Mostly British Film Festival 2012 Films

Within the romance genre, this film falls into the slot of movies about lovers kept apart by outside events. Ewan McGregor plays a chef and Eva Green is a scientist (they wear matching white smocks) who fall in love while … Continue reading →

"A sonata of a film--cool and blue and pulsing with humanism ,'' Box Office Magazine

This Scottish drama tells the story of a working class boy in Glasgow, one of the city’s so-called “non educated delinquents,” from which this powerful film obtains its title. Connor McCarron’s portrayal of a boy torn between getting that all … Continue reading →

Best Film, Evening Standard British Film Award

‘The sleuth, the whole sleuth, and nothing but the sleuth.’ In his 1971 directorial debut Stephen Frears (“The Grifters,” “The Queen”) delivers a witty pastiche of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler against a background of a Britain now long faded. … Continue reading →

“The Most Dangerous Choices Are Made With The Heart’’ In his 1988 directorial debut, Mike Figgis (“Leaving Las Vegas,” “Internal Affairs”) spins a tale of a ruthless American businessman who tries to buy up an entire block of businesses in … Continue reading →

Audiences meet the children when they are seven and then again at age 14. They live in places as diverse as a London Council Estate, a Liverpool suburb and a private boys academy in Surrey. The children respond to questions … Continue reading →

"One of the towering achievements in the history of documentary filmmaking'' The Philadelphia Inquirer

Director Michael Apted asks the same group of British-born young adults about changes and life experiences during the last seven years. (UK, 100 minutes) Background: In 1964, British director Michael Apted interviewed a group of 7 year olds from diverse … Continue reading →

This series segment moves back and forth within the material shown previously. Changes are highlighted but there is clear evidence of how participants retain some of physical and psychological traits they possessed as children. It’s fascinating to see that the … Continue reading →

Winner: International Documentary Award (IDA) 1985 (TV)

The documentary’s subjects are finding it increasingly difficult to bear the weight of scrutiny. Some have realized their goals, but others see their dreams fading. There is talk of the loss of parents. Viewers are left to draw their own … Continue reading →

"A brilliant, vital human document'' Washington Post

Apted describes the remarkable humanity and strength of these ordinary people going about their ordinary lives. Followers of the series will find a gratifying sense of hope in the turnaround of one of the subjects, who had dropped out. (UK, … Continue reading →

In this segment the subjects of the series reveal more about their marriages, their family relations and the progression of the human life cycle. (UK, 134 minutes) Background: In 1964, British director Michael Apted interviewed a group of 7 year … Continue reading →

This is the deeply moving true story of Ingrid Jonker, whom Nelson Mandela called one of South Africa’s finest poets. At the opening of his first session of government, he read her poem about a black baby killed in his … Continue reading →

"The most buzzed about film at the Tribeca Film Festival and for good reason'' Culture Blues

Some families settle fights through therapy. But not the high charging Irish travelers, who are kin to Gypsies only very light-skinned. If one has a gripe with a fellow traveler he is likely to do battle with a rib-cracking bare … Continue reading →

"Breathtaking. Literally knocks the wind out of you.'' Houston Chronicle

This exquisitely modulated family drama portrays the relationship between a 16-year-old Chinese orphan (newcomer Zhu Lin) and her mysterious Australian sponsor and pen pal (Guy Pearce) whose generosity makes it possible for her to attend top schools. Finding herself in … Continue reading →

"A universal story that is sure to please any audience,'' Australian Film Review

This coming-of- age story unfolds at a girls school in Sydney as music director Karen Carey prepares her students for a concert at the Sydney Opera house. Mrs. Carey sets a frighteningly high performance standard and requires the participation of … Continue reading →

"A wonderfully uplifting film with drama, passion, conflict, angst and elation exposing the students to a journey of self discovery.” Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile.

At the center is a young aspiring rock guitarist who has nothing but disdain for the old fogies’ music he associates with his father, the musical director of a marching band in their sleepy seaside town. He changes his tune … Continue reading →

A mother faces terminal illness in this deeply touching drama. In interactions with her three daughters, she delivers her final legacy of moral insight gained through her own life and experiences. Her advice comes at a time when her offspring … Continue reading →

"Sublime acting'' Smells Like Screen Spirit

Miranda Otto (Eowyn in “The Lord of the Rings”) plays a 35-year-old single woman who, in 1928, travels to the remote island of South Solitary with her uncle. He is to become the head keeper of the lighthouse, and she … Continue reading →

"Subtle, nuanced and playfully charming'' Urban Cinefile

Take a trip back to London in the Swinging ’60s complete with sex and drugs and rock’n’roll. The film, which marked the directorial debut of Nicholas Roeg, initially received lukewarm critical reviews but has over the ensuing years gained a … Continue reading →

The British Film Institute has recently restored this 1924 documentary about the British Antarctic Expedition of 1910 led by Captain Scott, and its ill-fated attempt to be the first team to reach the South Pole. A silent film, it features … Continue reading →

Felicity Jones stars as a teenage champion skateboarder who switches to snowboarding after landing a catering job in an exclusive chalet in the Alps. Not only do the competitions promise some much needed prize money but the camaraderie helps her … Continue reading →

Jones appears in this drama as the bookworm daughter of a couple who own a B & B on the Isle of Man. The setting allows for many shots of the stunning coastline as well as the stunning co-stars. Jones … Continue reading →

"Hugely enjoyable'' View London

This fascinating documentary illustrates the remarkable rise of the West Indian cricket team of the 1970s and ’80s. West India managed to assemble a formidable team of batting and bowling strength that dominated world cricket competition for almost 20 years. … Continue reading →

Nominated: British Independent Film Award for best documentary

This dark, touching sex comedy from Irish writer-director Tom Hall follows a young Irish farmer who finds himself with some cash after his father dies and he can sell the livestock from the family farm. A social misfit, he uses … Continue reading →

Set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, this action thriller follows a group of mountaineers who discover a Serbian girl trapped in an underground vault. She soon reveals herself to be the kidnapped daughter of a Balkan war criminal. From here … Continue reading →

"One of the best action thrillers I've seen in recent years'' Ain't It Cool News

A delicious example of neo noir, incorporating elements of classic noir complete with gritty streets and a femme fatale who could prove toxic. Though shot in color (which has a warming effect) “London Boulevard” was obviously inspired by the black … Continue reading →

"It satisfies not only in the tradition of yarns boiled hard and wry, but as a savvy comment on fame and ambition.'' Hollywood Reporter

A heart-felt drama about an ordinary wife and mother who, on the day of her son’s marriage, looks back on the biggest secret of her life and its consequences. For those who like romances this film will sweep you away. … Continue reading →

This taut political thriller from master filmmaker Ken Loach (“My Name is Joe,” “Bread and Roses”) makes a pertinent anti-war statement around the politics of the professional mercenary. When a British private security contractor in Iraq learns his best mate … Continue reading →

"A very dark and muscular revenge thriller'' - London Independent