Coronavirus Update March 2020: The Lending Library is currently unavailable. Click here to read the letter from our chairman.
Lending Library
Paid-up members of the society can borrow DVDs from the collection which has accumulated from past seasons.
The scheme is being run by John Couper. He will hold the library at his home, 94b Granary Lane, and those wishing to borrow a DVD can ring him on 01395 44 3175 (at a reasonable hour!) any day of the week, or email: "john[at]couper.plus.com", to arrange a collection day and time. If he is away, he will deal with the request as soon as possible on his return. Films shown in any current season will not be available for borrowing until the season has ended.
Not more than three DVDs may be borrowed at any one time. DVDs may be kept for a maximum of one week. Returned DVDs may be handed back in person, or put through his letter box.
Below and overleaf is a current list of available titles. Members are responsible for the collection, care and return of the DVDs, and are requested not to pass them on to friends or other non- members of the society. We hope you enjoy watching them.
The scheme is being run by John Couper. He will hold the library at his home, 94b Granary Lane, and those wishing to borrow a DVD can ring him on 01395 44 3175 (at a reasonable hour!) any day of the week, or email: "john[at]couper.plus.com", to arrange a collection day and time. If he is away, he will deal with the request as soon as possible on his return. Films shown in any current season will not be available for borrowing until the season has ended.
Not more than three DVDs may be borrowed at any one time. DVDs may be kept for a maximum of one week. Returned DVDs may be handed back in person, or put through his letter box.
Below and overleaf is a current list of available titles. Members are responsible for the collection, care and return of the DVDs, and are requested not to pass them on to friends or other non- members of the society. We hope you enjoy watching them.
Available Films on DVD
A Bottle in the Gaza Sea (2011)
A Man Called Ove (2015)
A Royal Affair (2012)
A Separation (2012)
After the Wedding (2006)
Anna Karenina (2012)
Argo (2012)
Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987)
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Brideshead Revisited (2008)
Brothers (2005)
Cezanne et Moi (2016)
Conspiracy (2001)
Cycling with Molière (2013)
Denial (X2) (2016)
Departures (2009)
Difret (2013)
Diplomacy (2014)
Eight Days a Week (only in Blu-ray) (2016)
Empties (2007)
Even the Rain (2010)
Frantz (also in Blu-ray) (2016)
Gloria (2013)
Goodbye Bafana (2007)
Goodbye Lenin (2003)
Habemus Papam (2011)
Hidden (Caché) (2005)
Himalaya (1999)
Human Capital (2013)
I, Daniel Blake (also in Blu-Ray)(2016)
I’ve Loved You so long (2008)
Ida (2013)
Il Postino (1994)
Irreplaceable (2006)
Julieta (2016)
Jungle Book (1967)
Kolya (1996)
Labyrinth of Lies (2014)
Last Station (2009)
Like Father, Like Son (2013)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Looking for Richard (1996)
Loose Cannons (2010)
Love is All You Need (2012)
Lunch Box (2013)
Mademoiselle Chambon (2009)
Manuscripts Don’t Burn (2013)
Margin Call (2010)
Maudie (2017)
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Monsieur Lazhar (2011)
My Old Lady (2013)
Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
Of Gods and Men (2010)
Our Little Sister (2015)
Pride (2014)
Queen of Katwe (also in Blu-Ray) (2016)
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
Rear Window (1954)
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)
Shakespeare in Love (X2) (1998)
Shall We Dance? (1996)
Side Effects (2013)
Snowden (also in Blu-Ray) (2016)
Still Life (2013)
Still Mine (2012)
Summer in February (2013)
Tangerines (2013)
Tell No One (2006)
The Big Sick (2017)
The Chorus (2005)
The Concert (2009)
The Counterfeiters (2006)
The Crow’s Egg (2014)
The Ghost (2010)
The Go-Between (1971)
The Insult (2017)
The Man Who Knew Infinity (also in Blu-ray)(2015)
The Olive Tree (2016)
The Page Turner (2006)
The Priest’s Children (2013)
The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012)
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
The Visitor (2008)
The Wave (2008)
The Women on the Sixth Floor (2010)
Three Walls (2003)
Tsotsi (2005)
Untouchable (2011)
Volver (2006)
Wadjda (2012)
Welcome (2009)
You will be my Son (2012)
A Man Called Ove (2015)
A Royal Affair (2012)
A Separation (2012)
After the Wedding (2006)
Anna Karenina (2012)
Argo (2012)
Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987)
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)
