L'Oiseau-tempête

A solid but ultimately stolid mystery, super competent and quite engaging but with no flair and a lacklustre ending. Seen it all before, albeit in a different setting. #LFF

Another title in the never-ending churn of book to film adaptations from the Netflix studios, this is a fine performance from Alicia Vikander who is captivating throughout as an emotionally vulnerable Swede living in Japan, with a decent supporting cast.

The film promotes the Japanese setting well including a good showcase of culture, attitudes and landscape but the film has pacing issues which aren't helped by the random mixture of flashback and psychosis nor the unsatisfying ending.

A decent watch, but fails to deliver any real impact.

Do not be fooled by the rating. Not slow or boring as others have mentioned unless your favourite movie is The Avengers. This is an elegant film.

Earthquake Bird is a very different film, it's not exactly what I was expecting having seen a trailer, but I enjoyed it. You will question events and reality as you watch Lucy plunged into a series of bizarre events, as you watch you'll ask if events were real, and if those around her did indeed exist. Alicia Vikander is absolutely terrific in the lead, so convincing. Naoki Kobayashi and Riley Keough also impress in supporting roles. The first forty minutes or so were a bit of a challenge, it took a long time to open up, but when it does it becomes a very absorbing watch. The pace won't suit everyone, some may find it a little slow, but I enjoy this type of psychological thriller.

A thumbs up from me, just stick with it, it's worth it.

Unusual and captivating movie, very original. I slowly immersed myself in the atmosphere and really enjoyed it.