The new Community Cinema in the middle of Broughton continues this coming Friday with two screenings.
One is aimed at children and families in the afternoon, the other at adults in the evening.
Below, programmers Rory Bonass and James Mooney preview what’s in store.
My Neighbour Totoro (1988), 86 minutes, Certificate U
Our series featuring adventuring children continues in Japan with the iconic My Neighbour Totoro – a glorious fantasy following two sisters and the titular giant sprite.
Satsuki and Mei have moved to rural Japan with their father to be closer to their ailing mother. While initially uneasy, the girls grow to enjoy exploring their new surroundings.
During one of these adventures, Mei discovers the gargantuan Totoro – a huge, bear-like forest spirit; as generous as he is magical. Totoro helps the girls in ways both direct and indirect, but mostly is just a large cuddly friend for them at a time when they need one.
In terms of plot, there isn’t a massive amount going on, but that is entirely immaterial. The simplicity of the story means that it’s easily understood by all ages, regardless of language.
It also allows for audience projection as to the creature’s significance. Is he real or in the girls’ heads to help them deal with their mother’s sickness?
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Silent, helpful and happy, Totoro's the best companion a child could ask for. Come see a wonderful movie and make a friend.—RB
This screening will be in Japanese, with English subtitles. All ages are welcome, and children under 5 attend for free. Doors open at 2pm. Come in and join us for refreshments and to meet the New Town Cinema community. The film will start at 2.30pm. Reserve your ticket in advance here (£6.44) or buy on the door (£5).
Nine Queens (2000), 115 minutes, Certificate 15
Fabian Bielinsky’s debut crime thriller is the kind of film Hollywood struggles to emulate, with a clever script that will keep you guessing until the end and some great performances and touches of humour.
The film starts with a seemingly chance meeting between Juan (Gaston Pauls) and Marcos (Ricardo Darin), a pair of con-artists who then find themselves with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pull a major sting involving rare stamps (the ‘nine queens’ of the title).
However, nothing is quite what it seems, and in a series of twists and turns both our protagonists and the audience are left wondering who is really conning whom.
Nine Queens was one of the last films to be completed in Argentina before the country’s political and economic meltdown in 2001. Its presentation of a corrupt society where no-one can be trusted may be seen as a metaphor for a country on the brink of financial collapse.
The closing scene – as a bank pulls up its shutters and depositors clamour for their money – offered a prescient insight into what was to come.–JM
Doors open at 7pm, with film starting at 7.30pm. The screening will be preceded by a short introduction and followed by an opportunity for informal discussion. Reserve your ticket in advance here (£6.44) or buy on the door (£7; £5 concs).
