“Atonement” (2007)

In the summer of 1935, an impressionable young girl observes a flirtatious liaison between a servant's son and her older sister that she childishly misconstrues. The resulting chain of events lead to a lie and a terrible injustice, the consequences of which follow them through to World War II and the beaches of Dunkirk. Director Joe Wright’s sumptuous and highly-acclaimed adaptation of Ian McEwan’s dark novel came high in the list of our autumn members’ requests. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy give superb performances as the star-crossed lovers and talented newcomer Saoirse Ronan is totally convincing as the younger sister as a child.
“An adaptation at least as good as the novel – complex, delicate and devastating.  Gorgeous cinematography, a lilting score and near-faultless performances under Wright’s assured direction, make this the first contender for next year’s best picture Oscar.” Empire (122 min.)

See Trailer

“East is East” (1999)

Winner of the BAFTA ‘Best British Film’ award in 2000 as well as the ‘Best Comedy Film’ in the British Comedy Awards and a clutch of other international trophies, David O’Donnell’s directorial debut has  Om Puri playing a strict Pakistani dad, now married to an English woman (Linda Bassett), whose sons rebel against the marriages he has arranged for them.  Given a well-deserved three star rating in Halliwell’s Film Guide, this is an often broad but always enjoyable comedy which also manages to be truthful about family relationships.  “Funny, charming and refreshing, this is a great little film…” Radio Times Film Guide. (92 min.)

 “The Last King of Scotland” (2006)

Forest Whitaker won an Oscar for his towering performance as the megalomaniac Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in this riveting thriller about an idealistic young Scottish doctor (an excellent understated performance by James McAvoy) who becomes Amin’s personal physician and advisor. Kevin Macdonald expertly directs this fictional story with a feeling of reality that stems from his documentary background and from it having been shot in Uganda itself, cleverly suggesting not only the extent of Amin’s charisma and charm but also graphically portraying all the savage brutality of his regime. “Macdonald has a fetching feel for the continent, and the movie has a powerful sense of what Africa looks and feels like; you can almost smell it” Stephen Hunter, Washington Post.  (122 min.)

See Trailer

“The Dam Busters” (1954)

An additional special screening on the 65th anniversary of the raid on the Ruhr dams,  Michael Anderson’s classic film is truly compelling viewing, standing amongst the best British films about the Second World War.  Indeed, thanks to its potent blend of scientific suspense and aerial action, accompanied by that stirring soundtrack, it has convinced generations of movie-watchers that the raid was a major turning-point in the war rather than a risky venture that the brass hats considered something of a sideshow.  Richard Todd was never better as Wing Commander Guy Gibson, but Michael Redgrave steals the show as the bouncing bomb’s inventor, Barnes Wallis. (125 min.)

See Trailer

Last Orders” (2001)

This film portrays a deft working-class remembrance of things past - a gently humorous, unsentimental account, tinged with melancholy, of the pleasures and pains of ordinary life - as three elderly Londoners look back on their lives and loves as they gather for a trip to Margate to honour the dying wish of a mutual friend and scatter his ashes from the end of the pier. A subtly powerful drama in which Fred Schepisi directs his own script and draws wonderful ensemble playing from some of Britain’s finest actors, including Michael Caine, Bob Hoskins, Tom Courtnay, David Hemmings and Helen Mirren. “A moving study of the pleasures and obligations of friendship” – Philip French, The Observer (110 min.)

See Trailer

 “Shine” (1996)

For the Egerton Music Festival we are screening  Scott Hicks’ powerful film about the mental breakdown of a promising concert pianist who is dominated by his anxious and repressive father (a performance of lightning brilliance by Armin Mueller-Stahl), and of his eventual salvation by an unexpected love. This truly uplifting Australian film, based on the life of pianist David Helfgott, features a remarkable Oscar -winning performance from Geoffrey Rush.  “A moving and superbly acted drama of tragedy and redemption that brilliantly evokes a man’s alienation from his roots and his disintegration, as well as his re-emergence into the world.” Halliwell’s Film Guide. “A throwback to the best of the old-fashioned Hollywood movies, able to move an audience without insulting it in the process” Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times. (105 min.)