Chris & Jonny’s Film (in the) House Watch List 12/11/21

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…

Paths Of Glory (PG) (1957) (BBC iPlayer)
Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece about the futility of war ranks amongst his greatest films.  The WW1-set story sees a suicidal attack ordered on a German stronghold, only for the plan to go terribly wrong and end in retreat. Angry, the Generals who ordered the operation select three men to be shot for cowardice, but Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), a tough soldier disgusted with his Officers’ arrogance, attempts to defend them… 

Kiki’s Delivery Service (U) (1989) (Netflix)
In this excellent animé from Studio Ghibli 13-year-old witch Kiki moves to a seaside town with her talking cat, Jiji, to spend a year alone, in accordance with her village’s tradition for witches in training. After learning to control her broomstick, Kiki sets up a flying courier service and soon becomes a fixture in the community. But when the insecure young witch begins questioning herself and loses her magic abilities, she must overcome her self-doubt and get her powers back!

Jackie (15) (2016) (All 4)
One of the most defining figures of the Twentieth century, Jackie Kennedy was the definitive First Lady. Seen stylish, camera-ready, and prepared at the President’s side, or more shockingly, in the terrible footage of JFK’s death. Here, Pablo Larraín (who’s film Spencer is out in cinemas now) tells a story of Jackie Kennedy in the days following the President’s assassination, with Natalie Portman playing her as a woman fighting to cope with her grief and ensure her children’s well-being throughout the tragedy.

Ammonite (15) (2020) (Amazon Prime)
Francis Lee’s follow up to God’s Own Country takes another story of hesitant love as its cue, this time stepping back into history and 1840’s England. Paleontologist Mary Anning (Kate Winslet) mines the coast at Lyme Regis for a living. Reclusive and alone, Mary’s life is disturbed when young married wealthy woman Charlotte (Saoirse Ronan) arrives, depressed following a recent trauma, and seeking a place to recover. Absorbing drama follows as the pair cautiously pick their way through their friendship and gradually become close…

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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