Wednesday 28th January 2009 at 7.30pm

The Italian (Italianetz) (12A)

Russia 2005 (UK release 2008) l 1hr 32min l Dir: Andrei Kravchuk l Cast: Kolia Spiridonov, Denis Moiseenko, Sasha Sirotkin l Language: Russian, English subtitles l Type: Drama l Awards: 6 wins

A young boy’s harsh life in a Russian orphanage could be changed by an Italian couple’s desire to adopt him; but he has other ideas. An authentic depiction of provincial Russia could be overlooked amidst the gripping true-life adventure of this determined child which unfolds without sentimentality.

"The atmosphere of this runaway drama is Dickensian"
Anthony Quinn, The Independent

Wednesday 25th February 2009 at 7.30pm

After the Wedding (Efter Brylluppet) (15)

Denmark/Sweden 2006 (UK release 2007) l 2hr 4min l Dir: Susanne Bier l Cast: Mads Mikkelson, Sidse Babett Knudsen l Language: Danish, English subtitles l Type: Relationship Drama

Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Film Oscar 2007, 7 other wins and 15 nominations

Incisive drama unravelling the secrets and lies which threaten a wealthy Danish family when a guest appears. A twisting, engrossing story of divided personal loyalties, turbulent emotional tension and electric interactions between characters delivered by powerful acting.

"Here is another elegant and well-turned piece of work, perhaps Bier's most persuasive movie yet"
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

Wednesday 25th March 2009 at 7.30pm

The Band’s Visit (Bikur Ha-Tizmoret) (12A)

Israel/France 2007 l 1hr 27min l Dir: Eran Kolirin l Cast: Sasson Gabai, Ronit Elkabetz, Saleh Bakri l Language: Israeli, Arabic, English subtitles l Type: Comedy l Awards: 30 wins, 8 nominations

An Egyptian police band arrives in Israel to perform at the Arab cultural centre, ending up in the wrong town on the wrong night in the middle of nowhere. Charming and poignant character observations, exquisitely crafted.

"This is one of those films that runs at you with open arms, and you'll find it very difficult not to succumb to its warm, warm embrace"
David Jenkins, Time Out

Wednesday 29th April 2009 at 7.30pm

36 Quai des Orfevres (15)

France 2004 (UK release 2006) l 1hr 50min l Dir: Olivier Marchal l Cast: Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil l Language: French, English subtitles l Type: Detective drama l Awards: 9 nominations

Here’s our French thriller par excellence. Two maverick detectives jostle for promotion to top dog. The game gets ruthless, the consequences tough. A blistering drama of corruption, rivalry, betrayal and revenge, based on real events and starring two iconic actors. Contains scenes of violence.

"Despite its stylised, sparse, almost graphic-novel aesthetic, the film feels authentically muscular" Wendy Ide, The Times

Wednesday 27th May 2009 at 7.30pm

The Darjeeling Limited (15)

USA 2007 l 1hr 31 min l Dir: Wes Anderson l Cast: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman l Language: English l Type: Comedy l Awards: 3 nominations

What a delightfully quirky film to end our Season with! Three brothers set off on a train voyage across India to "bond" and "find themselves" spiritually. Events overtake and they become stranded with eleven suitcases and a laminating machine. A very different journey ensues. Charmingly likeable, loopy and occasionally poignant. Come enjoy a colourful ride!

"Funny peculiar and funny ha ha, with a spontaneity and energy that gather up a powerful emotional head of steam as it chugs along"
Angie Errigo, Empire

 

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