Why do you want to live? “The Red Shoes” (1948)

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directed by Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger
© 1948 General Film Distributors. All Rights Reserved.

Would you sacrifice everything for your biggest passion? If you had to choose between the love of your life and creating art that will be adored by the whole world, what would you choose? And the last question – would you cut your own feet if they wouldn’t stop dancing? If you think these questions are difficult or ridiculous, let me introduce you to this production that may surprise you even more. A young and talented woman named Vicky (Moira Shearer) wishes to be noticed by Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook), the owner of the prestigious Ballet Lermontov. At first, the man isn’t much interested, but after seeing Vicky on stage, he decides to hire her. While spreading the wings in a professional theatre, the woman starts having feelings for Julian (Marius Goring), their répétiteur (ballet coach). Boris notices the lovebirds and finds their relation quite disturbing. According to him, Vicky should be focused only on her career, ballet and, most importantly, art. The woman has to make an important decision – love or passion? The film is based on the fairytale by H. Ch. Andersen, yet the actual tale is presented only during a 17-minute sequence, in which dancers perform a ballet telling the story. The film screenplay, however, differs quite a lot, yet the common element are the red shoes. In the fairytale, the girl has to have her feet cut, because the shoes won’t stop dancing. So… yeah, what a cute bedtime story, right? Here, the main focus is on the dilemma of the protagonist, but also on promoting ballet as a significant kind of art. Indeed, the dancing scenes are maginificent, and the famous 17-minute sequence is also beautifully edited. Sometimes you may even forget that the film was made in 1948 and feel like you were in an actual theatre. Perhaps the love vs. art issue didn’t engage me that much, but visually it’s a spectacular production. So, next time you think of wearing red shoes, better think twice. You may lose the love of your life… or your feet.

My rating: 7/10
S.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done? “The Drama” (2026)

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directed by Kristoffer Borgli
© 2026 A24. All Rights Reserved.

Perhaps rushing with marriage isn’t such a bad idea. You don’t have much time to really get to know the other person and then, when it’s done, you prefer to keep the ring on instead of paying for divorce. Being romantic is my superpower, I know. Today’s film points out two important issues that we don’t talk much about, so I’m positively surprised after watching it. Emma and Charlie (Zendaya & Robert Pattinson) are cute love birds that after a two-year relationship are about get married in few days. They seem to be a great match, but one evening changes everything. The couple share a drink with friends and at some point each person reveals something horrible they’ve done in life. When Emma tells her secret, everyone finds it incredibly disturbing. Charlie begins his inner battle, because he seems not to trust his fiancée anymore. Even though he’s spent two amazing years and fallen in love with his other half, suddenly it seems as if he was about to marry a stranger. A stranger with a dark past. This film isn’t just a romantic drama where lovers have an argument. To me this story shows two significant things. First, it reminds us that we’re no angels and if you believe your partner is purely good – then you’re either naive or have been dating for a week. We have all done something shameful and it’s actually worth sharing with our beloved one. This way you bond on a different level, because you open up showing your true and raw self. I hope being truthful and genuine will become a new couple trend. Gen-Z or Alpha babies – that’s your job. Second, the film also made me think how unprepared our society is for struggling people. What I mean is that if you share for example your mental problems with your friends, colleagues or even a neighbour, you might get judged and/or pushed away. And if you keep that to yourself, everything’s fine, you’re still in the “social club”, you go to parties, share drinks with besties and just one day the ambulance becomes your personal taxi to a psychiatric ward. But then, if you tell them about your struggles, they may leave you alone and it may intensify your symptoms. So, what’s the right thing to do? I can’t tell you, but I make sure to stay honest and talk about my struggles in order to accustom people to reality that they often run away from. Highly recommended.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I’m going to be killed tonight. “The Calendar Killer” (“Sebastian Fitzeks Der Heimweg”, 2024)

