Match Point (UK, 2005) 124´ 28/02/2013.

This dramatic-thriller film written and directed by Woody Allen tells the story of Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). Chris, a recently retired tennis professional, is taken on as an instructor at an upmarket club in London. He strikes up a friendship with a wealthy pupil, Tom Hewett, after discovering their common affinity for opera. Tom's older sister, Chloe, is smitten with Chris and the two begin dating. During a family gathering, Chris meets Tom's fiancée, Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), and they are instantly attracted to each other.
 

Allen was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The film received generally strong reviews from critics.
"[Allen's] new movie, Match Point, devoted to lust, adultery, and murder, is the most vigorous thing he's done in years." David Denby. New Yorker. (03/01/2006).

See the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wISRAOb6xm0

The Elephant Man (UK, 1980). 124´. 21/02/1980

This drama film was filmed by David Lynch and it is based on the true story of of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film).
 London Hospital surgeon Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers John Merrick (John Hurt) in a Victorian freak show in London's East End, where he is managed by the brutish Bytes. Merrick is deformed to the point that he must wear a hood and cap when in public, and Bytes claims he is an imbecile. Treves is professionally intrigued by Merrick's condition and pays Bytes to bring him to the Hospital so that he can examine him.


The Elephant Man was a critical and commercial success. It also won the BAFTA Awards for Best Film and Best Actor.
"This tale of a pure soul struggling to be heard over the prejudice of the many is quite heart-rending." Almar Haflidason. BBC. 30/05/2001.
See the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye4YTZOq2fk

Ordinary People (USA, 1980) 124´ 14/02/2013

Robert Reford debuted as a director with this drama that tells the story of the Jarrets, an upper-middle-class family trying to return to normal life after the death of one teenage son. The misfortune deeply strains the relationships among the bitter mother (Mary Tyler Moore), the good-natured father (Donald Sutherland), and the guilt-ridden younger son (Timothy Hutton).



It is a well-acclaimed film and it won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Although it was the first film directed by Robert Reford, the actor won the award for Best Director.
"An intelligent, perceptive, and deeply moving film." Roger Ebert. Chicago Sun-Times. (23/10/2004)

See the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdjlLq1tqmU

The Illusionist (UK/France 2010) 79´ 07/02/2013

This animated comedy-drama film was directed by Sylvain Chomet and tells the story of a struggling illusionist who visits an isolated community and meets a young lady who is convinced that he is a real magician.



This film won several awards, like the  first César Award for Best Animated Feature. Apart from that, it has touched the heart of the critics.
"Both a modest homage to its writer and a melancholy look at a lost world." Manolha Dargis. New York Times. (30/12/2010).
See the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMqpU7lUlLg

NEDS (UK 2010) 124´ 31/01/2013

Neds is a feature film directed by Peter Mullan. The film tells the story of John McGill (Conor McCarron), a teenager growing up in 1970s Glasgow, Scotland. The story line follows John's involvement with his city's ned (ned is the acronym form from No Educated Delinquents) culture and the consequences of it on his teenage years.

 

 

The movie won Best Film at the San Sebastian Film Festival in January 2011 and it got good reviews.

"This angry film is a forceful slice of life, clearly indebted to the realism of Ken Loach, in whose My Name Is Joe Mullan starred, and to whose Kes it nods." Philip French. The Guardian. 26/01/2011.