Previous Films We've Shown..

Where & When

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Tuesday 15th Sep

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Paris, Texas
1984 Germany/France 148 mins
Director: Wim Wenders
Starring: Harry Dean Stanton, Dean Stockwell, Natasha Kinski

After separating from his family Travis (Harry Dean Stanton) goes missing in the hinterlands of America but returns years later to re-unite with his son Walt (Dean Stockwell) and his wife now working as a stripper.

Wim Wenders and cinematographer Robbie Muller linger on the arid desolate stretches of Texas landscape accompanied by the sublime score of Ry Cooder (Buena Vista Social Club).

Your comments on this film:
Mesmeric

About 2 hours too long

Wow !!! I loved the music

My first time CFS - what a find!

I enjoyed it more this time because l am older and it resonated so much more than with the relatively callow person l was. l heard a number of people coming out who obviously thought it 'slow' so l think enjoyment of the film is not just a matter of imaginative empathy- its also a function of your own life experience.

The opening of the film has been cut in this version for reasons l can understand but the film loses something because of it. The scenes where Harry Dean Stanton strides through the desert without explanation in the fuller version make it one of the most memorable openings for any film l've ever seen. the images (like those with Jane) linger long in the memory. Thanks again for this true cinematic magic!

(This review sent on email after the film by member Jon - you are welcome to do the same if you wish to add a longer review - Mike)

Tuesday 6th Oct

7.45pm
Little Theatre

The Reader
2008 USA/Germany 123 mins
Director: Stephen Daldry
Starring: Kate Winslet, David Kross, Ralph Fiennes

Set in post World War II Berlin, a teenage boy, Michael (David Kross) falls ill and is helped home by Hanna (Kate Winslet), a stranger twice his age Despite their age difference, the two embark on an intense and secret affair that is based largely on Michael reading aloud to Hanna. Several years later, when Michael (Ralph Fiennes) is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he comes across Hanna again - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. As Hanna's past is revealed, Michael uncovers a secret that profoundly affects both their lives.

Your comments on this film:
Was going to give it a 2 for the 60's scenes, but it got as laughable as it started


Rather too soon after general release, surely?


A wonderfully erotic film.

Tuesday 13th Oct

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Il Divo
2008 Italy 110 mins
Director: Paolo Sorrentino
Starring: Toni Servillo, Anna Bonaiuto, Piera Degli Esposti

The story of Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti, who has been elected to Parliament seven times since it was established in 1946. The narration spans the period since the seventh election of Andreotti as Prime Minister of Italy in 1992, until the trial in which he was accused of collusion with the Mafia. An intensely political film wildly inventive and witty.

Your comments on this film:
Wow, was political life ever so elegant, exciting and as complicated as this? An amazing film and a great soundtrack.

Confusing! But very stylish as only the Italians can be.

Most stylish.

Pretentious but compelling.

I found this v. confusing and subtitles difficult to read. I'm sure if you knew more of Italian politics/Mafia it would be v. interesting.

I enjoyed the samba.

Tuesday 3rd Nov

7.45pm
Little Theatre

In Bruges
2008 UK 107 mins
Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes

Two Irish hitmen, Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are holed up in Bruges on the instruction of their ruthless gangland boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). This poetic Belgian city provides the culture for one but irritation for the other. However, during their stay, dark drama and violence gradually unravel, making the tranquil backdrop and the happenings an uncomfortable paradox.

Your comments on this film:
Most stylish.The blackest film I've seen for a long time. Brill.

Too much ***ing swearing.

Good film - but aren't we getting too mainstream?

Wanted to see this, pleasantly surprised to see it here. Shouldn't have been surprised it was shite. (Other comments indecipherable).

Tuesday 24th Nov

7.45pm
Little Theatre

After The Wedding
2006 Denmark 124 mins
Director: Susanne Bier
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen

Jacob (Mads Mikkelsen), a Danish aid worker in an orphanage in India returns to Copenhagen to secure funding for the future of the orphanage, which is under threat of closure. Invited to the society wedding of the daughter of a possible benefactor Jorgen he is shocked to discover a secret which hints at a dark Machiavelian motivation behind this generous act of altruism. Jacob is faced with an impossible dilemma which forces him to reappraise his past, present and future in the light of an emotionally staggering revelation.

