2011 Season
We were delighted that about 50 guests joined us on 21 January to enjoy Cinema Paradiso (1988).
Language
Italian | English | Portuguese (Singing)
Storyline
A famous film director returns home to a Sicilian village for the first time after almost 30 years. He reminisces about his childhood at the Cinema Paradiso where Alfredo, the projectionist, first brought about his love of films. He is also reminded of his lost teenage love, Elena, who he had to leave before he left for Rome.
More info:
Language
English
Storyline
A dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.
More info:
Over 70 people enjoyed a brilliant film on 11th March - The Ghost (2010)
Language
English
Storyline
An unremarkable ghost-writer has landed a lucrative contract to redact the memoirs of Adam Lang, the former UK Prime Minister. After dominating British politics for years, Lang has retired with his wife to the USA. Soon, Adam Lang gets embroiled in a major scandal with international ramifications that reveals how far he was ready to go in order to nurture UK's "special relationship" with the USA. But before this controversy has started, before even he has closed the deal with the publisher, the ghost-writer gets unmistakable signs that the turgid draft he is tasked to put into shape inexplicably constitutes highly sensitive material.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139328/
On April Fool's Day, over 55 guests enjoyed this classic old comedy - Some Like It Hot (1959).
Language
English
Storyline
Two struggling musicians witness the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and try to find a way out of the city before they are found and killed by the mob. The only job that will pay their way is an all girl band so the two dress up as women. In addition to hiding, each has his own problems: one falls for another band member but can't tell her his gender, while the other has a rich suitor who won’t take "No" for an answer.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053291/
6 May: The Lives of Others (2006)
Language
German, with subtitles
Storyline
In 1984 East Berlin, the successful dramatist Georg Dreyman and his lover Christa-Maria Sieland, a popular actress, are big intellectual stars in the socialist state, although they secretly don't always think loyal to the party line. One day, the Minister of Culture becomes interested in Christa, so the secret policeman Wiesler is instructed to conduct surveillance of the couple, becoming increasingly fascinated by their lives.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405094/
10 June: Another Year (2010)
Language
English
Storyline
Mike Leigh’s latest film. A married couple, who have managed to remain blissfully happy into their autumn years, are followed through the four seasons of an average year, surrounded by friends, colleagues and family who all seem to suffer some degree of unhappiness. Jim Broadbent, Ruth Sheen and Lesley Manville star.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1431181/
16 September: The King’s Speech (2010)
Language
English
Storyline
Tells the story of the man who became King George VI, the father of Queen Elizabeth II. After his brother abdicates, George ('Bertie') reluctantly assumes the throne. Plagued by a dreaded stutter and considered unfit to be king, Bertie engages the help of an unorthodox speech therapist named Lionel Logue. Through a set of unexpected techniques, and as a result of an unlikely friendship, Bertie is able to find his voice and boldly lead the country through war.
Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1504320/
7 October: The Bucket List (2007)
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole and working class mechanic Carter Chambers have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find joy in life.
Starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825232/
11 November: Went the Day Well? (1942)
Language
English
Storyline
The residents of a British village during WWII welcome a platoon of soldiers who are to be billeted with them. The trusting residents then discover that the soldiers are Germans who proceed to hold the village captive.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035429/
25 November: Annie Hall (1977)
Language
English
Storyline
Classic romantic comedy from Woody Allen tracing the course of the relationship between neurotic New York comedian Alvy Singer and his equally neurotic girlfriend Annie Hall. Brilliantly written with some unusual story-telling techniques, the film is widely regarded as Woody Allen’s masterpiece. Diane Keaton stars as Annie Hall.
More info:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075686/