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directed by Adolfo J. Kolmerer
© 2024 Amazon Prime Video. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re a murderer, at least keep your schedule and stay in touch with your potential victims. Let’s respect each other’s time, shall we? The Calendar Killer is a perfect example – he tells you the exact time you will say goodbye to this world and makes sure not to be late. One day, Klara (Luise Heyer) is contacted by the murderer and has to decide – either she kills her husband, or she gets killed. The woman is terrified and she calls a helpline. The person who answers her call is Jules (Sabin Tambrea), volunteeringly working at a night helpline for women. Klara tells him she’s going to be killed, which sounds strange, but Jules takes her words very seriously. He begins a difficult battle to save the woman, but there’s not much you can do on the phone and without any specific information. A lot of reviews say this thriller is boring, but I actually find it quite exciting. If you like to know everything from the beginning, then I guess you may feel disappointed. We’re equally confused as most characters there, getting random puzzles and not being able to put them together. Personally, I enjoy such stories, because I can play a detective and solve the case myself before I see it on the screen. However, it’s been proven that movie fans feel more satisfied when they know everything in a thriller/horror. For example, imagine a classic slasher – there’s a crazy guy casing some teenagers. The whole group is lost and they have no idea what may happen next, but you, as a viewer, know that the killer is actually one of them or something like that. This way, the filmmakers make us feel more powerful than the characters, which apparently gives pleasure. We like power, don’t we, huh? Well, in this film, we need to exercise our brain and perhaps get surprised at the end. It was based on the book of the same title and some say the book was much better, but since I haven’t read it, I can just say – the film isn’t bad either.

My rating: 7/10
S.

You ever feel like your luck’s running out? “Gridlock’d” (1997)

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directed by Vondie Curtis-Hall
© 1997 Gramercy Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

The world is struggling with drug addiction, but you know what’s an even bigger problem? Bureaucracy. I’m sure we all love dealing with lots of papers that could have been one e-mail, but still we need to spend several afternoons on printing, filling in, standing in queues and answering questions we don’t understand. Not sure how about you, but I’m a big fan… Anyway, I didn’t mention the addiction issue without any purpose. In today’s film, the world of sniffing mixes with office vibes. We get to know three friends, Spoon (Tupac Shakur), Stretch (Tim Roth) and Cookie (Thandie Newton), who also create a band. Except making art, they share another “hobby”. One day, Cookie overdoses and ends up in hospital, in a serious condition. Terrified by this situation, her two friends start thinking of getting clean and not using drugs ever again. Well, that seems like a big deal, considering the kind of life they’re living. However, they really want to try and begin their rehabilitation. Unfortunately, even if you’re willing to get help, the system doesn’t treat you seriously. You need to get lots of papers, go to several meetings and… wait. You know what happens with an addict who waits? Yeah, not the best idea. This film is considered a comedy, yet I see it more like a life drama. It tries to make us smile, but deep inside it made me feel uncomfortable. People do weird things and it’s their responsibility, but I believe everyone should have a chance to ask for help and actually receive it. No surprise there are so many addicts if the system is not adapted to them. Such people need an immediate support. Because in an hour or two they may be lying somewhere, half-conscious, with a needle in their body. I enjoyed this film because Shakur and Roth make a great acting duet, but the main topic is disturbing. I hope that things will change and perhaps thanks to this story some people won’t even try going the “white path”. Stay safe!

My rating: 7/10
S.

I can’t, I’m a man. “Ladies First” (2026)

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directed by Thea Sharrock
© 2026 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

A comedy that made many men upset. Oh no, too bad I liked it and I’m going to recommend it now. We’re living in a patriarcal world, adapted to men’s needs and favouring them on many level. Imagine if the things were the exact opposite…? We get to know Damien (Sacha Baron Cohen), who’s an important guy in a fancy advertising agency. He always makes sure to disrespect women and show them how little they mean. Chauvinistic asshole, in other words. The CEO of the agency is about to retire and Damien seems to be the perfect candidate for that position. However, he needs to find his own replacement, and since he’s been recently accussed of not including enough women, he just chooses a random female employee and promotes her. Alex (Rosamund Pike) has been working many years here, so she believes the promotion is her personal achievement. Soon, she discovers how little her opinion means to Damien, they have an argument and Alex quits the job. While trying to humiliate her even more, Damien passes out and wakes up in a totally different reality. It’s matriarchy time! Now men are considered weak and incompetent, while women run the world. Damien returns to the office to see Alex being the CEO. For a chauvinist like him it’s a true nightmare. He has to find a way to change all of that, but in the meantime, he has to survive. The idea for this comedy is perfect and I can tell that it hit numerous men. Yes, dear male humans, this is what it’s like to be a woman in this world. To be silenced, omitted, ignored and disrespected. Men decide on everything, even on women-only cases. A man should tell me what to do with my body? A man should tell me when to have children (or at all)? A man should tell me to sit quietly and behave? Hell no, buddy. If you believe that women wouldn’t be able to do exactly what men do now, let me tell you – they wouldn’t. They would do it better, especially if no man could butt in. Anyway, except showing the sad reality of women, this comedy can also cheer you up and make you laugh a lot, so make sure to give it a try. And ignore lame ratings from insecure men.

