Stephen Bowler

A MAN CALLED OTTO 2022 A cumudgen stickler of a man, with his daily routine patrolling his street, keeping it neat and tidy, and annoyingly keeping the residents on their toes. He takes early retirement to sort out his affairs and put his plans into place, to end his life and join his beloved wife. When new annoying neighbours move in across the street, well annoying according to Otto. Beautiful endearing flashbacks appear of Otto's younger self, of life changing events, which start to knit this exquisite film together. The new neighbours, Marisol, Jimmy and their adorable children, start to gradually thaw Otto, and a more appealing lovable side of Otto starts to reveal its self. With Marisols caring persistence, Otto finally is learning to move on. Now with meaning and a family that clearly cares about him, as he does about them. Marvel in the beautiful emotional Kate Bush flashback song, a truly truly masterful scene. With Otto finally repairing his long lost friendships and finding peace with himself, and back to the kind caring Otto, he truly is. A emotional touching ending to this film, Otto finally pases in heart breaking scenes, and joins his beloved wife Sonia.. A truly wonderful film...

YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA (2024) Another wonderful film, telling the life story of Gertrude Ederles, a remarkable young lady that in 1926 was the first woman to swim the engiish channel, also a multi 1924 Olympic medalist, with two bronze and one gold medal, and setting many world records to her name. Born 1905 in New York U.S. Trudy Ederles mother, decided that both Trudy and Margaret, Trudys sister, would learn to swim, this decision was largely influenced by a tragic ferry disaster in 1904, when many lives were lost, many being women and children. Trudys remarkable story, tells of her drive and determination, and overcoming jealousy and betrayal, mainly by men of the day, who thought women should not be seen doing such manly pursuits like swimming. With the nickname "Queen of the waves", Trudys channel crossing achievement was celebrated by a huge ticker tape parade in New York, with a estimated 2 million people turn out. This film adated from a book, and being such a wonderful watch, is well worth the two hours nine minutes of your time...

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN 2022 An enjoyable film, centered on a community on the fictitious island of inisherin, of the Irish coast during the 1923 irish civil war. With stunning wild atmospheric scenery, showing the wide open spaces and isolated cottages. This story is based on the best of friends Padraic and Colm, when Colm decides to fall out with Padric for simply being to dull. With some graphic scenes that might surprise you, and if you care to dig a little deeper, having a serious meaning relating to the civil war. The supporting characters just add to the wonderful depth of this film, with most being as "mad as a box of frogs," with Padraic's sister Siobhan, being the exception to the rule. The local Mee's pub is the center of entertainment, with its endearing characters. Although maybe not a laugh out loud film, you'll definitely find yourself giggling and chuckling at the funny clips. Ambling along at it's own pace, this film is very thought provoking, undoubtedly being one of the main aims of the director....

ARRIVAL (2016) What a extremely thoughtful clever film, showing the arrival of extraterrestrials crafts, appearing all around the world, which don't actually land but hover. With the gathering of our top academics, scientists and fighting forces, all being put on high alert. Then playing out the frailties and misunderstandings of communications, between ourselves, and all the different countries, never mind with the extraterrestrials. If you're looking for a sci-fi film of attack, war and revenge, this is not the film for you. It's a deep emotional film accompanied by wonderful music, just adding to the intrigue and dark mood of this film, as it gently evolves. With terrific leading characters, and a surprising ending for me, of which I thoroughly enjoyed. A film that left a lasting impression on me, long after I had watched it...

LEAVE NO TRACE 2018 All my reviews keep spoilers down too a minimum. An intriguing film that you could categorise as niche. Adapted from a book of a true story, of a young 13 year old girl Tom, and her father Will, living wild in the woods away from all the trappings of modern life. Superb acting of a father daughter relationship, with Will teaching his daughter techniques of counter surveillance and detection avoidance. I found I kept asking myself why! Then it becomes evident that Will is a war veteran using his aquired skills and suffering from ptsd. Eventually they are spotted and found, and taken in by social services for questioning. With concern for both they are found accommodation together, and the father starts a regular job, and the young girl Tom starts to explore and meet people of her own age, and for the first time you start to sense a little tension between their father daughter relationship. Then Will suffering with his fears, wants to pack their bags and move back to the woods they were originally hiding. Finding their old hiding place is not suitable they move on. Will then has a bad accident and is taken in by a kind hearted lady to recuperate. Once again the young girl Tom, starts to get settled and enjoying the small luxurious that most of us all take for granted. Again Wills fears start to build up, and once again has the urge to run again, and keep one step a head of the authorities. A great film with terrific emotional acting, made all the more remarkable with it being a true story adapted from a book. It also gives you a insight into just how difficult it is to treat ptsd..

THE NIGHTINGALE 2018 This film is set in the early 1800s, showing cruel barbaric realities, of documented colonisation, of its time. With brutal scenes of sexual violence and upsetting life ending scenes, that physically make you wince.. Set in the 1820s Tazmania, where convicted people were shipped to the other side of the world regardless of age. A young attractive irish woman Clare, with a beautiful singing voice, is singled out to entertain the troops. Watching is a Lieutenant Hawins, a psychopathic man who commands this small unit of chaotic troops. Hawkins has promised Clare to sign a letter of recommendation, to release her from her enslavement, but Hawkins expects favours in return. Clare having more privileges than most enslaved convicts, has a husband and a child and a small shack she calls home. Clares husband confronts Hawkins about the non signed letter of recommendation, and it all gets out of hand. In walks Hawkins superior officer, and disaplines the lieutenant, and then also refuses the promotion that Hawkins has been craving for. Hawkins is then ordered to the city of Launceston, a journey through wild untamed forests, so he selects a few men and a aboriginal guide, and they all set off, Hawkins incensed with anger, he visits Clares shack on the way, and shocking scenes follow. With Clare in shock and mourning, she becomes incandescent with rage, so she hires a aboriginal tracker called Billy, and with revenge in mind, the chase is on. Clare and Billy, two people from completely different worlds clash at first, but slowly they start to form a bond. And finally they both track Hawkins down and the revenge begins. A terrific film, with great acting and touching scenes, with the breaking down of extremely difficult boundaries, this film certainly leaves a impression on you, a film you could watch again...

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING How did I miss this 2022 Jewel A beguiling touching film of a young girls life, set in the North Carolina Marsh in the early 1950s, Kya soon finds herself all alone as her family leave her one by one due to her abusive father. Beautifully acted as Kya's story gently unfolds, accompanied by enchanting music with narration that draws you in, and plays with every one of your emotions. You're in and out of court room scenes, that weave wonderfully as this film gently reveals its story. With endearing relationships forming, as this shy quiet girl grows in confidence, and is taught to read and write by her soon to be love interest Tate, with verbal and non verbal acting of the highest quality, and terrific emotional scenes, you just can't help yourself and champion this girl. Her love of nature and the marsh, always keeping her feet firmly grounded. With truly amazing camera work throughout, and with a spine tingling ending to this film, that just leaves you in a emotional awe, just a wonderful film in every sense of the word...