March Movie Drinks, Chat & Meet!

Spring is here. 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. Some are new and at the cinema, some are classic and can be enjoyed from home. 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 are not expected to see every film, this is just a selection for you to choose from, watch what you can!

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In the Cinema…

The Secret Agent
Stylish, Oscar-tipped Brazilian thriller starring Wagner Moura. It is the late 70s and Brazil is under military dictatorship. In this climate of fear an academic becomes an enemy of powerful people, and sets in motion a plan to go into hiding, before leaving the country. As he travels (trying not to raise suspicion) we get glimpses into his mysterious past, and the lives of sympathisers trying to help him.

The Testament of Ann Lee
A music and dance infused biopic of religious radical Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers movement, and to a small group of people, the second coming of Jesus. Ann is born in industrial revolution England, where she is appalled by her surroundings, the second class existence of women, and the sinful act of sex. She preaches a radical doctrine, and hopes to build a Shaker utopia in the new world of America. Amanda Seyfried stars.

The Bride!
Maggie Gyllenhall directs (whilst Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale star) in this high energy 1930s reimagining of The Bride of Frankenstein (with a bit of Bonnie & Clyde thrown in). At the Monster’s request a murdered woman is re-animated. To woo his re-born companion he shows her the hustle and bustle of New York City…This city of lights, opportunity and vice, is too good to turn down. However when you are ostracised by human society you need to resort to more criminal ways to get what you want

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
An Oscar and BAFTA nominated performance from Rose Byrne, in a role that blends comedy and drama. Linda is a psychotherapist, but whilst she treats other people’s issues her life is falling apart. She is a mother, whose child has an eating disorder, whose husband is away at sea, whose house has just been flooded. Whilst Linda runs around trying to keep things falling into chaos, she starts to lose grip on reality. A$AP Rocky, Conan O’Brien and Christian Slater have supporting roles.

At Home…

The President’s Cake
Iraqi coming of age tale, and foreign language Oscar nominee. It is the 1990s and Saddam Hussein is still in control of the country, however after years of war and economic sanctions the Iraqi people struggle. At school 9 year old Lamia is tasked with ‘the honour’ of baking a ceremonial cake (on behalf of the class) for Saddam’s upcoming birthday. However Lamia and her family are poor and cannot afford the essential ingredients. Not wanting to be disgraced and land her family in trouble with the regime, Lamia must venture out, to barter for the cake ingredients she so needs.

Apostle (2018) -Netflix
Chosen by: Nancy
Phrase: Folk Horror

Stylish director Gareth Evans (of The Raid fame) creates a period folk horror full of homages to landmark 70s films of the genre such as The Wicker Man. It is 1905 and a man is in search of his sister, she has been abducted by religious cult who dwell on an isolated offshore island. They have offered a ransom for her safe return, but he has chosen to get her back with force. What secrets are they hiding?

The French Connection (1971)
Chosen by: Jason
Phrase: So 70s!

A film that needs no introduction. William Friedkin and Gene Hackman’s 1971 classic. A sophisticated heroin smuggling racket is being masterminded from France. From there it is offloaded in New York, and then spreads to the rest of America. Tough detectives “Popeye” Doyle and “Cloudy” Russo, must unpick a tangled web of smugglers, hitmen and dirty money. Word is the head of the illegal operation Alain Charnier will be setting foot in New York, this is the perfect opportunity to take out the kingpin.