Lima

A magical fairy tale in the inimitable style of Terry Gilliam. I wonder what would have happened if he had made a Harry Potter film, which was reportedly under consideration.

One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever seen. Beautiful music, production design, and performances – there is nothing to fault. Oblomov is still my favourite Mikhalkov film, but The Barber of Siberia is not far behind.

One of my most favourite films. Oleg Tabakov as the lazy, warm-hearted and compassionate Oblomov is simply phenomenal. In my opinion, Nikita Mikhalkov’s best film.

Ace High is a film I always enjoy watching. It’s second of the duo Terence Hill and Bud Spencer, where they are still not throwing punches like on a treadmill. Sure, there are the requisite fights, but to a lesser extent than usual in films with this pair, especially at the beginning and then in the "final showdown". Rather, it's quite an interesting story, with Eli Wallach, again as an irresistible villain, hot on the heels of the central duo. The story has some interesting twists and turns and the final casino scene is hilariously put togeter. This film will not offend even those who don’t like these two brawlers.

After the success of Treasure of Silver Lake the Germans started to make May’s film adaptations like on a treadmill. In 1965 alone they released eight. The Oil Prince is one of them, a sloppy film put together on a rush, just like the rest (with bright exceptions).

Even though it’s a made-for-TV movie, it was released in cinemas here many years ago. It should be said that for its time it’s pretty good. One of the best films of Kabir Bedi’s, who otherwise floundered in B-movies.

It has little in common with the novel, as with other May adaptations, but it’s quite enjoyable otherwise. The ravages of time have eroded the original impression over the years, but nostalgia is a bitch and I won't go below four stars.

Itinerary of a Spoiled Child, a sad, nostalgic film about an ageing man reassessing his life. Belmondo in an unusual role for him at the time, but one that suited him very well.

Yeah, those were the times! The Black Tulip was my childhood’s action hero. It remains fresh, full of action, romance and subtle French humour.

I can't help it, but at the end of the film Lars von Trier tries to wring tears out of the audience at any cost, proving his famous cynicism, which works reliably in many of his films, but not here. He could have spared us the moment at the end when Björk cries hysterically as the hood is pulled over her head. It was cheap and gratuitous, and that's when von Trier's went too far. The three stars go mainly for the music and the great performances, especially David Morse and Björk, who literally lives her role.