Brideshead Revisited (2008)
Brothers (2005)
Cezanne et Moi (2016)
Conspiracy (2001)
Cycling with Molière (2013)
Denial (X2) (2016)
Departures (2009)
Difret (2013)
Diplomacy (2014)
Eight Days a Week (only in Blu-ray) (2016)
Empties (2007)
Even the Rain (2010)
Frantz (also in Blu-ray) (2016)
Gloria (2013)
Goodbye Bafana (2007)
Goodbye Lenin (2003)
Habemus Papam (2011)
Hidden (Caché) (2005)
Himalaya (1999)
Human Capital (2013)
I, Daniel Blake (also in Blu-Ray)(2016)
I’ve Loved You so long (2008)
Ida (2013)
Il Postino (1994)
Irreplaceable (2006)
Julieta (2016)
Jungle Book (1967)
Kolya (1996)
Labyrinth of Lies (2014)
Last Station (2009)
Like Father, Like Son (2013)
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Looking for Richard (1996)
Loose Cannons (2010)
Love is All You Need (2012)
Lunch Box (2013)
Mademoiselle Chambon (2009)
Manuscripts Don’t Burn (2013)
Margin Call (2010)
Maudie (2017)
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Monsieur Lazhar (2011)
My Old Lady (2013)
Night Train to Lisbon (2013)
Of Gods and Men (2010)
Our Little Sister (2015)
Pride (2014)
Queen of Katwe (also in Blu-Ray) (2016)
Rabbit Proof Fence (2002)
Rear Window (1954)
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2011)
Shakespeare in Love (X2) (1998)
Shall We Dance? (1996)
Side Effects (2013)
Snowden (also in Blu-Ray) (2016)
Still Life (2013)
Still Mine (2012)
Summer in February (2013)
Tangerines (2013)
Tell No One (2006)
The Big Sick (2017)
The Chorus (2005)
The Concert (2009)
The Counterfeiters (2006)
The Crow’s Egg (2014)
The Ghost (2010)
The Go-Between (1971)
The Insult (2017)
The Man Who Knew Infinity (also in Blu-ray)(2015)
The Olive Tree (2016)
The Page Turner (2006)
The Priest’s Children (2013)
The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012)
The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
The Visitor (2008)
The Wave (2008)
The Women on the Sixth Floor (2010)
Three Walls (2003)
Tsotsi (2005)
Untouchable (2011)
Volver (2006)
Wadjda (2012)
Welcome (2009)
You will be my Son (2012)
More details of some of the available films...
After the Wedding. Denmark. (2006). Susanne Bier. An aid worker in Mumbai develops a friendship with a philanthropic businessman but subsequently finds that the wife of the benefactor is a figure from his past, a situation which ultimately unfolds many dark family secrets.
Argo. USA. (2012). Ben Affleck.In 1980, six American diplomats seek sanctuary in the Canadian Embassy in Tehran because of civil unrest and anti-American feelings. The CIA hope to rescue them by employing them in a bogus film company, who are supposedly making a sci-fi film called “Argo”. The film won an Oscar for Best Picture.
Anna Karenina. UK. (2012). Joe Wright. The film explores the scandalous and tragic love affair between Princess Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky in late 19th century imperial Russia, based on Tolstoy’s novel. The film is visually stunning, and won several awards, including Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography.
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel The. UK. (2012). John Madden. A disparate group of over-60s are lured to India by the promise of majestic retirement at the Best Marigold Hotel in Jaipur. Promise, however, does not match reality, as each member of the group comes to terms with changes in culture and life-style.
Brideshead Revisited. UK. (2008). Julian Jarrold. When the charming aristocrat Sebastian invites Charles Ryder to his family’s estate, Charles becomes seduced by the opulent lifestyle of the Marchmain family, and by Julia, Sebastian’s sister. As their romance deepens, Charles discovers that at Brideshead, love, money and power come at a price.
Brothers. Denmark. (2005). Susanne Bier. The story of two brothers: one a Danish army officer and the other a convicted bank robber. The latter develops a relationship with his sister-in-law and her children when his brother is reported missing during a helicopter mission.
Chorus The. France/Switzerland. (2005). Christophe Barratier. A new teacher at a strict and unsympathetic educational regime attempts to reach the pupils through music. An absorbing study of human relations and a delightful musical experience. Gigantic success with French audiences.
Concert The. Belarus. (2009). Radu Mihaileanu. French/Russian comedy. The sacked conductor of the Bolshoi Orchestra hijacks an invitation for them to play in Paris, and instead sets about replacing the Bolshoi Orchestra on the trip with his old colleagues and friends. Chaos ensues. Enjoyable and entertaining.
