America reviewed a range of films over the last year, including many of the awards-show contenders.
Film
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘Pan’s Labyrinth’: Guillermo del Toro’s ‘riff on Catholic dogma’ in fascist Spain
“Pan’s Labyrinth” embodies the core tension of Catholic life: the push and pull between the eternal and the worldly.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Mike Leigh’s ‘Hard Truths’ asks: Do hurt people always hurt people?
Why is Pansy so angry? That is, in many ways, the raison d’etre of ‘Hard Truths.’
Posted inArts & Culture, Music
Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and the Communion of Saints
Bob Dylan, more than anyone, fused the pop cultural and the religious experience into one.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
In ‘September 5’, an Israeli hostage crisis plays out on live TV
“September 5,” a claustrophobic chronicle of the ABC sports journalists who brought the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack to 900 million viewers, is a story of confidence and failure.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
A sports film Wendell Berry would love
The new film ‘Green and Gold’ credits prolific Christian writer and farmer Wendell Berry as its biggest influence. It’s easy to see why.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘The Straight Story’ showcases David Lynch’s affection for America—and its oddballs
Is it a cop-out to honor David Lynch by reflecting on his least Lynchian film?
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Oscar winner ‘Anora’: The Cinderella story that wasn’t
At its heart, “Anora” is a film about loneliness.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Why ‘Emilia Pérez’ is the most controversial film of this awards season
‘Emilia Pérez’ is wildly divisive, facing criticism for its portrayal of Mexico and its handling of transgender issues. Our critic enjoyed it.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
‘Nickel Boys’ is the rare film adaptation that does justice to the book
‘Nickel Boys’ preserves Colson Whitehead’s critically acclaimed narrative style while adding cinematic texture that enhances key details of the book.