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1980s

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Broken Mirrors Drama Film

Cult Epics

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

Classic Film

A Question of Silence Drama Film

Cult Epics

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

Classic Film

Entre Nous Drama Film

Cohen Media Group

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

Classic Film

The Bowery Boys: Legends of Laughter Comedy

ThrilzTV

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

Documentary

Out of the Blue Classic Film

Severin

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

Classic Film

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

Classic Film

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Kino Lorber

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

Classic Film

Video Violence 1 + 2

Terror Vision

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

Classic Film

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Dark Star Pictures

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

Classic Film

Year of the Jellyfish Classic Film

Cohen Media Group

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

Classic Film

Sailor Suit and Machine Gun Classic Film

Arrow Films

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

Classic Film

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88 Films

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

Classic Film

New Year's Evil Horror Film

Kino Lorber

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

Classic Film

Boat People Classic Film

The Criterion Collection

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

Classic Film

The Violent Breed Classic Film

Code Red

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

Classic Film

My Stepmother is an Alien Film

Strand Releasing

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

Classic Film

Maria's Lovers

Kino Lorber

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

Classic Film

The Gang and Three Men to Kill

Kino Lorber

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

Classic Film

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

Classic Film

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Code Red

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

Classic Film