Movie reviews of Ulkar Alakbarova

There are many films that talk about the beauty of religion, of culture and the wonderful things it brings. But there are enough featured pieces that talk about the other side of the coin, and Medusa manages to describe it perfectly. Review

The Electrical Life of Louis Waine perfectly recreates the Victorian era where the costumes and amazing make-up turn this film into an absolute joy to watch. Review

La Civil is an excellent film that captures the fear of being hunted by cartels, retribution from their end and courage that is the only thing standing against death threat. Review

Through its unusual concept, it looks for a better suit for people who feel do not get enough attention from their loved ones. Some scenes are funny and moving at the same time. It’s a sublime approach towards love, desires, human feelings and how we express them. Review

Blue Bayou is a timely story about immigration and deportation, ripping a family apart and looking for a loophole in the system to kick more people out of the United States. But this film does much more. Review

Farha, based on true events, is a harrowing story that, sadly, occurs across the globe. War has neither changed its true colors nor its evil intentions, and Farha captures that well. Review

Thyrone Tommy’s feature debut is everything you will ever want to see from a debut film. Beautiful music, solid performances and a strong narrative provide an excellent lesson on how to learn to swim for Thyrone and Selma. Review

Offers an impressive character-driven drama, focusing on Malik as a man who should do everything to protect his family. Review

In this emotionally charged drama about a mother who will fight for the right to be with her child no matter what. Review

Screenplay written by the author of the novel with the same name, Catherine Hernandez, and directed by Shasha Nakhai and Rich Williamson, the film does not go far from the main objective Shasha Nakhai tried to present through her impressive documentary films... Review

Terrorizers is an appropriate title for a film that is, in a way, controversial too. It’s intelligent, powerful and thought-provoking. Review

Quickening is an impressive debut feature from writer-director Haya Waseem, bringing a story with a personal touch. Review

At times funny, dramatic and ridiculous, the film works by capturing the manipulative world of money that knows no shame. Review

The charming chemistry Eddie Peng and Sylvia Chang share is so beautiful, you totally believe what happens next. Review

Even though the screenplay could get a bit deeper in terms of describing Lily and Jack’s dynamic, Harris separates them to see how the couple can deal with the mourning process apart from each other. Review

With impressive photography and editing, Belfast is a film that takes you down the memory lane for anyone who had to go through chaos, leave their homes for a better place, for those who stayed no matter what, and those who died trying. Review

Lakewood is a unique one-woman thriller which those who like films with more than one actor in it may dislike. Review

Kicking Blood is a solid independent vampire story that explores the impact of an eternal life, how one individual is tired of saying goodbye to her loved ones, and how she creates a strong bond with a mortal man who shows her, despite the pain and vulnerability the human life brings, it is worth living shorter but more meaningful life than living a longer but a tiresome life. Review

The Middle Man is rather a black comedy that explores the lives of people in a small town where, no matter how bad the situation is, they keep staying there as if there were no other places to move to. Review

Violet is a highly original piece you should not miss. In fact, it’s so refreshing to see such a film that literally resonates with every single viewer. Review

Dune offers eye-popping experiences, an immersive view of the fictionized world full of wonder, violence, atrocity, yet filled with love and responsibility, dignity and honor. Review

Last Night in Soho is stunning. In short, it’s a gorgeous film that has all the elements of a thriller, drama and horror combined so cleverly, you don’t have to worry about the next scene because it will be new, refreshing and not repetitive. Review

The exquisite adaptation and storytelling are so organic, the added score makes it even more beautiful and tragic at the same time. Review

The Gravedigger’s Wife is a beautifully crafted love story of two people who, despite living in complete poverty, have big plans for the future. Review