This week’s new releases at the Irish Film Institute on Friday September 24th 2021 are The Alpinist, The Green Knight and Father of the Cyborgs.
Read on for a selection of reviews or pop in to make up your own mind!
‘The directors Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen have assembled some gobsmacking sequences, combining yawning vistas and close-ups shot by other expert climbers that give an insight into Leclerc’s athleticism, but also his freakish calmness.’
4/5 – The Times
‘As “The Alpinist” suggests, Leclerc doesn’t just live in this flow state; it’s his higher power, and he withdraws to it as a disciple to the divinity, or perhaps a moth to the flame.’
3/4 – Roger Ebert
‘Yet “The Alpinist” is the story of the drive that leads men and women to meet them, at times to beat them, and in the end to accept them.’
3/4 – The Washington Post
‘A fine yarn that arcs towards a memorable denouement.’
4/5 – The Irish Times
‘Gawain is being tested. So are we. The visual brilliance of this film combines with shroomy toxicity and inexplicable moral grandeur: what a stunning experience.’
5/5 – The Guardian
‘The casting of Patel is a stroke of genius. He softens Gawain’s arrogance and deepens his soul, so that the audience can’t help but root for his success.’
5/5 – The Independent UK
‘It adds to the sense that this is top-tier film-making that’s weighted with huge ideas about — don’t giggle — the purpose of human life.’
5/5 – The Times
‘That’s the incredibly fine line that great films often walk—when a work can feel both assured in the voices of its creators and yet open enough to spark conversation. “The Green Knight” is one of those films.’
4/4 – Roger Ebert
‘There are interesting ideas concerning the opposing forces of those looking to monetise the technology and those, like Kennedy, who arguably want to harness it more philanthropically.’
‘This is a fascinating look at science-fact, and what it means for humans. It raises many questions, but leaves you to make up your own mind about the answers.’
‘This film highlights the very different, human-centric approach that is still possible. It’s a piece of still-living history which we should cherish, because in order to do this the right way, we must first imagine.’
4/5 – Eye For Film
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by The Arts Council