It’s almost Halloween and in this feature, we continue to bring you news of all the latest films, special screenings, and student-friendly deals that Harbour Lights has to offer. This week, the cinema is screening some appropriately spooky films, as well as a couple of must-see dramas.
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.
The Light Between Oceans (12A)
Derek Cianfrance’s latest drama, The Light Between Oceans, receives its general UK release this week. Starring Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander, the film follows a lightkeeper and his wife who, after years of struggling to conceive, find and adopt a baby that they find in a lifeboat lost at sea. Based on the novel of the same name by M.L. Stedman, this is a deeply affecting film and a must-watch for fans of romantic period dramas. Read our review and our coverage of the film’s press conference here.
American Honey (15)
Andrea Arnold’s first American film, American Honey, is hitting cinemas this week. Set in dirt-poor America, the film follows a young woman called Star who joins a crew of young salespeople who peddle magazine subscriptions around Midwest strip malls. As star hitches a ride with the group of misfits, she soon finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of hard partying, law bending and young love. The film stars Riley Keough, Shia LaBeouf and newcomer Sasha Lane.
Queen of Katwe (PG)
Disney’s Queen of Katwe is still screening 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.
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… Read our review here.
Train to Busan (15)
Noted South Korean animation director Sang-ho Yeon switches to live action – and lots of CGI – for his new flesh-eating thriller, Train to Busan. Arrogant fat cat Seok Woo and his neglected young daughter are making the 270-mile HST journey from Seoul to see her mother in Busan. However, their journey is far from peaceful, as they face the threat of a zombie virus outbreak.
Ethel & Ernest (PG)
If deeply emotive, hand-drawn animations are your cup of tea, you’ll love Ethel & Ernest – Roger Mainwood’s new film based on the graphic novel by Raymond Briggs (the author of The Snowman). Featuring Briggs’ distinct illustration style, the film tells the story of how his parents met and fell in love. As Ethel & Ernest settle down and start their family, they are also forced to deal with the hardships of war. This entrancing animation features the vocal talents of Jim Broadbent, Brenda Blethyn and Luke Treadaway.
This week’s Discover Tuesday is Patrick Shen’s In Pursuit of Silence. A meditative exploration of our relationship with silence, sound and the impact of noise on our lives, the film begins with an ode to John Cage’s groundbreaking composition 4’33” and takes us on an immersive cinematic journey around the globe – from a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, to the streets of Mumbai, the loudest city on the planet.
The Omen (15)
This week’s Vintage Sunday is an appropriately terrifying horror classic. Directed by Richard Donner, The Omen follows the unnerving story of a US ambassador who soon discovers that his adopted son Damien is far from a normal child when inexplicable, terrifying things start to happen. Starring Gregory Peck, Lee Remick and Billie Whitelaw, if you need something to get you in the Halloween mood, this could be the screening for you.
The Mummy (PG)
Harbour Lights continue their Culture Shock season with another of Universal’s classic horrors. This time around it’s Karl Freund’s 1932 film, The Mummy. Starring Boris Karloff, the film follows Imhotep, a vengeful ancient Egyptian priest who seeks to be reunited with his true love after 3,000 years.
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.