Counterfeiters The Austria. (2006). Stefan Ruzowitzky. Won an Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film. A Jewish master forger escapes the gas chambers and other horrors of the concentration camps by leading a small group of camp inmates with similar forging skills. A tense and provocative thriller.
Departures. Japan. (2009). Yojiro Takita. An out of work Japanese cellist returns to his small home town from Tokyo and accepts a job entitled “Departures”, but it isn’t what he expected. Winner of many awards, it is a delightfully produced film which gives some fascinating insights into Japanese life and culture.
Even The Rain. Spain/Mexico. (2010). Iciar Ballain. A struggling film company is trying to make a film in Bolivia about Christopher Columbus, challenging the romantic view of his exploits, and highlighting the vicious gold rush and acquisition of cheap slaves. Meanwhile, a local activist is trying to stop the privatisation and selling-off of the city’s water supply. The filming takes place amidst growing social unrest.
Ghost The. France/Germany/UK. (2010). Roman Polanski. This film, which won an award for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival, is a political thriller about a man who is hired as a ghost writer to complete the memoirs of a fictional British prime minister. He discovers that his predecessor had died under suspicious circumstances, and as he explores what might have happened, it becomes ever more clear that his own life could be at risk.
Gloria.Chile/Spain. (2013). Sebastián Lelio. Gloria is a 58-year-old divorcée. Determined to defy old age and loneliness after her children have left home, she tries unsuccessfully to find fulfilment at singles’ parties, but it leads to emptiness and disappointment. Then she meets an ex-naval officer, but ultimately finds herself being forced to confront her own dark secrets.
Go-Between The. UK. (1971). Joseph Losey. Based on the novel by L.P.Hartley, a young boy is invited by a school friend to spend his summer holidays at a Norfolk country house. While there, he finds himself as a “go-between” for a secret love affair between his friend’s sister and a farming neighbour. Gradually, the situation moves inexorably to personal tragedy.
Goodbye Bafana. South Africa. (2007). Bille August. South Africa, 1968. The story of a prison officer ordered to spy on Nelson Mandela during his time at Robben Island. The film investigates the development of the relationship between the two men, and the profound effect on the prison officer’s wife and family.
Goodbye Lenin. Germany. (2003). Wolfgang Becker. The story involves keeping the truth of the fall of the Berlin Wall from a staunch supporter of the east German Communist Party. Funny and poignant. Voted Best European Film at the Berlin Awards in 2003.
Habemus Papam. Italy/France. (2011). Nanni Moretti. At the Vatican, cardinals assemble to elect a new pope. The newly-elected pope has grave doubts about his own suitability, and as a result an atheist psychoanalyst is called to help resolve the problem. A charming, gentle film which deals with issues with subtlety and good humour.
Hidden (Caché). France. (2005). Michael Haneke. Psychological thriller. A television presenter begins to receive mysterious packages containing covertly filmed videos of himself and his family. The situation deteriorates and throws up many unpleasant facts. The Daily Mail described it as “the most gripping film of the year”.
Himalaya. Nepal et al.(1999). Eric Valli. The struggle for the leadership of a Nepalese tribe following the death of their chief. A visually astounding film, shot entirely on location, showing the breath-taking beauty of the Himalayas, as well as giving an insight into the harsh lives of these people.
I’ve Loved You so Long. France. (2008). Phillippe Claudel. The reuniting of two sisters after a fifteen year gap. The grim secret behind their separation is gradually revealed. The Guardian described the film as a “deeply involving, beautifully acted and expertly constructed human drama, by and for grown-ups”.
Jungle Book. USA. (1967). Walt Disney. Based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling which were written towards the end of the nineteenth century, this animated film tells how the child Mowgli was brought up by wolves, and was taught the law and business of the jungle byBaloo the bear, and Bagheera the black panther.
Kind Hearts and Coronets. UK. (1949). Robert Hamer. An “Ealing” black comedy. A story of revenge among the aristocracy which involves murduring ten people, eight of whom are played by the legendary Alec Guinness.
Little Miss Sunshine. USA. (2006). Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. An American comedy drama. Olive, a young girl, discovers that she has qualified for the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty contest. The only way to get to it, is to involve her entire somewhat disfunctional family in an 800 mile trip to California in their ancient Volkswagen microbus. Various setbacks occur en route, leading up to the climactic moment when she is asked to perform.
