Partisan

Y'know, I'm all for films that require a bit of work from the audience. I love films that make me think or figure things out or see the subtext beneath the surface. What I'm not for is when films pretend that you will be able to figure things out if you try hard enough and then never give you anywhere near enough information to understand anything that's happening. I honestly have no freaking idea what I just watched. I don't know when this film took place (post apocalypse maybe?), where it took place, who the characters were, what their relation was to each other, or why they were doing anything they did. Literally none of that was clear at all. And then, it just ends. All of a sudden. With no warning or clue about what was happening or going to happen after the end. That was so annoying. I have to give it two stars because the acting was strong, as was the cinematography, but the plot? Non-existent. Bah humbug.  2/5

Partisan on Netflix

The Apartment

Cassel, Bellucci & Bohringer are excellent but the plot a bit thin & convoluted in this French drama. 3/5

The Apartment on Netflix

Trance

This stylish Danny Boyle thriller is brilliantly written & perfectly acted by the leads. I never saw it coming. 4/5

Trance on Netflix

A Dangerous Method

The cast is marvelous in this decidedly un-Cronenberg-like film about the masters of psychoanalysis. 4/5

A Dangerous Method on Netflix

Mesrine: Part 2: Public Enemy #1

Vincent Cassel deserves every award he won for his outstanding portrayal of Mesrine. Bravo! 4/5

Mesrine: Part 2: Public Enemy #1 on Netflix

Adrift

I adore Vincent Cassel so I gave this dreamy film a bit of leeway but it is quite compelling. Good, not great. 3/5

Adrift on Netflix

Mesrine: Part 1: Killer Instinct

Vincent Cassel is just divine in this brutal, gritty & fascinating French biopic. Mesmerizing. 4/5

Mesrine: Part 1: Killer Instinct