Chris & Jonny’s Filmhouse Watchlist 10.9.21

Whilst the world is on pause and your Filmhouse Sunderland visits aren’t possible, we’re keeping the independent cinema flag flying with our new weekly watch lists from Chris & Jonny, the people behind the project.  

Each Friday, we’ll post a list of four films that are currently available across BBC iPlayer, All4, Netflix and Amazon Prime that we think you should seek out.  

This week’s selection is…

Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans (15) (2015) (BBC iPlayer)
This enjoyable behind-the-scenes documentary looks at the production problems affecting the filming of the movie “Le Mans”, a 1970 passion project for Hollywood icon and racing enthusiast Steve McQueen. McQueen was at the height of his fame when the film entered production, and with all the stars aligned for success, it became quickly clear that the movie was part vanity project and part obsession for McQueen. Budgets spun wildly out of control and lives were risked as he strived for something more than ‘just’ being the world’s biggest movie star….

Official Secrets (15) (2019) (Netflix)
Keira Knightley is terrific in this gripping whistleblowing drama based on real events. Set at the height of the Iraq War in 2003, the film tells the story of British intelligence specialist Katharine Gun (Knightley), who receives a memo from the NSA which includes shocking content. Realising that the United States is about to enlist Britain’s help in collecting compromising information on U.N. Security Council members in order to blackmail them into voting for the invasion of Iraq, Katharine is unable to stand by and watch the world be rushed into war….

Blade Of The Immortal (18) (2017) (All 4)
From legendary and notorious Japanese director Takashi Miike (Audition), Blade Of The Immortal is a blood-soaked samurai epic packed with balletic violence and thrills. Cursed with immortality, a highly skilled samurai in feudal Japan promises to help a young woman avenge the death of her parents. Their mission leads them into a bloody battle with a ruthless warrior and his band of master swordsmen…

Boy (15) (2010) (Amazon Prime)
An early joy from director Taika Waititi (Hunt For The Wilderpeople, Thor Ragnarok), Boy is a big-hearted comedy-drama about New Zealand youth “Boy” (James Rolleston) and his hero worship for his dad, small-time crook Allamein (Taika Waititi). When Boy begins to realise that Allamein isn’t quite the heroic adventurer he’s imagined him to be, his illusions are shattered. A massive hit in New Zealand, Boy is a tender and funny tribute to the ability of young people to learn and adapt as they grow. 

We’d love to hear what you think of the films we recommend – let us know!

See you next week,

Chris & Jonny

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