Looking for Richard. USA. (1996). Al Pacino. “Richard 111”, Shakespeare’s gripping drama of power, lust and betrayal, becomes accessible to a wider audience in this critically acclaimed film, which marks the director’s debut. It is a documentary film, including interviews with academics, and scenes acted from the play.
Loose Cannons. Italy. (2010). Ferzan Ozpetek. An Italian family dinner at which two sons face the dilemma of “coming out” and announcing that they are “gay”. This unexpected “crisis” leads to a wave of comic and unexpected events in which self-fulfilment struggles with social propriety and family commitment. The “loose cannon” is grandma, who also has a tale to tell!
Madamoiselle Chambon . France. (2009). Stephane Brize. A meticulously crafted romantic drama. The tale of an unexpected romance between a married man and his son’s school teacher. As their feelings for each other slowly take hold, they reach a painful turning point that will affect their lives for ever. The film was awarded the Best Adapted Screenplay at the César Awards.
Margin Call. USA. (2010). J.C.Chandor. A film set in 2008 dealing with the start of the financial crisis in America, and staff at one investment bank where information is secretly passed to a junior employee. A tense, absorbing drama.
Midnight in Paris. USA/France. (2011). Woody Allen. A Hollywood screenwriter is on holiday in Paris with his fiancée when he discovers that after midnight, Paris becomes magical in more ways than one, and could be the ultimate source of inspiration for his writing. A charming, warm, funny and poignant film.
Monsieur Lazhar. Canada. (2011). Philippe Falardeau. The tragic death of an elementary school teacher in Montreal is the starting point for this thoughtful and touching film. A new teacher (an Algerian immigrant) is quickly appointed, and has to cope with two of the pupils who have been particularly traumatised by the recent events. His reputation grows, but questions gradually begin to be asked about his past and his immigrant status.
My Afternoons With Margueritte (La Tête En Friche). France. (2010). Jean Becker.The warm story of the development of a platonic relationship in a small French town between an overweight, middle-aged handyman and a 95 year old articulate, intelligent, literature-loving lady.
Of Gods and Men. France. (2010). Xavier Beauvois. Set in Algeria, the film explores the lives and dilemmas of nine Trappist monks in a monastery. For years, they have lived in harmony with the Christian and Muslim population, but with the growing weakness of government, and the rise of terrorism, their place in society becomes increasingly precarious. As the situation outside the monastery gets worse, they ultimately have to make an agonisingly difficult decision about their future.
Page Turner The. France.(2006). Denis Dercourt. The story of a nanny with a terrible and secret grudge, who is promoted to the position of page-turner for a celebrated concert pianist, and who becomes intimately involved with his family’s life. This ultimately leads to chilling consequences.
Postino Il (The Postman). Italy. (1994). Michael Radford. The film tells a fictional story in which the real-life Chilean poet Pablo Neruda forms a relationship with a simple postman who learns to appreciate poetry. The poet lives in exile on a small Italian island, and when the postman falls in love with a beautiful woman, he finds that he is better able to express his love to her through poetry. The film explores the changing fortunes of the two men and their relationships.
Rabbit Proof Fence. Australia/UK. (2002). Phillip Noyce. Based on a true story of 1930’s Aboriginal children escaping from a “training” camp, and making a 1,500 mile journey home by following a rabbit-proof fence. Gripping.
Rear Window. USA. (1954). Alfred Hitchcock. An intriguing film by this iconic director. A photographer with a broken leg watches his neighbours from a window and believes that he has witnessed a murder, and an attempt to dispose of the body.
Royal Affair A. Denmark. (2012). Nikolaj Arcel. The younger sister of George 111 is sent to Denmark to marry her suitor, King Christian V11, but the latter’s unstable behaviour gets worse over the years. A German doctor is engaged to help: he wins the king’s trust, but also starts a passionate love affair with the queen.
Salmon Fishing in The Yemen. UK. (2011). Lasse Hallstrom. A wealthy sheik who is passionate about fishing approaches a British fishery expert and asks him to create a salmon river in the highlands of the Yemen. The expert thinks the whole project is crazy, but the prime minister’s press secretary hears of it, and sees some potential for government propaganda. The film is an enjoyable blend of drama and comedy.
Secret in Their Eyes The. Spain/Argentina. (2009). Juan Jose Campanella. A Federal Justice Agent has retired, and decides to write a novel about a case he investigated some 25 years previously: the unsatisfactory outcome has haunted him ever since. He encounters dangerous and mysterious circumstances and situations. A box office success and an Academy Award winner for the Best Foreign Language Film.
