies And Videotape (1989) ***

An interesting film about complex relationships between family members and friends. Winner of the Palme d'or in Cannes.

The Unbelievable Truth (1989) ***

Hal Hartley's feature film debut.

Dead Poets Society (1989) ***

Memorable film about a poetry teacher (Robin Williams) and his students, set in a Vermont private school in the late 1950's.

Earth Girls Are Easy (1989) ***

A Better Tomorrow III (1989) ***

Set in Saigon in 1974 and 1975 (with a brief intermission in Hong Kong), it's a prequel to the first two films. Directed by Tsui Hark, who puts more emphasis on characters than on action.