Genre: Drama – Page 9 – Wimbledon Film Club

The Fall

In 1915 Los Angeles, stuntman Roy Walker is hospitalized, bedridden and possibly paralyzed after taking a jump in his first film. He meets Alexandria, a young Romanian-born patient in the hospital who is recovering from a broken arm, and begins to tell her a story about her namesake, Alexander the Great. Alexandria is told she…

Enduring Love

Adapted by Joe Penhall from the novel by celebrated British author Ian McEwan, brought to the screen by British director Roger Michell (Notting Hill). On a beautiful cloudless day a young couple celebrate their reunion with a picnic. But as Joe and Claire prepare to open a bottle of champagne, their idyll comes to an…

In the Mood for Love

Kar Wai Wong has strong, nostalgic recollections of his formative years in Hong Kong where, having been born in Shanghai, he grew up from the age of five. In The Mood For Love is the second in a loose triptych of Hong Kong based, 1960s stories, beginning with Wong’s 1990 breakthrough film, Days Of Being…

Tyrannosaur

Admired British actor Paddy Considine, known for his collaborations with Shane Meadows, turns his hand to writing/direction with this award-winning feature debut. Considine grew up on a Midlands council estate and acknowledges personal echoes in the material. Shot over four weeks in Leeds, the director drew on detailed observation of local residents, with extras including…

The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie

Newly restored for its fortieth anniversary, this influential Oscar-winning classic constitutes one of the finest achievements of one of cinema’s greatest directors, working in his intensely creative late period. This comedy of manners centres on a group of vividly drawn and outwardly respectable upper middle-class friends, who are continually thwarted in their attempt to have…

The Angel’s Share

The latest film from legendary British director Ken Loach and his long-time collaborator screenwriter Paul Laverty (their previous films include the Palme d’Or winning The Wind that Shakes the Barley) pays homage to the famous Ealing comedy Whisky Galore. Loach and Laverty deliver a warm and humane comic delight, drawing wonderful performances from first-time actors…

Monsieur Lazhar

In Montreal, an elementary school teacher hangs herself. Bachir Lazhar, a recent Algerian immigrant, then offers his services to replace her, claiming to have taught in his home country. Desperate to fill the position, the principal, Mme Vaillancourt, takes him at his word and gives him the job. He gets to know his students despite…

Spirit of the Beehive

In 1940s Spain a family of four live in an isolated farmhouse with window panes resembling the pattern of honeycomb. Father (a beekeeper and poet), and mother barely speak to each other and are disconnected from their two young daughters, little Ana (Ana Torrent) and her elder sister Isabel (Isabel Telleria). One day a rickety…

Polisse

A critically acclaimed French film, winner of the Cannes Jury Prize 2011 and 13 Cesar Awards also earning international praise. Yet some critics found it manipulative and likened it to TVs The Wire when a film splits critics like this its usually well worth the watch. The Paris Police Departments Juvenile Protection Unit has a…

Memories of Underdevelopment

It’s post-revolutionary Cuba, Sergio a middle class intellectual watches his parents and wife leave for Miami. Facing a life of adjustment, he disdainfully observes and reflects on change. His attraction to two women distract him. Skilful direction, performances and use of documentary footage earn this film top critical regard. Widely acclaimed as one of the…