Separation A. Iran. (2012). Asghar Farhadi. A young couple are on the point of divorcing: one wishes to stay in Iran, and the other wants to leave the country. The subsequent complications give a fascinating insight into Sharia law. Described as “fiercely intelligent, morally and socially complex” by critics, it was awarded an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Shakespeare in Love. UK/USA. (1998). John Madden. The young Will Shakespeare is having problems with his comedy “Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter”, and the playhouse is threatened with closure. This delightful film tells how the real “Romeo and Juliet” came to be written. Brilliantly funny, warm, and fast-moving.
Shall We Dance? USA.(1996).Peter Chelsom. An irresistible romantic comedy. He’s an over-worked accountant and she, an accomplished dancer: but passion is about to find two unlikely partners. A film with a perfect combination of love and laughter, and a favourite at Cannes.
Tell No One. France. (2006). Guillaume Canet. A doctor has been slowly putting his life back together after his wife had been murdered by a serial killer eight years previously. He now finds himself implicated in a double murder, with evidence pointing to him as the killer, even though he knows nothing about these crimes. He then receives an email supposedly from his wife, and a video clip which shows her looking alive and well. Needless to say, his future becomes increasingly precarious.
Three Walls. India. (2003). Nagesh Kukunoor. Three convicted murderers are in prison awaiting punishment. The governor of the prison is a firm believer in the reform of criminals, and allows a documentary film-maker to interview them. As we learn about their characters, crimes, and motives, we begin to realise that all is not as it seems.
Tsotsi. South Africa. (2005). Gavin Hood. A Soweto gang leader shoots a woman driver, and steals her car - but finds a baby in the back seat; the film follows the next six days. A life story with touches of humour, but without sentimentality.
Untouchable. France/Belgium. (2011).ric Toledano, Olivier Nakache. A millionaire in Paris, confined to a wheel chair after a paragliding accident, employs a carer who is poorly educated, unemployed, and unqualified, and with a minor criminal record. His energy and enthusiasm, however, have a profound effect on both of them.
Visitor The. USA. (2008). Thomas McCarthy. An economics professor, who is an authority on the economic problems of third world countries, develops a relationship with squatters, and fights immigration bureaucracy in an attempt to prevent one of them being deported to Syria, where his politically active father had died in prison.
Volver . Spain.(2006). Pedro Almodovar. Written by the director, the story involves two sisters who live in Madrid, but whose parents died in a tragic fire three years prior to the beginning of the film. The events which occurred on the night of the fire are only gradually revealed, and are far more complex than we were at first led to suppose.
Wave The (Die Welle). Germany. (2008). Dennis Gansel. A German high school teacher who is an anarchist, is forced to teach a class about autocracy. His students do not believe that a dictatorship could again be established in modern Germany, so he embarks on a bizarre project with them to demonstrate how easily masses can be manipulated. Then the whole experiment spirals disturbingly out of control.
Welcome. France. (2009). Phillipe Lioret. A huge box office success in France. The story of a 17 year old Kurdish refugee who travels across Europe to be with his girlfriend in London, only to reach the English Channel and immigration barriers in Calais. Can he succeed in overcoming these obstacles?
Wadjda. Saudi Arabia. (2012). Haifaa Al-Mansour. An eleven year old girl wants to buy a bicycle so that she can race against a friendly neighbourhood boy. To raise the money, she enters a Koran recital competition at her all-girls’ school. The film offers a glimpse into a society and culture which are very different from our own.
Argo. USA. (2012). Ben Affleck.In 1980, six American diplomats seek sanctuary in the Canadian Embassy in Tehran because of civil unrest and anti-American feelings. The CIA hope to rescue them by employing them in a bogus film company, who are supposedly making a sci-fi film called “Argo”. The film won an Oscar for Best Picture.
Anna Karenina. UK. (2012). Joe Wright. The film explores the scandalous and tragic love affair between Princess Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky in late 19th century imperial Russia, based on Tolstoy’s novel. The film is visually stunning, and won several awards, including Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography.
Best Exotic Marigold Hotel The. UK. (2012). John Madden. A disparate group of over-60s are lured to India by the promise of majestic retirement at the Best Marigold Hotel in Jaipur. Promise, however, does not match reality, as each member of the group comes to terms with changes in culture and life-style.
