1980s
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Broken Mirrors (Gebroken Spiegels)
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Broken Mirrors belongs in academic and public libraries with other films by Marleen Gorris which have also been restored by Cult Epics. The three would fit in international and feminist film collections. Read more
A Question of Silence
Rating: 4.5 of 5
While some college Women’s Studies instructors may be interested in this title, its biggest draw will be among patrons looking for a thrilling drama with an obvious feminist lens. Read more
Entre Nous
Rating: 4 of 5
Entre Nous would benefit library programming on French-language cinema, films about postwar France, the Jewish experience in WWII-era Europe, the work of Diane Kurys or Isabelle Huppert, international women directors, and female friendships. Read more
The Bowery Boys: Legends of Laughter
Rating: 3 of 5
A re-packaging of a 1985 docu-appreciation of a seldom-hailed but prolific Hollywood low-comedy franchise, the Bowery Boys Film history (particularly golden-age Hollywood and classic—or not-so-classic—comedy) classrooms can welcome this title. Read more
Out of the Blue
Rating: 4 of 5
Out of the Blue is highly recommended for both public and academic libraries whose film collections focus on independent films, especially those which address gender identity and American culture. Read more
Michael Haneke Trilogy
Rating: 3 of 5
Cinema aficionados will appreciate Michael Haneke’s unique skills as he turns an unflinchingly critical eye on contemporary society. Recommended, overall, for larger public library and cinema studies collections. Read more
Monsieur Hire
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Monsieur Hire would benefit library, educational, or recreational film programming focused on 20th-century French cinema, in addition to literary adaptations, erotic thrillers, and films that involve surveillance and social ostracization. Read more
Video Violence 1 + 2
Rating: 3 of 5
While this review is certainly a recommendation, this Video Violence set is only for those media librarians who wish to curate a film collection that ventures into the depths of 80’s SOV horror madness. Read more
Fair Game
Rating: 2.5 of 5
A strong but iffy optional choice for mainstream entertainment and classic film library shelves, though a "cult" audience may find its re-release endearing, Read more
Year of the Jellyfish
Rating: 2.5 of 5
An optional choice for international cinema film collections, since it has its "Eurotrash" niche, the feature's Nina Hagen "Kraut rock" soundtrack is certainly an alt-music plus. Read more
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun
Rating: 4 of 5
The film is a must-have for public library collections with a section on Asian cinema, as well as the mobster genre. Read more
Flag of Iron
Rating: 3 of 5
The colorful visuals and large-scale fight choreography make for good outdoor watching, especially for martial arts-themed library programming or as a fundraiser for a karate classroom. Read more
New Year's Evil
Rating: 2 of 5
Optional for horror-friendly library collections, and maybe it can find its apt destiny as a display-case prop around the end of the year. Read more
Boat People
Rating: 4 of 5
In our current climate of refugee crises spreading across Europe and beyond, Hong Kong New Wave director Ann Hui’s Boat People offers a timely reminder of the real struggles that displaced people face while fleeing oppression. Read more
The Violent Breed
Rating: 2.5 of 5
This film would work in a classroom discussion about The Vietnam War or about the drug trade. It’s only suitable for ages 18 and above, so college classes may benefit the most from watching it. It may work for students studying American history. Read more
My Stepmother is an Alien
Rating: 3 of 5
If you are looking for more 80s/90s nostalgia to sate your patron’s tastes, My Stepmother is an Alien would be a strong optional purchase for your public library. The sci-fi elements could have been stronger, but the comedic ones were well-crafted. Read more
Maria's Lovers
Rating: 2.5 of 5
The post-WWII Maria's Lovers is a strong optional purchase for library film collections specializing in drama and erotic titles. Read more
The Gang/Three Men to Kill
Rating: 3 of 5
Recommended for classic film collections with a specialization in French cinema. Film studies professors should take advantage of this box set when teaching Jacques Deray. Read more
Get Crazy
Rating: 3 of 5
Full of energy, whimsy, and a soundtrack of rock classics, it could be the spiritual sequel to Rock 'n' Roll High School. Media librarians should add this fun title to their library shelves for patrons with interests in 1980s films and music. Read more
Blue Monkey
Rating: 3.5 of 5
Blue Monkey has issues for sure, but one of them isn’t bland misogyny. These strengths paired with a 50s style giant insect and over-the-top fake gore make this film highly enjoyable for science fiction library programs. Read more