Your comments on this film:
Very enjoyable

Ponderous

I heard a pin drop.

Subtle as a rollmop herring, satisfactory as crispbread, and the insight of a smurf.

Thought provoking.

Brilliant sound, editing, soundtrack and performances. Almost completely perfect.

Tuesday 1st Dec

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Ten Canoes
2006 Australia 90 mins
Directors: Rolf de Heer, Peter Djigirr

A surprise hit at Cannes last year, Ten Canoes has echoes of Roeg's classic Walkabout as well as breakthrough African cinema in the 80's such as Yaaba in it's retelling of ancient myths with a contemporary feel and a wry sense of humour. The film was developed with the indigenous community of Ramingining and use complex narrative structure, with omniscient story teller (Gulpilil from Walkabout), as well as flash backs, flash forwards and ample digression to tell a story of love, sorcery, revenge and adventure set in a mythical past.

This is a gentle, thoughtful film, surprisingly witty, maintaining a sophisticated balance between magical realism and hard-headed practicalilty. Far more than an ethnographical study, this is a fable for our time, engrossing and thoroughly mesmeric.

Your comments on this film:
A shame about the subtitling.

Interesting film - shame about the subtitles - I couldn't read any of them.

Nine canoes would have been sufficient.

Fascinating, peaceful and nicely paced.

A very enjoyable dreamlike film.

Vastly improved my knowledge of Aboriginal life up from Crocodile Dundee and Walkabout!

Tuesday 15th Dec

7.45pm
Steam Mill

The Band's Visit
2007 Israel/France/USA 87 mins + short
Director: Eran Kolirin
Starring: Sasson Gabai, Ronit Elkabetz, Saleh Bakri

"Once, not long ago, a small Egyptian police band arrived in Israel. Not many remember this, it was not that important." So begins this tender, poignant comedy of sorts that has provoked admiration wherever it has been shown.

On arrival in Israel from Egypt for a cultural event, the band finds there is no delegation to meet themn nor any arrangements to get to their destination. When they find their own ride, they arrive instead at a local town. Stuck there until the next morning's bus, the band gets help from the worldly restaurant owner. As the band settles in as best it can, each of the members attempts to get along with the locals in their own way. What follows is a special night of quite happenings and confessions as the band makes its own impact on the town and the town on them.

Your comments on this film:

All politicians should watch this film and learn

Not being prejudiced , some of my best friends play in Egyptian police orchestras however the film was a bit slow                                                     
What a good choice for the last film of 2009 and still 12  to come in 2010

Tuesday 26th Jan

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Sophie Scholl The Last Days
2007 Germany 115 mins
Director: Marc Rothermund
Starring: Julia Jentsch, Fabian Hinrichs, Joanna Gastdorf

Sophie Scholl (Julia Jentsch) and her brother Hans (Fabian Hinrichs) are members of an anti-Nazi resistance group called 'White Rose' who aim to overthrow the regime by passive resistance. Arrested by Gestapo for distributing leaflets at Munich University they are subject to a 'show trial' resulting in their execution. Although forced to confess Sophie tries to save the lives of Hans and their other collaborators.

Based on transcripts and witness statements this film is a tense account of an extremely courageous fight against overwhelming odds.

Your comments on this film:

Powerful.

Always follow your conscience. Jentsch was just superb.

The bad guys always have the best suits.

Good film but the soundtrack did not match the era.

'Sophie' [Jentsch] was outstanding in this role.

An interesting look at Germany from the inside.

Tuesday 2nd Feb

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Lift To The Scaffold
1957 France 88 mins + short
Director: Louis Malle
Starring: Jeanne Moreau, Lino Ventura

In this Louis Malle's debut filmed in a dark and moody Paris an executive murders his mistress's husband in his office. However on making his escape he becomes stuck in the lift. Meanwhile while he was carrying out the muder his car which was parked nearby is stolen by a petty thief. When he finally escapes from the lift and makes his way home on foot he is arrested for a serarate double murder committed by the car thief. This complex story is fused together brilliantly with a sublime Miles Davis score.

