In Praise Of | Little White Lies

In Praise Of

Two men in police uniform seated in a car, one eating an ice lolly.
In Praise Of

Is Hot Fuzz the ultimate anti-Brexit film?

by David Jenkins

Viewed today, Edgar Wright’s comic satire of small town English attitudes feels scarily prescient.
Two people in embrace, man comforting woman with downcast expressions.
In Praise Of

How Straw Dogs exposed the hypocrisy of the New Man

by Elena Lazic

Despite accusations of misogyny, Sam Peckinpah’s domestic thriller is a feminist film in disguise.
Four men in suits sitting at a table in a diner, enjoying a meal and conversation.
In Praise Of

How Diner influenced the cinematic voice of Quentin Tarantino

by William Carroll

Barry Levinson’s rapid-fire dialogue and use of popular music set the blueprint for Tarantino’s style.
Man with long hair wearing singlet and jeans inside a metal structure.
In Praise Of

Why 1997 was an unbeatable year for Hollywood action

by Alex Hess

The release of Con Air and Face/​Off 20 summers ago marked a high-point in mainstream cinema.
Two figures sitting on a beach, holding large paper umbrellas with intricate designs against a sunset backdrop.
In Praise Of

Why Julie Dash’s Daughters of the Dust remains essential viewing

by Matt Turner

A key inspiration for Beyoncé’s Lemonade, this afrofuturist 1991 drama is a milestone in American cinema.
A man with dark hair appears thoughtful, gazing out of a window.
In Praise Of

What The Graduate taught me about life and growing up

by Henry Bevan

Mike Nichols’ 1967 film is a great tonic for anyone suffering from post-university blues.
A young boy in a red life jacket smiling as he leans against a railing on a boat, with a blurred, watery background.
In Praise Of

Why I love Hirokazu Koreeda’s Nobody Knows

by Amy Bowker

This understated 2004 drama is a perfect entry point for the Japanese director’s work.
A smiling man with a beard wearing a light blue suit and a gold chain necklace.
In Praise Of

Why I love Dwayne Johnson’s performance in Pain & Gain

by Josh Slater-Williams

There’s more to his larger-than-life turn than meets the eye.
Crowd of people seated in a grand, ornate theatre auditorium with elaborate golden decor.
In Praise Of

Why I love Terence Davies’ The Long Day Closes

by Patrick Nabarro

The director’s 1992 drama is among the most tender coming-of-age films ever made.
Dark silhouettes of two large animals standing in a stormy, rainy environment with a car in the foreground, its headlights illuminating the scene.
In Praise Of

How The Lost World taught me that films can be cruel

by Josh Slater-Williams

A key death in Steven Spielberg’s 1997 sequel completely altered my perception of cinema.