All those 9am lectures getting you down? Why not try out the swanky recliner seats and sofas at Harbour Lights! In this feature, we continue to bring you news of all the latest films, special screenings, and student-friendly deals that the cinema has to offer. This week sees a number of new films and a FREE student-exclusive screening of Ben Affleck’s latest film.
I, Daniel Blake (15)
Ken Loach’s latest film, I, Daniel Blake, is this week’s leading film. The winner of the prestigious Palme d’Or award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the film follows Daniel (Dave Johns), a friendly 59-year-old joiner who is unable to work due to bad health. However when the Department of Work and Pensions overrides the doctor’s report and refuses to award him benefits, Daniel is forced to look for a job even though, on doctor’s orders, he cannot accept any work. Highlighting the bleak prospects of Britain’s current welfare system, whilst also providing glimpses of humour and hope, this is a must-watch.
Queen of Katwe (PG)
Disney’s Queen of Katwe comes to cinemas this week. Directed by Mira Nair, the film follows a young girl named Phiona who meets a footballer-turned-missionary (David Oyelowo) as she is collecting corn. Recognising her spirit and innate talent, the missionary begins to mentor Phiona, teaming up with her impoverished mother (Lupita Nyong’o) to help her fulfil her potential. Read our LFF review here.
Laika animation’s latest stopmotion masterpiece, Kubo and The Two Strings, is making its debut in cinemas this week. Kubo (voiced by Game of Thrones’ Art Parkinson) is a feisty one-eyed pre-teen who is sent on a mission to recover his dead samurai father’s magic armour, which will ward off all known evil spirits. This beautifully rendered animation also features the vocal talents of Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes and Rooney Mara. Read our first look review here.
The Accountant (15)
This month’s FREE student-exclusive screening (courtesy of E4 Slackers Club) is The Accountant. This action thriller stars Ben Affleck as an autistic, small-town accountant who makes his living uncooking the books of dangerous criminal organizations. The film also stars the likes of Anna Kendrick, J.K. Simmons and Jon Bernthal. For more information on how to get in on this screening, visit the Harbour Lights website.
The Girl On The Train is still screening this week. Based on Paula Hawkin’s bestselling novel of the same name, the film follows Rachel (Emily Blunt), a woman who daydreams about the ‘perfect couple’ living in one of the beautiful homes that she sees every day from the train. But one day, as she looks through the window, she sees something shocking in the house – and later wakes up covered in blood and with no memory of why. When the news reports that a local woman has gone missing, Rachel becomes obsessed with finding out what has happened to her and, even more troublingly, where she herself was that night… Read our review here.
Frankenstein (PG)
Harbour Lights continue their Culture Shock season with another of Universal’s classic horrors, Frankenstein. The antagonist of Mary Shelley’s gothic novel as we so often recognise him was first immortalised in James Whale’s 1931 film, in which Boris Karloff stars as the monster. If you’re a fan of horror or you’re keen to get in the mood for Halloween, keep an eye out for further screenings in the weeks to come!
Valley Of Love (15)
This week’s Discover Tuesday is Guillaume Nicloux’s 2015 film, Valley Of Love. Starring Gerard Depardieu and Isabelle Huppert, the film follows a long-divorced acting couple who are reunited following their son’s death and convinced to visit five places at Death Valley in an attempt to see their son again.
Stormy Weather (U)
This week’s Vintage Sunday is Andrew Stone’s 1943 musical Stormy Weather. Based upon the life and times of its star, dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the film follows Robinson’s efforts to pursue a career as a performer after fighting in World War I. Fred Astaire was once quoted as declaring the Nicholas Brothers’ ‘staircase’ number the greatest musical sequence of all time. Part of the BFI’s Black Star Season, don’t miss your chance to see this rarely screened entertainment extravaganza.
Student tickets range from £7.00 -£9.50. For more information, visit the Harbour Lights website or call the Box Office on 0871 902 5733.
