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We seen Owen score the goal that sent him onto superstardom and the tremendous exploits of Les Bleus, who were lacking a potent striker throughout the tournament. We seen Lilian Thuram's double against Croatia in the knockout stages, which are still to date his only goals fro France. We seen Croatia's Davor Suker net the prestigious golden boot with six strikes, followed closely by Christian Vieri and Gabriel Omar Batistuta both on five. But the most promising player who unearthed from France 98 must have been Ronaldo luiz Nazario Da Lima. At only twenty one he tormented defences with his lightning pace and fine finishing. France 98 heralded a new king in the brilliant Brazilian and by finishing on 4 goals, he showed his worth to Brazil and his club. This film is not to in depth and basically gives you all the goals with minimum fuss, good entertainment.

The comic books are rich in character backgrounds and, elevate rapidly through masterful story lines. Since when has a comic book character brought so much pain and adversity to our screens. Since when has a comic book character been adapted into an animated series and still creates an aura of harshness and entertainment. Maybe the Batman series of the early 90's reflected the true depiction of it's character; Bob Kane intended Gotham City to be a dark and disturbing reality. A world like David Fincher or Tim Burton. Spawn does indeed thrive in this blend of nightmarish fantasy, which still portrays a world that does exists. Maybe the thought of a soldier sent from Hell, inhabiting the streets dressed in a red cloak and a rubber costume, while ridding the slums of criminals seems far fetched, it is still entertaining. The fact that Todd Mcfarlane has worked on comic books such as Spiderman shows that he knows how intricate characters are to be depicted. So he knew fine well that for this series to work an in depth, complex and intriguing storyline had to prevail. Spawn the animated series is just that and if you take time to appreciate each character and their personalities you should find Spawn to be highly watchable. Moving away from this the animation is just sublime; playing with the shadows of Rat Alley, and blending the hatred of Spawn with his undying love for Wanda, we are led into a paradoxical imagination of two untouchable forces colliding - Heaven and Hell. Watch Spawn and if you can read the comics, they are of a very good quality.

The seventies brought us the greatest films of our time from the Godfather one and two, The Deer Hunter, Serpico, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest and so on. Martin Scorceses Taxi Driver definitely ranks up there with the most poignant films in its dark and disturbing nature. De Niro seems to have a special ability to play unstable individuals as he did so flawlessly playing Jake La Motta in Raging Bull. Taxi Driver is no different and De Niro gives one of his most powerful performances in his career, on par with his appearance as Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part two. This film is at times slow moving but this is to allow you to get into his world and it works. As we watch him driving around in his taxi acting maybe a little bit weary and odd we get the impression that he isn't that weird. Well this is the part where he takes his girlfriend for a night out and to where? To a very romantic porn film. After this I just thought get out while you can woman and thankfully for her sake she did. Travis (De Niro) was now very clearly a mentally unstable man, the film then takes off from here and the story becomes very compelling. De Niro decides that he must clean up the streets as the authorities just don't seem up to it. He takes on the role of a secret government worker and he sets off on his destiny. Watch in amazement as De Niro gives a chilling five minutes of him in front of a certain mirror. The scene "you talkin to me" is quite brilliant and it did pioneer many reminiscent scenes after it. With De Niro looking very much psychotic, deranged, chilling and just amazing this scene was truly terrifying. This film catches many major issues that are still very much around today; when De Niro befriends a thirteen year old prostitute played by an excellent Jodie Foster we are shown a side to De Niro that was always there but just did not surface. He wants to help this young girl, help her to escape from the vile pimp (Harvey Kietel). This is where De Niro takes revenge on behalf of Foster and the finale is quite brilliant. Yes it is bloody and yes it is very real, 'A savage piece of work', with Scorcese at his pinnacle and De Niro playing to perfection this bold, dark, surreal and evil film is a must see not only for it's wide recognition but also for it's reminder of the mentally ill people whom live in this world. Hellishly superb, only the Devil could have orchestrated such a fine and twisted film.