My rating: 7/10
S.

The more suicidal people there are, the less suicidal people there are. “The Friend” (2024)

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directed by Scott McGehee & David Siegel
© 2024 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

There’s a dog. That should be enough to make you watch the film. No? Ugh, someone’s being picky. Alright, I’ll try to handle that. We get to know Iris (Naomi Watts), a writer who also works at a university. She learns about the death of her friend and mentor, Walter (Bill Murray). The man has committed suicide, leaving everyone speechless. Iris is deeply moved by his passing, but soon her life is about to change in a way she would never imagine. Walter had a dog. Not a puppy, not a little fluffy buddy, but a DOG. Apollo is a Great Dane and you know who gets to take care of him now? Yes, the heart-broken, single writer Iris, who definitely doesn’t need such responsibility in her life now. Or does she? At first, the woman sees that Apollo misses Walter and struggles to get used to the new situation. While she’s trying her best to help him, Iris realises that she’s also in a horrible grief. Turns out that the big doggo that steals her bed and causes unexpected problems might be the only way to move on. It’s one of those stories that feel like a warm scarf made by your granny. It’s still freezing outside, but the scarf keeps you warm and comfy. Perhaps I’m not being objective here, because I find dogs to be the absolute best friends to humans (and other creatures), but this film might be of great support if you’ve just lost someone important. It reminds us to stop being the firefighter that always saves others. We really need to stop for a moment and clean our own wounds before jumping into somebody else’s fire. Also, admitting that we’re not doing well is a sign of the biggest strength in the world. And if you want to make a step and admit it, perhaps a dog would be the greatest companion in the process. I hope you will feel comfy after watching this film.

My rating: 6/10
S.

You have something I’ve never had. “Deaf” (“Sorda”, 2025)

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directed by Eva Libertad
© 2025 A Contracorriente Films. All Rights Reserved.

Today’s film is very important to me and I hope you will find some time to watch it. Personally, I’m not deaf and nobody in my family is, but I support the deaf community, I’m learning my country’s sign language and I wish our world was more suitable for non-hearing people. In this story we get to know Ángela (Miriam Garlo), a deaf woman married to a hearing man named Héctor (Álvaro Cervantes). They make a loving couple and seem to understand each other perfectly. Obviously, Héctor has learnt Spanish Sign Language, so living together hasn’t been anyhow difficult. However, some changes are coming, because Ángela is pregnant, which can be very stressful in her situation. She’s curious whether her baby is going to be hearing or deaf, and how each possibility might influence their future life. What if the hearing baby won’t build a strong connection with her? What if she fails as a mother simply because she cannot hear? And also, what if she stays on her own, because her husband and child will be “living their hearing life”? Those fears are not made up and I find them serious. Deaf people are almost invisible for the hearing, which naturally forced them to be cautious, even reserved towards others. On the one hand, I understand this fear and anger – because everyone should feel included and welcome. But on the other hand, I see many deaf people prejudiced against the hearing, which may lead to reverse discrimination and paranoia. Like in this story, Ángela is so insecure that she loses trust towards her beloved husband. She forgets that this is her life partner – she only sees him as a hearing person. Or just because, let’s say, the child would like to learn to play some instrument, it doesn’t mean they disrespect their deaf mother. Yes, hearing people hear, deaf people don’t. Period. That’s how it is. But we can still coexist and even love each other if only we give up on any ridiculous sterotypes and prejudices. And it takes two to tango – both sides need to open their minds. Still, it is a fact that the deaf are discriminated in the everyday life and you may see numerous examples in this film. I hope you’ll keep them in mind and try to make a change, at least in your own approach and practices.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I make door. You close door. “Project Hail Mary” (2026)

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directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller
© 2026 Sony Pictures Releasing International. All Rights Reserved.

