Xanadu (1980)
Almost existential in its abandonment of narrative and character cohesion, a confusion of styles and ideas that feels curiously flat, visually bland and dated even on original release. An ambitious folly, individual musical sequences provide pleasure and the songs are catchy.
Xia dao lian meng (The Adventurers) (2017)
Maximising rich production values and lush European locations, a series of technically polished set pieces flounder amid loose storytelling and undernourished characters. Andy Lau leads bickering, disparate thieves, facing usual twists and double-crosses.
Xuan Ya Zhi Shang (Cliff Walkers) (2021)
Immaculate, atmospheric filmmaking, design, framing and pacing as icily precise as the frigid Japanese held landscapes that Chinese agents infiltrate in 1930s. Punctuated by bouts of violence and cruelty, dense plotting stifles emotional connection.
A Yank At Oxford (1938)
Languidly paced, fish out of water, culture clash comedy drama as arrogantly athletic American Robert Taylor shakes up English college, falls for Maureen O'Sullivan and spars with Vivian Leigh. Unfussy combination of solid production values and appealing performers.
A Yank In The R.A.F. (1941)
Unremarkable wartime drama sees conceited adventurer Tyrone Power signing up to join British pilots and pursuing virtuous Betty Grable who has also volunteered. Solid production and leads retain potent charisma amid sloppy storytelling and heroically fanciful view of realities.
The Year Of Spectacular Men (2016)
Fitfully amusing and involving misadventures in sex, romance, and family benefits from easy relationship of real-life sisters Zooey Deutch and Madelyn Deutch. Colorfully framed and energetically pitched, frank, sarcastic comedy rings truer than dramatic turns.
The Years Between (1946)
Resilient Valerie Hobson takes on a political life when husband Michael Redgrave is reported dead during the war. When he is found alive, they must re-evaluate post-war values. Until Flora Robson's unity speech, a solid, involving drama of changing society.
Yellow Sky (1948)
Led by clinical Gregory Peck, outlaws escape across the Badlands, escaping death by reaching a desolate ghost town where Anne Baxter tries to keep a gold mine hidden. Stark photography amid rugged landscapes infuses the drama, crisply staged action builds tension.
Yeogyosa (Misbehavior) (2016)
Deceptively measured approach to increasingly heated melodrama sees high school teacher Kim Ha-Neul resent entitled new tutor Yu In-Young and vies with her for attentions of student dancer Lee Won-Geun. Shifting power games and increasing obsession lead to satisfyingly brutal conclusion.
Yeogyosuui Eunmilhan Maeryeok (Bewitching Attraction) (2006)
Distinctive style weaves bleak mood through lives of desperate college teachers who gravitate to sexual, anxious Moon So-ri even as newcomer Ji Jin-hee threatens to reveal a secret from her past. Sparks of dark humor and compelling lead demand attention despite narrative shifts.
Yeonae Bbajin Romance (Nothing Serious) (2021)
Cynical approach to sex and romance collides with relationship loneliness and sparks of emotion, as brash Jun Jong-seo and uneasy Son Suk-ku meet through dating app. Breezy tone matched by energetic performances; provocative humor provides balance to traditional impulses.
Yesterday (2019)
After struggling songwriter Himesh Patel survives accident to find a world where only he knows The Beatles songs, comic sequences hum, pacing is energetic and patient Lily James adds emotion. Yet showy visuals paper predictable romantic rhythms and situations, without exploring intriguing potential of setup.
Yigongsamchil (2037) (2022)
Spirited Kim Ji-Young cares for deaf mother and maintains work and studies, until murder of rapist sends her to prison. Gradual relationship with disparate, damaged fellow inmates is manipulative yet undeniably effective, told with assured visuals, and a bittersweet resolution.
Yiwootsaram (The Neighbors) (2012)
Establishing uneasy atmosphere with wicked ease, grungy serial killer Kim Sung-kyun lives in unremarkable apartment complex, as gradually suspecting residents have various reasons for being hesitant in accepting gruesome truth. Remorseful Kim Yunjin and young Kim Sae-ron in dual role provide brittle emotion.
Yonguija X (Perfect Number) (2012)
After brittle Lee Yo-won and young niece accidentally kill abusive ex-husband, reclusive math genius and neighbor Ryoo Seung-bum devises foolproof alibi, until intuitive detective Cho Jin-woong digs deeper. Smooth visuals and repressed emotions enrich tension, even as narrative feels over stretched.
Yooyeolui Eumakaelbum (Tune In For Love) (2019)
Riding on cultural and economic shifts tied to popular radio show, hesitant relationship between Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in is built on subtleties and mood over the years. Emotion never quite grips. though Kim Gook-hee sparks energy as close friend.
You Hurt My Feelings (2023)
Muted, earthy tones establish suitably intimate settings for witty, observant view on personal insecurities and preserving relationships as anxious author Julia Louis-Dreyfus overhears husband and therapist Tobias Menzies' true thoughts on her latest unpublished book. Stellar cast and affecting comedy.
