Following on from acclaimed true-life thrillers such as United 93 and Argo, Hotel Mumbai recreates the horrific 2008 terror attacks in the Indian city, that claimed 174 lives and wounded 300 others.
Told from the perspective of the staff and guests of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, which became a focal point for the violence, first-time director Anthony Maras brings a breathless intensity and documentary like realism to the film, while remaining respectful to those affected by the tragedy.
Read more: www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3006411/hotel-mumbai-film-review-2008-terrorist-attacks-recreated

After just five films, James Wan’s The Conjuring series has become the second highest-grossing horror franchise in cinema history, with only Godzilla earning more. The producer now brings Latin American folklore into the mix with The Curse of La Llorona, but otherwise the formula remains largely unchanged.
Read on: www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3006221/curse-la-llorona-film-review-conjuring-horror-universe

Peckinpah's only war movie is also one of his best. James Coburn stars as the anti-authoritarian German sergeant, looking out for his men on the cold Eastern Front, while his imbecilic superior (Maximilian Schell) chases the elusive Iron Cross. Beautifully shot and filled with the violence and camaraderie synonymous with the director's work this rarely gets the praise it deserves as one of Hollywood's most profound meditations on the futility of war.

Takamine Hideko is absolutely devastating as the ageing geisha in 60s Ginza faced with the difficult decision of whether to marry one of her rich customers or set up a bar of her own. Already a widow burdened with debts, derision and illness, Mama becomes a symbol of women's battle for independence in post-war Japan. Naruse's direction is unobtrusive and stylishly laid back, accompanied by a breezy jazz soundtrack symbolising the city's complacency to the plight of our heroine.