Tag: Film
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Latest Star Wars film expands religious myths
Much of the action in Rogue One takes place on the planet Jedha, a holy land and place of pilgrimage for Jedi Knights. What...
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2016 in review: campaigning culture
In a year dominated by dramatic political news, no coincidence that the big awards in the arts tended to go to creative people with a campaigning edge. But was it good for culture?
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At last the perfect Disney movie, say critics
After 80 years of film-making, Disney has finally nailed it with Moana, say some. But others accuse the producers of culture theft and of exploiting Polynesian culture for profit.
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Harry Potter gets political in new prequel
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a tale of quirky magical creatures causing chaos in New York City. It is also a warning about Donald Trump. Should children’s...
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‘Devastating’ welfare drama hits screens
Today, I, Daniel Blake reaches British cinemas on a wave of hype. The drama about a man mistreated by the welfare state has wowed the film world....
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May launches a new era of British pragmatism
Today the UK’s prime minister will make arguably the most important speech of her life. The best way to understand it, say those close to her, is as a ringing defence of head over heart.
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I deserve to be pardoned, says whistleblower
As a film of his story hits cinemas, the controversial Edward Snowden has publicly appealed to Barack Obama for a presidential pardon. What is this? And should it even exist?
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Star Trek: how sci-fi predicted the future
It has been half a century since the USS Enterprise first took flight. Since then, Star Trek has shown that sci-fi can have uncanny predictive...
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BFG: Dahl remake ‘too childish’, say critics
The BFG is out in the UK today. Steven Spielberg’s take on Roald Dahl’s classic novel should be very popular. But the reception has been lukewarm. Should it have done...
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‘I hope my footage helps people understand’
The BBC’s Exodus puts Europe’s refugee crisis into extreme focus. Shot on cameraphones by the refugees themselves, it shows every stage of their...
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Celebs and stars gather on French Riviera
The Cannes Festival just opened with Woody Allen’s new film. Yet, as ever, the media focused less on the art and more on who was there. Why are we so fascinated by celebrities?
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Star Wars to feature gay love, hints director
Scenes in the latest Star Wars film have set off gaydars. The cast and crew have hinted at gay characters in future films. Is it time the series...
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Row over black actors dominates Oscars night
Last night, the Oscars basked in the glamour of Hollywood’s brightest stars. But as the film industry’s racism row continues, a few faces were notably absent. Is the Academy to blame?
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‘True’ film on Benghazi attack sparks dispute
The film 13 Hours, which is based on a terrorist attack in 2012, claims to be ‘a true story’. But some are disputing its account of events. Are...
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Rags to riches: the boy who scored 1009 runs
On Tuesday, a penniless schoolboy smashed a 117-year-old cricket record. His achievement revived the age-old tale of the humble hero who makes good. Why do such success stories fascinate us?