You Never Can Tell (1951)
After innocent Peggy Dow is accused of murdering dog to claim fortune, canine returns as humanimal Dick Powell to reveal true killer. With former racehorse Joyce Holden as investigative partner abundant, endearing silliness ensues before plotting Charles Drake is caught.
Young Adult (2011)
Trading in a tart, cruel sense of character misanthropy, and driven by unrepentant YA author Charlize Theron's return to her hometown, an often funny tale of insular life and self-centered desires. Patton Oswalt sparks twisted memories and alcoholic realities.
Young And Innocent (1937)
Hitchcock's technical mastery and storytelling exuberance provides a giddy mix of comedy and thrills along with the virtuosity of individual set pieces. The flimsy narrative features the luminous Nova Pilbeam helping wrongly accused Derrick De Marney. The pleasure is in the detail and textures.
Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
Persuasive, sympathetic Henry Fonda finds his way as a lawyer, revealing family concerns and seeking fairness in society. Design and story remain theatrical, with intense dialogue and emotion relieved by sharp sense of humor and some elegant visuals. Respectfully polished.
The Young Mr Pitt (1942)
Part historical biography, part political discourse on government, and part rousing wartime propaganda, accentuating sacrifice for good of the nation. Tied together by intense, playful, compelling Robert Donat and deft storytelling. Involving, fanciful production.
Young Ones (2014)
Inert pacing reaches for the artistic and meaning in an apocalyptical future where Michael Shannon strives to rejuvenate his parched land, but instead finds encroaching violence and murder. Precise visuals and design feel in conflict with the harsh morality tale.
The Young Savages (1961)
Bluntly effective social drama provokes rather than illuminates with overly schematic story as New York DA Burt Lancaster finds more difficult cultural motives and prejudices behind vicious gang stabbing. Gritty urban visuals and ragged pace add to drama.
Young Woman And The Sea (2024)
Polished production benefits from solid cast and determined lead as Daisy Ridley battles establishment prejudice as well as physical demands to pioneer swim across English Channel. Gutsy characterization allies to standard sports triumph with equally dogged focus.
Your Christmas Or Mine (2022)
Marooned with each other's families by a snow storm, drama students Cora Kirk and Asa Butterfield provoke life lessons and revelations. Nothing remotely surprising and often plainly told, solid performers and brisk pace ensure humour and emotion emerge effectively.
Your Place Or Mine (2023)
Sturdy enough production leans on stars to breathe life into standard formula, with close friends safe Reese Witherspoon and uncommitted Ashton Kutcher swapping homes on opposite coasts. Life lessons and revealed love not told with enough comic zest or romantic sweep.
Your Sister's Sister (2011)
Sisters Emily Blunt and Rosemarie DeWitt confuse love and family with Mark Duplass to create an appealing, studied three-hander, as relationships and hopes are strained. Attractively realized locations wrap snappily constructed scenes. Emotions dry, resolution unconvincing.
Your Witness (1950)
Minor courtroom drama, murder whodunnit, featuring hotshot New York lawyer Robert Montgomery flying to help accused friend in eccentric English village. With echoes of wartime bonds and transatlantic culture clash, languid storytelling never builds real impetus.
You're Cordially Invited (2025)
Controlling Reese Witherspoon and needy Will Ferrell book same idyllic, remote island hotel for respective sister and daughter's weddings. Conflict, embarrassment and relationship lessons ensue. Abrasive and unfocused, lack of control and logic undermines appealing cast.
You're My Everything (1949)
Colorful family drama mirrors changes in early movie making, with screen natural Anne Baxter a star during end of silent era, energetic Dan Dailey featured in musicals craze, and their daughter a child star in mid-1930s. Uneven structure doesn't diminish charm of cast.
You've Got Mail (1998)
Affectionate approach overcomes fanciful setup as Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks establish anonymous on-line relationship unknowing he represents corporate book chain looking to put her community store out of business. Fuzzy thematic resolve; warm humor and appealing cast.
Z For Zachariah (2015)
Unhurried pace combines with considered landscapes and slow burn performances to create absorbing atmosphere for sexual and moral dynamics to play out. Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Eiifor and Chris Pine are survivors of apocalypse. Drifts away rather than vital.
Zabriskie Point (1970)
Impenetrable narrative allows masterful, expressive visuals explore counter-culture themes and feeling of alienation within blistering landscapes and compelling soundtrack. Intangible feelings and atmosphere, as alienating as embracing, strive against drifting, frustrating characters.
Zack And Miri Make A Porno (2008)
Sweetly raunchy, profanity and situation are bluster for romantic heart as best friends attempt to alleviate poverty by making X-rated Star Wars pastiche, and instead foster oddball family and unexpected love. Appealing performers and swift pace even when gags don't land.
Zwartboek (Black Book) (2006)
Solid production values and smooth visuals anchor spy infiltration of German command by revenge-minded Carice van Houten, revealing messy politics amid brutality and bravery. Yet despite persuasive lead, action and melodrama lacks intensity, soberly ambivalent rather than inspired.