Your comments on this film:

A bit disappointing - but more appropriate for a film society than 'the Reader' or 'In Bruges' [Mike - do you think this is correct? Please let us know.]

The murder was too implausible....

Great soundtrack.

So French!

Tuesday 16th Feb

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Syndromes And A Century
2006 Thailand/Australia/France 105 mins
Director: Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Starring: Nantarat Sawaddikul, Jaruchai Jamaram

This feature is a spellbinding Buddhist meditation on the mysteries of love and attraction, the workings of memory, and the ways in which happiness is triggered. Mesmerisingly beautiful to look at, it is also laced with a wonderful absurd humour. Apichatpong's film has been highly acclaimed at international festivals and released in cinemas around the world, but remains unseen in Thailand itself following a demand from local censors for several cuts in the film.

Your comments on this film:

Boring boring boring.

Superb photography.

Completely baffling or is it? Bewildered or confused of Chester.

No redeeming features.

Great singing by dentist.

Overwhemingly self indulgent.

Whichever bits the censors wanted to cut they should have let them.

Tuesday 23rd Feb

7.45pm
Steam Mill

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
2006 USA/France 121 mins
Director: Tommy Lee Jones
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Pepper, Julio Cedilla, Dwight Yoakam, January Jones

A modern Western exploring death, delusion and friendship. Pete Perkins (Tommy Lee Jones) is a rancher stricken by grief when his Mexican employee and friend Mel (Julio Cedilla) is killed. Enraged by official indifference at the death of this illegal immigrant, he sets out to fulfil a promise...

This film is suffused with affection for the land and explores the difficult relationship between America and Mexico. The film also exposes the internal landscapes of a man torn by sorrow and loneliness.

Your comments on this film:

A few implausibles, but scenically excellent.

Dodgy dialogue.

Good, just a bit too long.

Sweeping slice of America.

Tuesday 2nd Mar

7.45pm
Steam Mill

The Night Of The Sunflowers
2006 Spain/France/Portugal 118 mins
Director: Jorge Sanchez-Cabezudo
Starring: Carmelo Gomez, Walter Vidarte, Manuel Moron

A nicely intricate thriller that begins with the report of a woman's body found in the middle of a field of sunflowers. From this situation, a patchwork tale of mistaken identity, murder, corruption and deception is gradually revealed. Sensitive viewers be warned - we're deep in hurting country here, so shotguns and animal traps featre prominently, often nastily; but there's something reassuring in the way a wily veteran of the local police force comes to stitch together at least some of the loose ends of a clever, gripping plot.

The first film by Jorge Sanchez-Cabezudo is further demonstrating of the wealth of film-making talent that's coming out of the Spanish-speaking world.

Your comments on this film:

Dodgy subtitles.

Very interesting film.

Outstanding performances - especially Amadeo - riveting.

Loved the wily old inspector.

Flawed but enjoyable nevertheless.

Thursday 4th Mar

7.45pm
Steam Mill

Vicky Cristina Barcelona
2008 USA 96 mins
Director: Woody Allen
Starring: Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Scarlette Johannsen, Rebecca Hall

Two American girls are spending the summer in the picturesque surroundings of Barcelona where they are about to find out that they have more in common than they first anticipated. Vicky (Rebecca Hall) is practical, studious and engaged Cristina (Scarlett Johanhsen) on the other hand is reckless, adventurousand recovering from a failed relationship. Both of them are about to have their worlds turned upside down by an infamous artist Juan (Javier Bardem) and his psychotic ex wife Maria (Penelope Cruz).

Your comments on this film:

Great film.

Enjoyed all the performances.

Tuesday 9th Mar

7.45pm
Steam Mill

Burn After Reading
2008 USA 96 mins + short
Director: Joel and Ethan Coen
Starring: John Malkovich, Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand

Set in Washington DC Osbourne Cox (John Malkovich) is a CIA analyst retired against his wishes who decides to write his memoirs. While at his gym the computer disk holding all this sensitive information is lost. The disk is found by gym employees Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt) and Linda Litzke (Frances McDomand) who embark on a little blackmail with unexpected results.

