Forrest Gump (1994) – Robert Zemeckis

The final recommendation from the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film following my screening of Apocalypse Now is Forrest Gump, Robert Zemeckis’ incredibly powerful, entertaining and Oscar winning film. While the film is not predominantly about Vietnam, the war sequences are very intense and well-crafted. The story, featuring an Tom Hanks in the titular…

The Breadwinner (2000) – Deborah Ellis

House of Anansi press has released an updated version of Deborah Ellis’ poignant and beautifully written tale, The Breadwinner. Aimed at younger readers, the book puts a face to stories that help the reader empathise and understand some of the issues that are taking place in Afghanistan. Canadian born Ellis has crafted a whole series, with…

The Devout (2015) – Connor Gaston

Opening at the Carlton Cinema here in Toronto is this lovingly crafted, intimate drama that is bound to move viewers even as it raises questions of belief, faith and hope. The debut effort of writer/director Connor Gaston was shot in Victoria, British Columbia. It is a beautiful film that features perfectly on point, and gently…

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – David Lean

The next stop in the Great Movies – 100 Years of Film book is David Lean’s classic film that made a star out of Peter O’Toole.  Grabbing seven Oscars at the 1963 Academy Awards, the film walked away with Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Sound, Best Film Editing and Best…

The Accusation (2017) – Bandi

Due out this week from Anansi Press is this beautiful collection of stories, the first fiction to come out of North Korea. They say write what you know, and while I recognise that these stories are fiction, they have their roots in the real world, and as such, give the reader a fascinating glance inside…

A Monster Calls (2011) – Patrick Ness

It’s been a long time since a book has reduced me to tears, but Ness’ powerful, and beautiful young adult books, A Monster Calls has done just that. Inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd who passed before she could tell it herself, the story is a singular experience that is heartbreaking in its truth…