An adult version of a story about a little boy and his rock friend. Literally. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) is a very dedicated teacher and a former molecular biologist. One day, he wakes up in a spaceship, not remembering a thing. And they say that nerds don’t know how to party, huh? Turns out, he was chosen to go on a space mission with two other specialists and try to save our planet Earth from… freezing. I won’t even try to explain the whole problem, because I’m no scientist and to me it’s just “blah blah blah our planet is in danger blah blah blah”, but the idea seems fun (despite the potential catastrophy). Unfortunately for Grace, the two other colleagues have died, so he has to continue the mission on his own. Soon, a new companion joins him – an alien that looks like a rock on five legs. Grace finds a way to translate its language and communicate. The alien (James Ortiz), named Rocky by the very creative biologist, turns out to have a similar mission. Its planet is also in danger, because of the same reason, so it’s trying to find a way to save it. The newly buddies join forces and try to solve the space riddle together. Sounds like a cute adventure film? Well, it sort of is. The relation between those two is truly adorable, but it’s also a lesson about the dark side of humanity. I don’t want to spoil too much, because the suspense makes the story even better. However, I know that Rocky is an alien, but I believe this films is a metaphor for friendship beyond borders. That if only we cared enough to stay patient and try to communicate, we might meet the best buddies in our life, perhaps better than those beside us. Even if those two space warriors are from two different planets (literally), they shared a common goal. Do you think a human and a rock-like alien can actually save the universe? Well, that’s for you to see. But I hope this story will encourage you to stay more open-minded in life. And choose your own path.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Let me sleep. “Insomnia” (2002)

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directed by Christopher Nolan
© 2002 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Nolan cannot make a film that is clear and simple. It has to be a mix of several stories mingled into one, and yet you feel like he could easily add at least three more. I’ll try to introduce you to this film in the easiest way possible, but mind the fact that I’m explaining Nolan’s production. Anyway, there’s a crime in Nightmute, Alaska. A teenager is found murdered without any evidence left. Since the case seems complex, the local officers request help from two LA detectives – Will Dormer (Al Pacino) & Hap Eckhart (Martin Donovan). While trying to catch the murderer, Dormer makes a huge mistake – he shoots his colleague instead. The man suffers from insomnia, which led to his lack of clear thinking. Eckhart dies and Dormer knows he has to lie about this situation. If he admits that he’s the one shooting, that may be the end of his career. Especially, since Eckhart was about to testify againt Dormer in front of Internal Affairs, so it would be obvious that the murder wasn’t accidental. That is why the detective says his colleague was shot by the suspect. Unfortunately, not every clue supports this version. As I said, the story is complex, but very engaging as well. At some point, you’re not sure whether the protagonist is the good guy or the bad one. It seems like he’s an excellent detective, but on the other hand, he’s made a rookie mistake due to his personal issues. The longer you watch the film, the more it looks as if you, as a viewer, were dealing with insomnia. The pace of the story and even the light resemble such insomniac mood. Although this thriller was made over 20 years ago, you may still feel an incredible tension. Besides, in my opinion, older thrillers were more… thrilling. The new productions are rather predictable and copy-pasted. So if you want to see a classic, try to solve a mysterious case and join an insomnia simulator – this film should satisfy all those needs.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I want us all to scream as loud as we can. “The Teachers’ Lounge” (“Das Lehrerzimmer”, 2023)

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directed by İlker Çatak
© 2023 Alamode Film. All Rights Reserved.

People say that teachers are privileged – they don’t always work full 8 hours per day, they have free summer holidays, they generally just show up and teach – nothing spectacular, right? Well, not really. Teachers are not only there to educate students, but also to support them and react to any unexpected situations that may occur at school. And that’s even worse than not having summer holidays. In this film we get to know Carla Nowak (Leonie Benesch), a dedicated teacher, who has to solve an uncomfortable issue. One of her new students is accused of theft, especially since the boy is found having a lot of money in his wallet. The staff are sure about his fault, but at the meeting with the child’s parents Carla finds out that it’s just his allowance. In order to clear the boy’s name, his teacher starts her own investigation and bumps into one of her colleagues stealing money. Carla tries to talk to the woman, but she aggressively denies doing anything wrong. The case ends up at the principal’s office, who takes the situation very seriously and puts the other woman on leave. That escalates into a big drama, especially, since the accused teacher’s son, Oskar (Leonard Stettnisch), is a student at the same school. Even though his mother is no longer around, the child has to deal with all the gossips, which makes it difficult for him to stand. At some point, he decides to turn Carla’s worklife into absolute hell, because she’s the one responsible for his mom’s dismissal. What she did was right, because otherwise, an innocent boy would be seen as a thief. However, now there’s Oskar, angry and helpless child, who just wants to save his mom. The general idea and the script are amazing, because it shows how powerless teachers can be at work. They often have to survives battles without any weapons, which leads to their professional burnout and negative influence on their private life. I find the ending absolutely touching, and if you want to see what it means to be a good teacher, you should consider this film an important lesson.

My rating: 8/10
S.