Brideshead Revisited. UK. (2008). Julian Jarrold. When the charming aristocrat Sebastian invites Charles Ryder to his family’s estate, Charles becomes seduced by the opulent lifestyle of the Marchmain family, and by Julia, Sebastian’s sister. As their romance deepens, Charles discovers that at Brideshead, love, money and power come at a price.
Brothers. Denmark. (2005). Susanne Bier. The story of two brothers: one a Danish army officer and the other a convicted bank robber. The latter develops a relationship with his sister-in-law and her children when his brother is reported missing during a helicopter mission.
Chorus The. France/Switzerland. (2005). Christophe Barratier. A new teacher at a strict and unsympathetic educational regime attempts to reach the pupils through music. An absorbing study of human relations and a delightful musical experience. Gigantic success with French audiences.
Concert The. Belarus. (2009). Radu Mihaileanu. French/Russian comedy. The sacked conductor of the Bolshoi Orchestra hijacks an invitation for them to play in Paris, and instead sets about replacing the Bolshoi Orchestra on the trip with his old colleagues and friends. Chaos ensues. Enjoyable and entertaining.
Counterfeiters The Austria. (2006). Stefan Ruzowitzky. Won an Oscar for the Best Foreign Language Film. A Jewish master forger escapes the gas chambers and other horrors of the concentration camps by leading a small group of camp inmates with similar forging skills. A tense and provocative thriller.
Departures. Japan. (2009). Yojiro Takita. An out of work Japanese cellist returns to his small home town from Tokyo and accepts a job entitled “Departures”, but it isn’t what he expected. Winner of many awards, it is a delightfully produced film which gives some fascinating insights into Japanese life and culture.
Even The Rain. Spain/Mexico. (2010). Iciar Ballain. A struggling film company is trying to make a film in Bolivia about Christopher Columbus, challenging the romantic view of his exploits, and highlighting the vicious gold rush and acquisition of cheap slaves. Meanwhile, a local activist is trying to stop the privatisation and selling-off of the city’s water supply. The filming takes place amidst growing social unrest.
Ghost The. France/Germany/UK. (2010). Roman Polanski. This film, which won an award for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival, is a political thriller about a man who is hired as a ghost writer to complete the memoirs of a fictional British prime minister. He discovers that his predecessor had died under suspicious circumstances, and as he explores what might have happened, it becomes ever more clear that his own life could be at risk.
Gloria.Chile/Spain. (2013). Sebastián Lelio. Gloria is a 58-year-old divorcée. Determined to defy old age and loneliness after her children have left home, she tries unsuccessfully to find fulfilment at singles’ parties, but it leads to emptiness and disappointment. Then she meets an ex-naval officer, but ultimately finds herself being forced to confront her own dark secrets.
Go-Between The. UK. (1971). Joseph Losey. Based on the novel by L.P.Hartley, a young boy is invited by a school friend to spend his summer holidays at a Norfolk country house. While there, he finds himself as a “go-between” for a secret love affair between his friend’s sister and a farming neighbour. Gradually, the situation moves inexorably to personal tragedy.
Goodbye Bafana. South Africa. (2007). Bille August. South Africa, 1968. The story of a prison officer ordered to spy on Nelson Mandela during his time at Robben Island. The film investigates the development of the relationship between the two men, and the profound effect on the prison officer’s wife and family.
Goodbye Lenin. Germany. (2003). Wolfgang Becker. The story involves keeping the truth of the fall of the Berlin Wall from a staunch supporter of the east German Communist Party. Funny and poignant. Voted Best European Film at the Berlin Awards in 2003.
Habemus Papam. Italy/France. (2011). Nanni Moretti. At the Vatican, cardinals assemble to elect a new pope. The newly-elected pope has grave doubts about his own suitability, and as a result an atheist psychoanalyst is called to help resolve the problem. A charming, gentle film which deals with issues with subtlety and good humour.
Hidden (Caché). France. (2005). Michael Haneke. Psychological thriller. A television presenter begins to receive mysterious packages containing covertly filmed videos of himself and his family. The situation deteriorates and throws up many unpleasant facts. The Daily Mail described it as “the most gripping film of the year”.
Himalaya. Nepal et al.(1999). Eric Valli. The struggle for the leadership of a Nepalese tribe following the death of their chief. A visually astounding film, shot entirely on location, showing the breath-taking beauty of the Himalayas, as well as giving an insight into the harsh lives of these people.
I’ve Loved You so Long. France. (2008). Phillippe Claudel. The reuniting of two sisters after a fifteen year gap. The grim secret behind their separation is gradually revealed. The Guardian described the film as a “deeply involving, beautifully acted and expertly constructed human drama, by and for grown-ups”.
