There will be a short discussion after each film for those who wish to stay. Come along and sample our new, improved sound system. You will be very welcome.
Film Appreciation: November 2018
Monday 26 November: ‘Victoria and Abdul’
This is a 2017 film starring Judy Dench and Ali Fazal. It was written by Lee Hall, directed by Stephen Frears and turned out to be a huge box office success. When Abdul Karim, a young clerk, travels from India to take part in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee he is surprised to find favour with the Queen herself. The two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance which her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.
Film Appreciation: January – March 2019
Monday 28 January: Philomena (2013).
Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) was sent to a convent where she was made to work in one of the infamous laundries. In return she was looked after as a ‘fallen woman’. When only a toddler her baby boy was put up for adoption by the nuns and taken away to America. Philomena spent the next 50 years searching in vain for her child. Things changed when she met a journalist, Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) who was looking for a human interest story. Together they set off on a journey searching for the missing child. Although this is a serious subject the interaction between the characters contains lots of humour as well as pathos. It is a journey that changes both their lives. It won more awards than there is space here to name!
Monday 25 February: Australia (2008).
This spectacular action adventure is set in the wilds of the Australian Outback at the beginning of the 1940s. Following the illness and subsequent death of her husband, English aristocrat, Lady Ashley(Nicole Kidman), must save her newly inherited cattle ranch from a dangerous rival businessman. Forced to drive her herd north to safely she enlists the help of the rugged drover (Hugh Jackman) and a mysterious orphaned Aboriginal boy. Together they embark on an emotional and dangerous journey across a breathtaking terrain where only the strongest can survive. This is an opportunity to take a trip across Australia from the comfort of your U3A chair! The film won many awards. NB. This film will start at 9.45 as it is a long film. Please feel free to leave early if you need to.
25th March: A Place in the Sun (1951).
George Eastman(Montgomery Clift) is a poor young man determined to better himself and win a place in respectable society. He gets involved with two very different women, a factory girl ( Shelley Winters) and a rich socialite (Elizabeth Taylor). The former has a dark secret which threatens to ruin Eastman’s professional and romantic prospects. Consumed with fear and desperation Eastman is driven to take desperate measures which unravel his world forever. The film is in black and white and was considered a classic of the time. It won multiple awards and guaranteed screen immortality f or the two stars.
Film Appreciation Group Urgent Notice.
To keep the Film Group running after September I need two new volunteers to help with organising programmes and publicity, setting up the films (training will be provided) and setting out refreshments. My warmest thanks go to Marion and David Sunderland who have done a wonderful job for a long time but need a break. If you are willing to help – please contact Pat – 01695 570039 or Peter Trigwell – 07930 697290. Thank you.
