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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.