Jungle Book. USA. (1967). Walt Disney. Based on the stories by Rudyard Kipling which were written towards the end of the nineteenth century, this animated film tells how the child Mowgli was brought up by wolves, and was taught the law and business of the jungle byBaloo the bear, and Bagheera the black panther.
Kind Hearts and Coronets. UK. (1949). Robert Hamer. An “Ealing” black comedy. A story of revenge among the aristocracy which involves murduring ten people, eight of whom are played by the legendary Alec Guinness.
Little Miss Sunshine. USA. (2006). Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. An American comedy drama. Olive, a young girl, discovers that she has qualified for the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty contest. The only way to get to it, is to involve her entire somewhat disfunctional family in an 800 mile trip to California in their ancient Volkswagen microbus. Various setbacks occur en route, leading up to the climactic moment when she is asked to perform.
Looking for Richard. USA. (1996). Al Pacino. “Richard 111”, Shakespeare’s gripping drama of power, lust and betrayal, becomes accessible to a wider audience in this critically acclaimed film, which marks the director’s debut. It is a documentary film, including interviews with academics, and scenes acted from the play.
Loose Cannons. Italy. (2010). Ferzan Ozpetek. An Italian family dinner at which two sons face the dilemma of “coming out” and announcing that they are “gay”. This unexpected “crisis” leads to a wave of comic and unexpected events in which self-fulfilment struggles with social propriety and family commitment. The “loose cannon” is grandma, who also has a tale to tell!
Madamoiselle Chambon . France. (2009). Stephane Brize. A meticulously crafted romantic drama. The tale of an unexpected romance between a married man and his son’s school teacher. As their feelings for each other slowly take hold, they reach a painful turning point that will affect their lives for ever. The film was awarded the Best Adapted Screenplay at the César Awards.
Margin Call. USA. (2010). J.C.Chandor. A film set in 2008 dealing with the start of the financial crisis in America, and staff at one investment bank where information is secretly passed to a junior employee. A tense, absorbing drama.
Midnight in Paris. USA/France. (2011). Woody Allen. A Hollywood screenwriter is on holiday in Paris with his fiancée when he discovers that after midnight, Paris becomes magical in more ways than one, and could be the ultimate source of inspiration for his writing. A charming, warm, funny and poignant film.
Monsieur Lazhar. Canada. (2011). Philippe Falardeau. The tragic death of an elementary school teacher in Montreal is the starting point for this thoughtful and touching film. A new teacher (an Algerian immigrant) is quickly appointed, and has to cope with two of the pupils who have been particularly traumatised by the recent events. His reputation grows, but questions gradually begin to be asked about his past and his immigrant status.
My Afternoons With Margueritte (La Tête En Friche). France. (2010). Jean Becker.The warm story of the development of a platonic relationship in a small French town between an overweight, middle-aged handyman and a 95 year old articulate, intelligent, literature-loving lady.
Of Gods and Men. France. (2010). Xavier Beauvois. Set in Algeria, the film explores the lives and dilemmas of nine Trappist monks in a monastery. For years, they have lived in harmony with the Christian and Muslim population, but with the growing weakness of government, and the rise of terrorism, their place in society becomes increasingly precarious. As the situation outside the monastery gets worse, they ultimately have to make an agonisingly difficult decision about their future.
Page Turner The. France.(2006). Denis Dercourt. The story of a nanny with a terrible and secret grudge, who is promoted to the position of page-turner for a celebrated concert pianist, and who becomes intimately involved with his family’s life. This ultimately leads to chilling consequences.
Postino Il (The Postman). Italy. (1994). Michael Radford. The film tells a fictional story in which the real-life Chilean poet Pablo Neruda forms a relationship with a simple postman who learns to appreciate poetry. The poet lives in exile on a small Italian island, and when the postman falls in love with a beautiful woman, he finds that he is better able to express his love to her through poetry. The film explores the changing fortunes of the two men and their relationships.
Rabbit Proof Fence. Australia/UK. (2002). Phillip Noyce. Based on a true story of 1930’s Aboriginal children escaping from a “training” camp, and making a 1,500 mile journey home by following a rabbit-proof fence. Gripping.
Rear Window. USA. (1954). Alfred Hitchcock. An intriguing film by this iconic director. A photographer with a broken leg watches his neighbours from a window and believes that he has witnessed a murder, and an attempt to dispose of the body.
