Apologies to anyone heading to the Civic Hall this evening expecting to see the highly acclaimed Norwegian film Elling. Due to a lack of power we have had to cancel tonight’s showing.
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After The Help, which was shown on 14 January, The Big Cheese Film Club has found another corker – nominated for an Oscar in 2001, in the Best Foreign film category, this Norwegian film portrays two middle-aged, cognitively challenged men who team up to live as roommates in urban Oslo. Somehow, their odd, symbiotic relationship allows them to cope with the day-to-day challenges of independent living even though their methods might be peculiar; the results are frequently hilarious and sometimes inspirational.
When his mother, who has sheltered him for his entire forty years, dies, Elling, a sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution. He soon meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and female-obsessed virgin in his forties. The men are released after two years and provided with a state-funded apartment and stipend with the hope they will be able to live on their own. Initially, the simple act of going around the corner for groceries is a challenge. Through a friendship born of desperate dependence, the skittish Elling and the boisterous, would-be lover of women, Kjell Bjarne, discover they can not only survive on the outside, they can thrive. However as their courage grows, the two develop oddball ways to cope with society, striking up the most peculiar friendships in the most unlikely places.
This is definitely one of Norway’s best films and one, of only a few, to be internationally recognized. The movie is based upon the author, Ingvar Ambjørnsen, who himself suffered from depression and mental illness. Despite this, his books have a deep heartfelt warmth and humour that shines throughout his writings. This film manages to carry his writing over to the screen in a commanding way.
A touching, funny film that will stay with you for as long as memories last.
When I first saw our film club advertising “The Help,” I dreaded seeing it. Although it has been acknowledge as one of the very best films of 2011 and also recognised by the Academy Awards Institution. Basically it was a film from a very successful book. How could this ever be replicated on the big screen?
Well, after reading all the reviews I have changed my mind. The more I read, the more my anticipation grows. I now want to see it and will be there on Monday the 14th January 2013.
‘’The Help’’ is an inspirational courageous and empowering story about very difficult, extraordinary women in the 1960s Mississippi South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project, one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. It is filled with poignancy, humour and hope.
“The Help” stars Emma Stone as Skeeter, a southern society girl who returns from college determined to become a writer, but turns her friends’ lives—and a small Mississippi town—upside down when she decides to interview the black women who have spent their lives taking care of prominent southern families. Aibileen, Skeeter’s best friend’s housekeeper, who is the first to open up—to the dismay of her friends in the tight-knit black community. Despite Skeeter’s life-long friendships hanging in the balance, she and Aibileen continue their collaboration and soon more women come forward to tell their stories—and as it turns out, they have a lot to say. Along the way, unlikely friendships are forged and a new sisterhood emerges, but not before everyone in town has a thing or two to say themselves when they become unwittingly—and unwillingly—caught up in the changing times.
Please note early start time of 07:15 as the film is 2.5 hours long.
NANTWICH Big Cheese Film Club host their first night of 2013 with a screening of Oscar-winner The Help this Monday
(January 14).
Featuring an ensemble cast, the film tells the story of a young white woman, Eugenia ‘Skeeter’ Phelan, and her relationship with two black maids during the Civil Rights era in America. Skeeter is a journalist who writes a book from the point of view of the maids, exposing the racism they face.
The film was nominated for four Oscars last year with Octavia Spencer winning Best Supporting Actress.
A film for those who think they don’t believe in Santa Claus anymore.
In the depths of the Korvatunturi mountains, 486 metres deep, lies the closest ever guarded secret of Christmas. The time has come to dig it up!
This Christmas everyone will believe in Santa Claus.
Based on award winning shorts of director Jalmari Helander that have already acquired a cult reputation in the internet.
The film focuses on a group of local reindeer herders whose Christmas is disturbed by excavations on the mountain. A scientist has ordered a team of workers to dig open what he calls “the largest burial mound in the world”. An explosive used by the team uncovers what is referred to as a “sacred grave”. However, the occupant of the grave is still alive. Soon, the reindeer important to the local people are mysteriously killed, and children and supplies begin to disappear from the town. It emerges that the occupant is the source of the original Santa Claus myth; a supernatural being who, rather than rewarding good children, punishes the naughty. One family, however, manages to catch the culprit in a trap, and plans to sell it to the scientist to cover the losses caused by his excavation.
A Big Cheese Film fan
28
Oct
12
Submarine – 19th November
The next film showing at the Nantwich Film Club is Submarine. Released in 2010, it has won umpteen awards and has been critically acclaimed at many film festivals. Critics have praised this film as the best British comedy released in years. Maybe a little over the top, but from the reviews, it would suggest a great 97 minutes of entertainment, so they can’t all be lying.
Oliver is a sixteen year old having to deal with everyday problems like trying to save his parent’s marriage, losing his virginity and falling in love. What could be easier? The trouble is that Oliver is infatuated with Jordana…..but she already has a boyfriend.
What more can I say at this stage. Young love, broken hearts and lots of funny bits in-between.
If you are having second thoughts about seeing this film, I would suggest throwing caution to the wind, and come along. It’s also in English, so no subtitles.
I’ll be there on Monday 19th November…. Look forward to seeing you.
a Big Cheese Film fan
13
Oct
12
The Last Picture Show
If you weren’t at the Civic Hall on Monday night to see the last Picture Show, then you certainly missed a cinema classic. This coming of age film is based on a group of 1950s kids in their last year before graduation. This was the second time I had seen this movie and it gets deeper the more times you see it. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but shown in black and white, there is an eeriness about the place. Set in a small Texan town on it’s last legs. It’s dying.
Timothy Bottoms leads an excellent cast. along with Jeff Bridges and Cybll Shepherd. Ironically the latter two went on to fame and fortune. Timothy Bottoms didn’t.
The Director Bob Bogdanovich pauses over every scene showing the grittiness of growing up. Nothing is taboo. Radically exploring and exposing adolescence,intimacy and relationships with a directness that cinema had not seen previously. The extra minutes added with the Director’s cut made the film a tore de force. The only downside of the evening was the sound quality. It won’t be a problem in you get it out on DVD.
The Film Club’s next showing is Submarine. I’ve yet to see it, but all the reports are glowing. Look out for my blog giving you the low down.
A Big Cheese Film fan
06
Aug
12
Midnight In Paris
Nantwich Film Club Presents Woody Allen’s Fantastic return to form.
Only one week to go
16
Jul
12
2012 Season Continues
What a beautiful film to herald the return of the Nantwich Big Cheese Film Club. Michael Fassbender smouldered as an intense Mr Rochester and Mia Wasikowska was self-possessed and successfully carried off the classic role of Jane Eyre. The real star was the beautiful Yorkshire scenery which was mesmerising on the large screen. Our audience seemed to enjoy it too, scoring it as an impressive 4.2 out of 5. It was wonderful to be using the town’s Civic Hall for a community event like this and we look forward to filling it up as word spreads. It was great to have the chance to meet lots of the audience and enjoy a drink and a chat before and after the screening.
The new season, taking us up to November was announced and the audience on Monday enjoyed the trailers for the next 2 films:
August 13th: Midnight in Paris (2011)
September 10th: The Lives of Others (Germany 2006)
October 8th: The Last Picture Show (1971)
November 19th: Submarine (2011)
Follow this link to find out more about our romantic comedy showing in August: Midnight in Paris http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/midnight_in_paris/
nantwichfilmclub 