Claire and Gavia look back at the influential Japanese survival thriller Battle Royale, a violent dystopian tale about a class of teenagers who are forced to fight to the death by their authoritarian government. Often compared to The Hunger Games, this film has a fascinating (and controversial) backstory, with director Kinji Fukasaku drawing inspiration from his own traumatic experiences as a teenager during World War II.
Read MoreSteffan and Gavia review George Miller's ambitious and divisive Mad Max prequel Furiosa, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth. Among other topics, this episode delves into the film's rich mythological worldbuilding, the Mad Max franchise's unique cinematic legacy, and George Miller's rare talent for action and visual storytelling.
Read MoreClaire and Gavia review the stylish 2011 action thriller Hanna, directed by Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice). 16-year-old Saoirse Ronan stars as Hanna, a girl raised in the wilderness by her father (Eric Bana), a former spy. Venturing out into mainstream society for the first time, Hanna must travel alone across Europe while evading a malevolent CIA agent played by Cate Blanchett.
Read MoreGavia and Steffan review the latest (and possibly greatest) Mission Impossible movie, covering the franchise's unique place in Hollywood cinema, Tom Cruise's complicated star power, Hayley Atwell's incredible charisma, and how the stunts draw inspiration from vintage slapstick comedy.
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