Royal Affair A. Denmark. (2012). Nikolaj Arcel. The younger sister of George 111 is sent to Denmark to marry her suitor, King Christian V11, but the latter’s unstable behaviour gets worse over the years. A German doctor is engaged to help: he wins the king’s trust, but also starts a passionate love affair with the queen.
Salmon Fishing in The Yemen. UK. (2011). Lasse Hallstrom. A wealthy sheik who is passionate about fishing approaches a British fishery expert and asks him to create a salmon river in the highlands of the Yemen. The expert thinks the whole project is crazy, but the prime minister’s press secretary hears of it, and sees some potential for government propaganda. The film is an enjoyable blend of drama and comedy.
Secret in Their Eyes The. Spain/Argentina. (2009). Juan Jose Campanella. A Federal Justice Agent has retired, and decides to write a novel about a case he investigated some 25 years previously: the unsatisfactory outcome has haunted him ever since. He encounters dangerous and mysterious circumstances and situations. A box office success and an Academy Award winner for the Best Foreign Language Film.
Separation A. Iran. (2012). Asghar Farhadi. A young couple are on the point of divorcing: one wishes to stay in Iran, and the other wants to leave the country. The subsequent complications give a fascinating insight into Sharia law. Described as “fiercely intelligent, morally and socially complex” by critics, it was awarded an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
Shakespeare in Love. UK/USA. (1998). John Madden. The young Will Shakespeare is having problems with his comedy “Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter”, and the playhouse is threatened with closure. This delightful film tells how the real “Romeo and Juliet” came to be written. Brilliantly funny, warm, and fast-moving.
Shall We Dance? USA.(1996).Peter Chelsom. An irresistible romantic comedy. He’s an over-worked accountant and she, an accomplished dancer: but passion is about to find two unlikely partners. A film with a perfect combination of love and laughter, and a favourite at Cannes.
Tell No One. France. (2006). Guillaume Canet. A doctor has been slowly putting his life back together after his wife had been murdered by a serial killer eight years previously. He now finds himself implicated in a double murder, with evidence pointing to him as the killer, even though he knows nothing about these crimes. He then receives an email supposedly from his wife, and a video clip which shows her looking alive and well. Needless to say, his future becomes increasingly precarious.
Three Walls. India. (2003). Nagesh Kukunoor. Three convicted murderers are in prison awaiting punishment. The governor of the prison is a firm believer in the reform of criminals, and allows a documentary film-maker to interview them. As we learn about their characters, crimes, and motives, we begin to realise that all is not as it seems.
Tsotsi. South Africa. (2005). Gavin Hood. A Soweto gang leader shoots a woman driver, and steals her car - but finds a baby in the back seat; the film follows the next six days. A life story with touches of humour, but without sentimentality.
Untouchable. France/Belgium. (2011).ric Toledano, Olivier Nakache. A millionaire in Paris, confined to a wheel chair after a paragliding accident, employs a carer who is poorly educated, unemployed, and unqualified, and with a minor criminal record. His energy and enthusiasm, however, have a profound effect on both of them.
Visitor The. USA. (2008). Thomas McCarthy. An economics professor, who is an authority on the economic problems of third world countries, develops a relationship with squatters, and fights immigration bureaucracy in an attempt to prevent one of them being deported to Syria, where his politically active father had died in prison.
Volver . Spain.(2006). Pedro Almodovar. Written by the director, the story involves two sisters who live in Madrid, but whose parents died in a tragic fire three years prior to the beginning of the film. The events which occurred on the night of the fire are only gradually revealed, and are far more complex than we were at first led to suppose.
Wave The (Die Welle). Germany. (2008). Dennis Gansel. A German high school teacher who is an anarchist, is forced to teach a class about autocracy. His students do not believe that a dictatorship could again be established in modern Germany, so he embarks on a bizarre project with them to demonstrate how easily masses can be manipulated. Then the whole experiment spirals disturbingly out of control.
Welcome. France. (2009). Phillipe Lioret. A huge box office success in France. The story of a 17 year old Kurdish refugee who travels across Europe to be with his girlfriend in London, only to reach the English Channel and immigration barriers in Calais. Can he succeed in overcoming these obstacles?
Wadjda. Saudi Arabia. (2012). Haifaa Al-Mansour. An eleven year old girl wants to buy a bicycle so that she can race against a friendly neighbourhood boy. To raise the money, she enters a Koran recital competition at her all-girls’ school. The film offers a glimpse into a society and culture which are very different from our own.