police brutality

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Manila – Welcome to the Dark Side of the City

Scene from Manila by Rays Martin

Manila Film Difficulty Ranking: 4

If you’re looking for a dark portrayal of life in Manila, you’ve come to the right place. In Manila there’s social problems, political corruption, and injustice hidden behind the tropes of the Hollywood noir genre. You’ll meet a few characters of the city, but the focus is always on the city of Manila and its sounds, sights, and life.

From: Philippines, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Amazon Prime, Rent on Amazon, Buy on Amazon
Next: From What is Before, Miles Ahead, Manila by Night
Continue reading “Manila – Welcome to the Dark Side of the City”
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Sambizanga – A Woman Struggling Alongside the Fight for Independence

Sambizanga

Sambizanga Film Difficulty Ranking: 3

If you’re looking for a snapshot of the people’s struggle for Angolan independence, you’ve come to the right place. Sambizanga follows a woman as she tries to track down her husband with her newborn baby. Meanwhile, in the background, the Angolan liberation movement slowly builds momentum. The director, Sarah Maldoror, worked with Gillo Pontecurvo on The Battle of Algiers before directing Sambizanga so it’s no surprise there are plenty of links between the two. If you need another reason to watch, it’s also one of the first feature films directed by a woman of colour. 

From: Angola, Africa
Watch: YouTube (not good quality but can't find anywhere else)
Next: The Battle of Algiers, Flame, Lucia
Continue reading “Sambizanga – A Woman Struggling Alongside the Fight for Independence”