It’s finally December, which means that Christmas is coming and all thoughts are on the upcoming holiday break. But before you leave Southampton, why not take a trip to Ocean Village for a little cinematic reprieve? 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 sees some great films, as well as a FREE student exclusive-screening and a great festive event!
Sully: Miracle on the Hudson (12A)
Clint Eastwood’s astonishing real life drama, Sully: Miracle on the Hudson is this week’s leading film. Starring the great Tom Hanks, the film tells the story of how Captain Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger landed his airliner in Manhattan’s Hudson River in 2009 without loss of life, following a bird strike that disabled both of the plane’s engines. In the aftermath, even as the public and media heralded the heroics of the captain and his co-pilot Skiles, the pair faced an official investigation that accused them of endangering the lives of the 155 souls they actually saved. Also starring Aaron Eckhart and Laura Linney, you can read our first look review here.
A United Kingdom (12A)
Amma Asante’s follow-up to her acclaimed 2013 feature Belle is another real-life story based on a love affair that defied class divisions, racial bias and social conventions. Starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike, A United Kingdom follows the international stir caused by the interracial marriage of the King of Bechuanaland (now Botswana) and a British office worker. Celebrating the triumph of love and intelligence in the face of oppression and intolerance, this is a must-see. Read our LFF review here.
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (12A)
There’s still time to revisit J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. Starring Eddie Redmayne, the film follows magizoologist (and Hufflepuff) Newt Scamander as he attempts to recover the fantastic beasts that run amok in New York City after they escape from his magical briefcase. A must watch for Potter fans and featuring an all star cast including Colin Farrell, Katherine Waterston, Jon Voight and Ezra Miller, read our review here.
This month’s FREE student-exclusive screening (courtesy of E4 Slackers Club) is Office Christmas Party. Starring an array of popular comics including T.J. Miller, Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman and Kate McKinnon, this crude comedy does what it says on the tin, as a hard-partying employee hosts an epic Christmas party in the hopes of closing a deal that will save everyone’s jobs. For more information on how to get in on this screening, visit the Harbour Lights website.
The Coming War on China (12A)
The Coming War On China is John Pilger’s 60th documentary film, revealing what the news doesn’t: that the world’s greatest military power, the United States, and the world’s second economic power, China, both nuclear-armed, may well be on the road to war. The film is set to be broadcast live from Picturehouse Central on Monday, including a satellite Q&A with Pilger, hosted by Afshin Rattansi.
ROH Live: The Nutcracker (12A)
“Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker,” the trailer confidently reads. And consequently, Harbour Lights will be hosting a live broadcast of Peter Wright’s classic production on Thursday evening. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s classic score, some gorgeous festive stage designs and The Royal Ballet’s captivating dancing, this is a real festive treat for culture lovers.
Little Men (PG)
This week’s Discover Tuesday is Ira Sachs’ charming coming-of-age tale, Little Men. The film follows two Brooklyn boys who become best pals when their parents move into the same apartment building. Inevitably, trouble arises when the parents set in motion a chain of events that threatens to rip the boys apart. Read our review here.
Night of the Demon (PG)
This week’s Vintage Sunday is Jacques Tourneur’s eerie horror drama, Night of the Demon. Part of Harbour Lights’ ‘A Warning to the Curious’ season, the film is based on M.R. James’ story Casting the Runes, and follows a sceptical American psychologist who aims to debunk the supernatural claims of a cult leader, but soon finds himself at the mercy of a terrible curse.
…. and Harbour Lights Christmas Film Quiz (in aid of Plan UK)
Harbour Lights are also hosting a Christmas Film Quiz on Tuesday, in aid of Plan UK. Entry for the quiz costs £1 per person, with teams of up to 5 allowed. The winning team will win Picturehouse Memberships for the whole team (worth up to £225), plus there will be prizes for second and third place, round-specific prizes, booby prizes and free tickets to give away. And, just to add to the great news, The Edge will be there as part of our Christmas Writers’ Social!
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.
