SEASON 2009 - 2010

KIRK  Cast crew and funder viewing in Spetember after the AGM.

The Duchess                          October 2

The Reader                            October 16

Vicky Christina Barcelona    November 6

Star Trek                                November 20

My Neighbour Totoro our annual Free

Matinee - Tuesday 22nd December 2pm.

I've  Loved You So Long      January 8

Easy Virtue                           February 12

The Boy In Striped Pajamas  February 19

Revolutionary Road              March 5

Conversations with My Gardener March 26

Transsiberian                        April 16

Strathendrick Film Society Programme 2008-2009

There has been one change to the original list:

Rififi (1954) November will now be on *Thursday 27th 7:30pm (*change due to circumstances beyond our control)

The Kite Runner (2007) September 19 7:30pm (AGM 6:30pm)

Based on the international bestseller by Khaled Hosseini, THE KITE RUNNER is a fascinating historical epic set in 20th-century Afghanistan. In 1978, Amir and Hassan are young boys growing up against the background of one of the worlds most troubled nations. The boys share a passion for kite flying but their games are soon shattered by the harsh realities of their surroundings.

"An enthralling piece of cinema." James Christopher - The Times (Cert 12A, subtitles)

Seven Years In Tibet (1997) October 3 7:30pm

At the outbreak of the second world war, an arrogant young Austrian athlete on a Third Reich Himalayan expedition in British colonial India chooses to escape the war and British internment by seeking refuge in Lhasa the sacred capital of Tibet.   Here he befriends the young Dalai Lama and begins a personal journey that leads to a greater self-awareness and inner wisdom.   Adapted from the memoir by Heinrich Harrer (1912-2006). Starring Brad Pitt and British actor, David Thewlis.

"Seven Years in Tibet is a beautiful film with a story so typical-yet-unusual that it could only have come from autobiography" James Plath - DVDtown.com (Cert PG)

La Vie En Rose (2007) October 17 7:30pm

This French drama explores the often troubled life of  singer Edith Piaf.   Abandoned by her mother, Piaf grew up in her grandmother's brothel and her father's circus, which is hardly the fun one might imagine.   As a teen she is discovered singing on the streets of Paris and her powerful voice takes her all over the world...  With an Oscar-winning performance by Marion Cotillard (A very long engagement) and a thoroughly enchanting soundtrack.

"If that's not a movie, I don't know what is. A must-see." Johnny Vaughan - The Sun (Cert 12, subtitles)

Son of Rambow (2008) November 7 7:30pm

A young boy who lives a life apart from his peers because of his family's strong religious beliefs makes friends with a school tough-guy and the pair of misfits embark on an adventure influenced by the grown-up action movies they have secretly been watching. Amid a soundtrack that includes music from such seminal 80's bands as the Cure and Depeche Mode, the two young boys learn about family and friendship, jealousy and ego as their carefully controlled worlds threaten to implode.

"Integrates its slapstick genre pastiche into a thoughtful story about peer pressure, neglect and yearning" Ben Walters - Time Out (Cert 12A)

Rififi (1954) November Thursday 27th  7:30pm

A treat for fans of classic film noir.   Hardened criminal Tony le Stephanois is released from prison to find himself lonely and unwanted.   He rounds up his old buddies and together they plan one last heist.  When it comes to the robbery, everything goes like clockwork, and they walk away untouched with millions in jewels. However, there's a hitch, and what was meant to be the perfect crime turns into a blood bath on the streets of 1950s Paris.

"One of the greatest crime movies ever made."  Philip French - The Guardian (Cert 15, subtitles)

Ratatouille (2007) (Cert U) December 19 2:00pm FREE MATINEE

With astounding animation, inspirational messages, and endearing characters, Pixar Animation Studios have whipped up something special with RATATOUILLE.   A rat named Remy lives in Paris with a dream (and the talent) to be a chef.   One day while practising his cooking, Remy is discovered by a klutzy young man, Linguini who cleans the kitchen. Together Remi and Linguini become a celebrated culinary duo.

