In Praise Of | Little White Lies

In Praise Of

Two individuals, a woman and a man, standing near a grand piano in a room.
In Praise Of

Stoker at 10: Park Chan-wook’s Hitchcockian fairytale

by Kevin Bui

This dark coming-of-age thriller is Park’s own scintillating twist on The Master of Suspense’s Shadow of a Doubt.
Close-up of a woman with red lipstick, serious expression, and dark eyes.
In Praise Of

Why I love Zoë Lund’s performance in Ms 45

by Sarah Cleary

Her performance as the mute garment worker Thama who takes on the scumbags of New York City is the heart of Abel Ferrara’s rape-revenge thriller.
A man wearing a dark cap and grey clothing, with a serious expression on his face.
In Praise Of

Jus’ Funnin: In praise of the Channing Tatum smirk

by David Jenkins

The man who is Magic Mike possesses one of the most brilliant acting power moves on the block.
Muscular male dancers performing shirtless on stage, wearing jeans and sneakers. They are in various poses with arms raised, showcasing their physiques against a dark background.
In Praise Of

Boys won’t be boys: How Magic Mike XXL denounces toxic masculinity

by Connor Lightbody

Gregory Jacobs’ second instalment in the Magic Mike franchise is a lesson in self-acceptance and following your dreams.
A smiling woman with long blonde hair holding a microphone in a room with a TV and cluttered surfaces.
In Praise Of

In praise of Stories We Tell

by Cici Peng

Sarah Polley’s innovative, heartfelt documentary about her mother is a thoughtful exercise in the mechanics of storytelling.
A man in a suit with a gun to his head, surrounded by other suited men in a black and white image.
In Praise Of

Remembering Yoshida Kiju: a titan of Japanese cinema

by Marcus Iwama

The filmmaker behind Blood Is Dry and Bitter End of a Sweet Night, who passed away at the end of 2022, was a founding member of the Japanese New Wave.
Person wrapped in bandages, partially obscured in a dim, shadowy environment.
In Praise Of

Why I love Nina Hoss’ performance in Phoenix

by Jihane Bousfiha

Starring as a concentration camp survivor attempting to rebuild her life in spite of considerable challenges, Hoss delivers a captivating and entirely convincing performance.
Two men seated at a counter in a shop, one wearing a red jacket and the other a grey coat.
In Praise Of

How Bleeder was a landmark for Nicolas Winding Refn’s distinctive style

by Jonah Jeng

As Copenhagen Cowboy hits Netflix, it’s a good time to revisit NWR’s underrated sophomore feature.
Elderly woman with short white hair, stern expression, and wearing a green outfit.
In Praise Of

The Old Rose scenes in Titanic are important, actually

by Yasmin Omar

As James Cameron’s generation-defining blockbuster turns 25, it’s high time to reconsider the narrative value of the film’s often-maligned framing device.
A woman with dark curly hair wearing a black outfit and red lipstick.
In Praise Of

Why I love Cher’s performance in Moonstruck

by Sabrina Cooper

Down to Earth yet heavenly, she’s simply radiant in Norman Jewison’s eccentric romantic comedy.