Roger is a corporate head-hunter with an expensive modernist house, a gorgeous trophy wife and a lifestyle straight out of the world of consumer dreams but all financed by a parallel life of crime involving thefts of fine art. However, when Roger steals a picture from a mysterious client he finds he has met his match and suddenly his life hangs by a thread. Headhunters is a taut Nordic thriller in the mould of ‘The Killing’ which takes an ironic look at the meaning of success in the modern world.
15 cert – Norway 2012 – Director: Morten Tyldum
Running time: 101 minutes – Language: Norwegian
Cast: Aksel Hennie, Synnøve Macody Lund, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Wadjda is a movie of firsts. This first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia is the story of a young girl living in a suburb of Riyadh determined to raise enough money to buy a bike in a society that sees bicycles as dangerous to a girl’s virtue. Even more impressive, Wadjda is the first feature film made by a female Saudi filmmaker. In a country where cinemas are banned and women cannot drive or vote, writer- director Haifaa Al Mansour has broken many barriers with her new film. This is a warmly emotional and gently provocative coming-of-age drama which offers a message of hope to future generations of Saudi women.
Chile 1988 – The government of the dictator General Pinochet, pressurised by its American backers, has agreed to hold a presidential referendum. The General believes it will be a walkover for him, especially as the left-wing opposition, seeing the process as mere window-dressing, has called for a boycott. But tension builds as a handsome, whizz-kid advertising executive takes up the NO campaign and achieves such success that the government resorts to ever dirtier tricks to ensure Pinochet wins. No is a cunning and richly enjoyable combination of political drama and media satire.
Nestled in the mountains somewhere between North Africa and the Middle East, the women of one village are on strike. Fed up of trekking miles every single day to the nearest well, newly-wed Leila leads a campaign to force the men to share the duty of bringing water to the village. Overcoming the wrath of the village elders and an unexpected visit from an old flame, Leila brings the colourful local traditions face-toface with the modern world. Another jewel from director Radu Mihaileanu who delighted us in the past with incredibly beautiful and powerful movies such as The Concert and Live and Become. The music composed by Armand Amar is superb.
Ken Loach’s latest film is more feel-good than usual but still retains a background of harsh reality alongside the humour and optimism. Robbie, a young Glaswegian hell-raiser, avoids prison for a violent attack because the judge wants to give him one last chance as his girlfriend has just had a baby. Robbie wants to prove he can turn over a new leaf and be a responsible father. On the community service scheme he is sentenced to attend, the group of odd-balls and petty criminals are persuaded by their kindly supervisor that there is more to life than drugs and thieving – namely the appreciation of fine malt whisky. The group embark on a remarkable and hilarious whisky-themed adventure which introduces them to a world light years away from their gritty home lives.
Swashbuckling hero of the silent film, Georg Valentin, faces his greatest challenge when the arrival of the innovative talking pictures, turns his life upside-down. Frustratingly one of his admirers shoots to stardom in this new world, Georg falls into despair, abandoned by all except his faithful hound. Winner of a swathe of Academy Awards, including best film and best actor, The Artist has amazed and enchanted audiences world-wide.
An entourage of British hopefuls in their late middle-age come to Jaipur, India to eke out their pensions. The hotel is portrayed in advertisements as a dream of pampered luxury a place where dreams can come true. The reality, however, is very different. The beautifully observed portraits and emotional upheavals of the characters, portrayed by a stellar cast, make this film a delight to watch.
Bob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on musical history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. Marley is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage as yet unseen in mainstream media, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
After the tragic death of their well-liked teacher, a school class is left shaken and fragile. A new primary teacher is appointed, the mysterious and charming Bachir Lazhar who, as each day passes, earns the trust of the class and allows them to grieve. Lazhar’s compassion has a huge impact on the most sensitive pupils, but unbeknown to them, he is also fighting his own personal battles that have left him emotionally vulnerable.
Emphatically NOT a sequel to Jurassic Park! Tyrannosaur is a film about a man addicted to rage and whose life’s downward spiral is suddenly halted. He unexpectedly begins a relationship with a woman he meets when he is forced to seek refuge in a charity shop where she volunteers. However, this is no conventional tale of a wild and violent man saved by the love of a good woman and we are confronted by a much more complex development.