This very suffocating film is by far the most brutal and graphic piece of work done in a long time. Although the camera work is technically excellent it is overshadowed by the savage scenes which surround it; from the moment Pierre smashes a mans skull and brain to jelly with a fire extinguisher you realize that this inhuman film ranks up there with the most vile and grim ones around. If this seen was not gut- wrenching enough then the very disturbing rape scene that followed simply made the last scene look average. The director's goal was to make the viewer feel as uncomfortable as possible but at the same time make you really understand. Each time the 'Tenia' is shown brutally raping his victim (Monica Belluci) you find it unbearable to watch, smartly the director may use another camera view so that you see less. You might then think it's over and you feel a sign of relief-wrong. Immediately you are thrown right back into the deep end and you begin to drown in her pain and terrible suffering as this very sick and deranged predator keeps going. At times I actually questioned whether it was in my right to watch this, am I watching this because I enjoy watching or am I so disgusted and surprised by the tragedy that I need to know the full extent. For whatever reason there is the director definitely gained my utmost sympathy for this woman and triggered my rage and anger for this rapist. What struck me even more was the fact that after you suffer this scene, which seems to last forever the 'Tenia' then goes on to severely beat his victim to a pulp- how nice as if she had not suffered enough. I could tell you of the brilliant filmwork or the brilliant acting by Vincent Cassel (La Haine, Doberman) and Monica Belluci (The Passion of the Christ, The Matrix Reloaded/Revolutions) but we the viewer are simply engulfed by the sadistic atrocities that are the sad highlight of this film. I will say that if you really want to find the hatred within yourself against cold blooded killers and rapists then this film will trigger it. I wouldn't recommend this film to someone in a conversation about films unless the very highly unlikely scenario of rape surfaced. Despite this I wish you could see this film just to understand the full extent of the harsh encounters people have in life, and even if you can't fully watch then only glimpses will do the damage. The background music just to mention is quite daunting and further enhances the surreal and uncomfortable atmosphere.

Luc Besson was the perfect architect for a film of this nature. Be sure that if this film was made by another director then the emotional barrier would not have been in sight. Instead of this film being a shoot- em- up we actually find a story of love and pain. Besson has a certain way of directing if you have seen his previous 'Nikita' and picturesque 'The Big Blue', he has the ability to bring more depth into an average film. Leon is played by the entertaining Jean Reno (Godzilla, Ronin) and he perfects the role of a lone Italian hit-man lost on the streets of New York. Gary Oldman is quite superb as the psychotic cop and is pivotal in raising the tempo of the film. Oldman is truly brilliant and would steal the honours if it wasn't for a young Natalie Portman. Just as Jodie Foster made her breakthrough in Taxi Driver Portman conducts herself wonderfully as a youthful daughter of a drug seller seemingly unloved by her family. The only love was for her unfortunate younger brother whom is unintentionally shot dead by Oldman's henchmen. This I must say was prominent in showing the way love is torn away and then found again; Mathilda (Portman) finds a father figure in Leon whom at first is reluctant to accept her-a hindras to his identity. From her though they both gradually form a strong bond that is not stepping over the line, it is simply a love almost unconditional as referring to Leon taking the place of her father. The film itself is shot to perfection, violence is kept relatively low though still keeping the tempo and pace flowing. This action film soon succumbs the viewer into actually admiring and appreciating leons work; "no women no children" is a philosophy that Leons boss must keep to. And not only this Leon is always assigned to deal with criminals, which in return isn't too bad. The reason this film is so good is for the fact that you really feel sorry for Leon and the finale just enhances that sorrow.In all this film is a must see not only for it's slick storyline and entertaining acting. A must see.

Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu has introduced a different perspective of life to the viewers; the consequences of tempting fate "make God laugh and tell him you're plans" are shown throughout the film and with flawless ability. Innaritu has shown that he can blend his Catholic beliefs into a modern film while keeping the entertainment flowing. The cunning script has blended brutality with love and to perfection at the least. This kind of work has not been seen since Tarantino through the mixed sequences; starting with the incident that is explored again in a more compelling and vivid manner. To be frank this film was long but for the sole reason to allow you to appreciate the characters more intimately. Each specific character is analyzed in their emotions and actions to allow you to feel their pain as they suffer, if minimal time was spent on these people then this film would have no soul. The filming of the dog fighting is brutal and harsh on the viewer as these two animals tear each other apart and it seems very much legitimate, whether it is or not I don't know. This then compliments the love throughout the film; El Chivo with his adored dogs eventually killed and Valeria's dog Ritchie whom she loves. Gael Garcia Bernal is superb playing the young free spirited Octavio and Emilio Echevarria is sublime and for me steals the plaudits. This film intelligently interweaves between varied characters and reminiscent scenarios are not shown systematically, which may seem too complex for a basic story, though instead produces a more interesting storyline. You find out how three people are directly involved with each other in drastic circumstances. Subtitled this film is but to fully gain the understanding of the characters their dialect must be heard. I recommend this film to lovers of foreign Cinema as it boasts all the necessary antidotes to create a masterful film of technically brilliant filmwork along with a very clever storyboard.Superb.

Ghost Dog is performed by the excellent Forrest Whitaker, whom I regard very highly as an actor (Platoon). This film has been aimed at varied groups of society and I believe that it does impress in that aspect. The soundtrack boasts Wu - Tang at their best, although you must be an admirer of then to appreciate. Regarding the actual film 'Ghost Dog' is very different to what you may expect, smarter and more intimate than what you first thought. Such is the touching connection between 'Ghost Dog' and his French counterpart; although they both speak different languages together they seem to have a sense of understanding and remarkably hold down a genuine conversation. The film itself is very original with the settings giving a very surreal atmosphere to the film. The rooftop in which 'Ghost Dog' is situated gives his character a very personal edge, the birds that are his friends are somewhat unique and in all his dedication to them and the way of the Samurai gives us the viewer the ability to be at his level and understand him. A Samurai lives to serve their code and for 'Ghost Dog' his conflict with the local Mafia allows him to fulfil his beliefs; the showdown between 'Ghost Dog' and a Mafia hit-man brings about the sad demise of our main character but as it works with the Samurai it is a great honour to die in 'battle'. A fresh film, which although is quite surreal still gives good viewing with a good script and original characters.

La Haine for me was the pinnacle of how a film should be put over in it's true message of intent in a political sense. La Haine is a brutal, bold but simple film, which intelligently interweaves between three unique individuals.Highlighted throughout are the burdens and painful encounters with the much resented Police, but most of all themselves.The hatred that engulfs this film is found within one certain character 'Vinz' who breathes and speaks hatred everywhere he goes. The directors intention of this film was to give us the viewer a more prominent knowledge of the pain that many poor Parisians live in. Kassovitz does not want to confuse his viewer nor does he want to make us think simple thoughts of it. Instead he wants to make us think for ourself and let our imaginations see the anger and problems which face these people. In some peoples opinions La Haine is reminiscent to Spike Lee's 'Do the Right Thing', to me though La Haine is more. Lee's film is very one sided and although racial abuse comes from both sides the film does not give the viewer a concrete choice to follow. La Haine on the other hand shocks the audience into having no choice but to sympathize with Vinz and his peers. When you look around at their bleak and desolate existence you must think to yourself "what would I do in their position?". If you can see beyond the typical genre of mindless 'hood' films then you will come to realize that this film is a political statement that has the sole intention of changing this world. Once you have seen this film it is up to you to either carry on you're life not caring or actually feel some aspect of condolence for these people, if you do so then at least this film was not made in vain. While we interweave within each character we become manifested in the hatred and mental tiredness in which the films characters experience. La Haine gives a stark implication of how life really works for the less fortunate; Hubert had the chance to walk, Vinz was damn unlucky and Said was the helpless bystander. Vincent Cassel is vibrant and very believable as a man who is portrayed as a living time bomb. Hubert Kounde puts in an exceptional performance as a man intent on punching his way to freedom. Said Taghmaoui requires less ability in his role but he plays the character very well providing the balance between the other two characters. The finale to this film simply enhanced it's power over me as the viewer, intense and thought provoking it was. For this strong feeling I plead with you if La Haine has not yet been viewed by you make sure you watch it. It is brilliant masterpiece, which is amongst the most poignant films of it's nature to be brought to our screens. "How you fall does not matter, it is how you land" will always be something of a strong reminder that for some life is a never ending circle of pain and hate.