RUSSELL

A film lover returns to New York City on a mission to uncover the fate of his beloved video store, Kim's Video, where his passion for cinema was first ignited. But the days of VHS/DVD rentals are long gone, and Kim's Video is no exception—it closed down years ago. So, what happened to the massive collection of over 50,000 titles? That’s the mystery the filmmaker, who is both the protagonist and director, sets out to solve in this investigative documentary filled with surprising twists. His journey takes him all the way to Salemi, a small town in Sicily, where the collection was donated under certain conditions. However, things didn’t unfold as planned. What I appreciate about Kim's Video is that it’s not just another nostalgic trip down memory lane about the "good old days" of video rentals. While there’s some reflection on that era, the film goes deeper, focusing on the rescue of thousands of films and the preservation of cinematic history. Rather than indulging in sentimentality, it raises thought-provoking questions about how we should handle vast collections of physical media and protect our film heritage.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Edward G. Robinson, and I’ve seen a lot of his films (especially his noirs directed by Fritz Lang — The Woman in the Window and Scarlet Street are favorites). But his role as Gino Monetti in House of Strangers might just be his best. Even though Richard Conte shines as Max Monetti, Robinson steals every scene he’s in, especially during his "new vs. old world" speech. Robinson’s acting is always top-notch, effortlessly portraying everything from fragile souls to absolute villains, but Gino Monetti has a unique charm that sets him apart. Of course, it would be a crime not to mention the stunning Susan Hayward as Irene. She’s far from just a pretty face; she’s a pivotal character who drives the story forward. And let's not forget the brilliant cinematography by Milton Krasner, who masterfully builds the film's atmosphere — just take the long shot on the staircase at the beginning as an example. Joseph L. Mankiewicz was undoubtedly one of the best filmmakers of his time, and House of Strangers is a gem that definitely deserves its place among his greatest works.

If anyone still believes that sports and politics don't mix, they should drop that naive notion immediately — these two have always been intertwined and always will be. Tatami brings this to life through the story of an Iranian judoka who defies the absurd demands of the Islamic regime, refusing to comply at a huge personal cost. This inspiring tale of a strong woman and her courage stands out with its refined presentation — the choice of black-and-white cinematography and the 4:3 aspect ratio intensify the tension of a story mostly set in a single hall in Tbilisi during the Judo World Championships. The film’s intimate and focused narrative is elevated by dynamic camera work that gets under your skin, ramping up the tension. The brilliantly edited judo matches are another highlight. Altogether, this creates a deeply compelling experience that will stay with me for a long time.