"A comedy that relates realistically to life, fashioned not with dozens of hilarious jokes but with due regard for proper storytelling."  Derek Malcolm - This is London

Down by Law (1986) January 9 7:30pm

Jim Jarmusch's quirky film is a comic fable about finding the American dream in the most unlikely of places.   Three men find themselves sharing a jail cell after three separate crimes.   Roberto succeeds in convincing Zack and Jack to break out of jail with him. But when they do, the escapees find themselves lost but not without hope.

"The excitement (of the film) comes from the realization that we are seeing a true film maker at work, using film to create a narrative that couldn't exist on the stage or the printed page of a novel." Vincent Canby - New York Times (Cert 15)

I'm Not There (2007) February 13 7:30pm

A dazzling, experimental take on the life of popular music's most revered and enigmatic artist: Bob Dylan. In keeping with the impossible-to-pin-down nature of Dylan himself, Todd Haynes chose to cast six different actors to portray several incarnations of the groundbreaking troubadour. The result is a challenging, sprawling work that spans several decades and genres.   Starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Marcus Carl Franklin, Richard Gere, and the late Heath Ledger - All as Bob Dylan.

"One of the sexiest pieces of cinema I've seen at a festival." James Christopher - The Times (Cert 15)

Mamma Mia! (2008) March 6 7:30pm

MAMMA MIA became a Broadway smash back in 2001. With a story framed around the music of the Swedish pop band Abba, crowds loved its raucous, dance party vibe. Now it comes to the silver screen, with some truly delightful performances from the likes of Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan.

"Cute, clean, camp fun, full of sunshine and toe tappers." Angie Errigo - Empire Magazine (Cert PG)

2 Days In Paris (2007) March 20 7:30pm

Julie Delpy's breezily hilarious feature follows French-born Marion (Delpy) and Jack (Adam Goldberg), her American boyfriend (of two years), on a two-day stop through Paris, where Marion has purchased a tiny apartment one floor up from her rowdy, eccentric parents (played with great ability by Delpy's actual parents). Just passing through after an Italian getaway, the lovebirds are unprepared for the many relationship tests soon thrown their way in the notoriously romantic city.

"A very likable, smart, offbeat film." Peter Bradshaw - The Guardian (Cert 15)

The Band's Visit (2007) April 3 7:30pm

Israeli filmmaker Eran Kolirin's debut feature is a subtle, heartfelt, and humane work that goes a long way toward dissolving the incredibly complex cultural divide that continues to plague the Middle East. When the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra flies from Egypt to Israel to perform at the opening of an Arab culture center, they are left stranded at the airport and struggle to find their way to the venue.

"In other hands this might have become a clumsy message movie, but the witty script, charming performances and playful direction make for pleasurable viewing." Tom Dawson - Channel 4 Film (Cert 12A, subtitles)

Mystery Film Weekend April 17th 7:45pm

The cinema returns to the McLintock Hall in Balfron for a weekend of films (Programme to be confirmed).   There will be at least one surprise screening of a new or pre-release movie.   Films will be shown on Friday, Saturday and Sunday promising a feast for all our film fans.

Hot Fuzz (2007) April 24 7:30pm

London's best bobby is posted to the sleepy village of Sandford (really Wells in Somerset) as his exemplary record is showing up the rest of the Metropolitan Police.   The parochial atmosphere and his incompetent, action-film obsessed new partner add to his frustration. However, as a series of grisly accidents rocks the village, he is convinced that Sandford is not what it seems and the intrigue deepens.   The film builds to explosive, high-octane car-chasing, and all-out action - rounded off by a nice cup of tea and biscuits.   Hot Fuzz features a supporting cast of great British screen icons; Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Bill Nighy and Edward Woodward.

"Authentically cinematic, stuffed with good jokes and full of incidental pleasures - particularly for die-hard film buffs" Jonathan Ross - BBC (Cert 15)