February Movie Drinks, Chat & Meet!

Come join us at the Curzon bar to meet fellow film fans and discuss all things film over a drink. We'll give our thoughts on some of these latest releases, and also discuss our opinions on what films have been selected this month. Whether you're an avid cinemagoer, home streamer...Or a bit of both! Please come and share your views on the following films:

Remember!

*Please only RSVP if you intend on turning up

*Don't worry, you aren't expected to see every film, this is just a selection for you to choose from

-----

Wuthering Heights
New adaptation of Emily Bronte’s dark, sensual classic novel as imagined by Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn). Set on the misty Yorkshire moors, a young orphan (Heathcliff) is brought to live with the Earnshaw family at Wuthering Heights, there he establishes an intense bond with the daughter Catherine. But she is destined for status, finery, and a ‘good husband’ whereas Heathcliff is a brooding outcast. Society dictates that cannot be together, but way out on the moors they can meet in secret. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star.

No Other Choice
Korean director Park-Chan Wook is back for this late-stage capitalist satire about the (literal) cut-throat corporate culture in South Korea. Yoo Man-Su is an established and relatively high up employee at a paper company…Until he’s made redundant. Status-stripped, vengeful, emasculated and fearing a loss in his families living standards, he must go to extreme lengths to make sure he is picked above all other candidates when a new job opportunity arises.

Train Dreams (Netflix)
Just nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture. A portrait of the life of Robert Grainger, an outdoorsman and lumberjack tasked with cutting down forest trees to fuel the massive railroad expansion of America. As Robert’s life unfolds, he experiences youth, loneliness, solitude, love, and fatherhood. Paralleling these personal changes is the transformation of America itself, as the great outdoors he cherishes gradually gives way to the “progress” of passengers, towns, and buildings. Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones star

Ran (1985- Japan)
Chosen by Stephen
Phrase- Swords, Sandals and Samurais

The last samurai epic from master director Akira Kurosawa (who uses Shakespeare’s King Lear as inspiration). Elderly warlord Hidetori Ichimonji is sorting out his affairs before retirement. He decrees that he will divide his kingdom amongst his three sons. However treachery is afoot as broken promises and the lust for power conspire to corrupt these brothers, destroying their fathers legacy. This film is noted for the exceptional use of colour and grand scale.

Whale Rider (2002- New Zealand)
Chosen by Stuart
Phrase- Girl Power!

The New Zealand Maori sleeper hit from 2002. Paikea is born to into a tribal village, and has a strong claim to be its next chief...In fact the name she has been given is of the legendary whale rider. However tradition dictates that only a male can hold the position, and so she is frozen out of the traditional lessons, rites and passages that her male peers enjoy. Through determination and help of family, Paikea hopes to overturn deeply entrenched rules and beliefs, especially ones strictly enforced by her grandfather.

American Beauty (1999- US)
Chosen by Muz
Phrase- American Suburbia

Sam Mendes’ film was a sensation upon its release, sweeping the boards at the Oscars. Lester Burnham seems to have it all. A successful wife, kids, a middle class All-American suburban life. But behind closed doors lies middle-aged regret, stagnation and alienation. Determined to take back control, he goes on a wild ride of self-gratification in search of meaning and develops an infatuation with his daughters friend. His daughter Jane, and wife are also on their own journey of discovery, as well as their neighbours, who also have their demons. Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch and Mena Suvari star

Oscar Prediction Sweepstakes 2026!
Game time! It's Oscar season, come to the event, take a card and each write down who you think will win in the biggest categories...Whoever gets the most right will win! We will unveil the winners at the March meetup, and who knows there may be some magnificent* prizes!!!

*May not be magnificent