Your comments on this film:

Too mainstream.

Good to see a comedy at last.

What an excellent environment to watch films.

Fargo is still the best.

Tuesday 16th Mar

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Paris, je t'aime
2006 France 120 mins
Director: Oliver Assayas, Gerard Depardieu, Gus Van Sant; et al
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Steve Buscemi, Ben Gassara, Marianne Faithful, Bob Hoskins, Rufus Sewell; et al

A cowboy cantering down a dark street; a married couple repairing their relationship in a restaurant; a lonely American woman sending a poignant 'postcard' back home.. some scenes from 20 segments in this film, each set in a different Parisian district and featuring a wealth of directorial and acting talent.

This film is about the plurity of cinema in one mystic location: Paris, the City of Love. The compendium of films is eclectic in style and is without doubt one of the finest cinematic moments of it's year.

Your comments on this film:

All in all, just about made a 4, started well

Enjoyable

The good bits were good, the bad bits were terrible.

Loved the vampire story.

Sorry, I was nodding off.

Tuesday 30th Mar

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Fermat's Room
2007 France 89 mins + short
Director: Luis Piedrahita, Rodrigo Sopena
Starring: Llois Homar-Hibert, Alijo Sauras Galois, Elena Ballestros

After resolving a test with a sequence of numbers, four mathematicians are challenged by a mysterious man called Fermat to meet in an isolated place to resolve the greatest enigma. After receiving a code name they have dinner together where Fermat suddently receives a phone call from the hospital where his daughter is in a coma. On his departure the quartet find that they are locked in. They then receive a phone call with a mathematical riddle to be resolved in 60 seconds. They fail and the room they are in finds a will of it's own!

Your comments on this film:

Could have scored much more if only subtitles were legible. [Just one of many comments regarding the subtitles. We tried our best. This will be fed back to the distributor. Apologies for the inconvenience - Mike.]

Great.

Utter rubbish.

Very stylish and elegant film.

Not as good as Cube.

A bit of fun, with an enormous plot hole.

Typical, you wait for 1 gifted mathematician then 4 come along at once.

Tuesday 20th Apr

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Transylvania
2006 Romania 103 mins
Director: Tony Gatlif
Starring: Asia Argento, Amira Casar

The beautiful, dark and haunting Zingorina (Asia Argento) finds herself in pursuit of the musician she loves who has abandoned her. Accompanied by her protective soul mate Marie (Amira Casar) she ventures into the strange and mythical territory of Transylvania. What she finds there is like life itself, surprising and full of the unexpected. When events take an unexpected turn Zingorina discovers that to be free she must rid herself of ties and connections to her past. Only then may she really experience the possibilities that may come her way and that promises her a new way forward.

Your comments on this film:

Too cryptic for me!

That was great.

Loved the music.

An everyday tale of polyglot gypsies possessed by demons

Well, if that's eastern europe I'm not going.

Gave it 4 for the music.

No plot.

Tuesday 27th Apr

7.45pm
Little Theatre

Be Kind Rewind
2008 USA 101 mins + short
Director: Michael Gondry
Starring: Jack Black, Mos Def, Danny Glover

A small video only store in a poor community in Passaic NJ faces foreclosure. While watching the store for the owner a blundering employee's friend accidentally erases all the stores stock of tapes. In order to keep the blunder from becoming apparent the duo of Jerry (Jack Black) and Mike (Mos Def) begin recreating a long line of films using homemade special effects and outdated filming techniques. They soon become the biggest stars in the neighbourhood. Is this the start of a bigger picture?

Your comments on this film:

1 point for each of the 2 good scenes. Would like to have liked this, but Jack Black...

Didn't deliver it's promise.

Poor.

So bad, it's good.

Really enjoyed how they made the films.

Inventive.

My lowest score of the season, sorry.

It's a film you will remember.

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