Contributor Michael Leader

Illustration of two anime characters sitting on a bridge surrounded by flowers and scenery.
Review

A Silent Voice

by Michael Leader

Don’t miss this quietly affecting coming-of-ager from anime director Naoko Yamada.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Illustration of a bespectacled young person against a cityscape with a firework display in the sky.
Interviews

Makoto Shinkai: ‘You can’t be Miyazaki, you can only be the second Miyazaki’

by Michael Leader

Meet the Japanese director behind the anime smash hit Your Name.
Illustration of a man in a suit holding a pink pig, set against a hexagonal black background on a bright blue backdrop.
Interviews

Charlie Brooker: ‘Once you’ve f**ked a pig on the telly, you’ve shifted the bar for what’s acceptable’

by Michael Leader

The Black Mirror writer discusses the show’s switch to Netflix, and why he loves torturing his characters.
A traditional Japanese house with blue-framed windows, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall. A child stands in the foreground, facing the house.
Review

When Marnie Was There

by Michael Leader

A magical coming-of-age story by one of Studio Ghibli’s most talented filmmakers.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Damaged and torn tabloid newspaper amongst rubble and rocks.
Long Read

How Spielberg’s gentle alien killed the video game industry

by Michael Leader

Did E.T. really cause the 1983 Video Game Crash? Michael Leader goes in search of a pop culture myth.
Childlike cartoon character - large, spherical white robot hugging a small child with dark hair.
Review

Big Hero 6

by Michael Leader

Disney’s first Marvel-infused animation is a charming and heartfelt story of boy-meets-bot.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Close-up of a couple embracing intimately, gazing at each other.
Review

Beginners

by Michael Leader

Despite a stand-out performance from an old pro, Beginners keeps the audience at a distance.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect

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