FILM MOVEMENT PLUS blog

Commemorate the bravery of a nation at war and experience all the explosive drama across land, sea and air with four British World War II classics – newly remastered and streaming on Film Movement Plus!

One of Time Out Magazine's Top 50 Best WWII Movies of All Time!

Based on a story by Graham Greene. Bramley End, snug and safe, seemed far away from the perils of World War II. Little did the villagers suspect the grim events that would arrive at their doorsteps. Surprised by the lorry loads of Royal Engineers that rolled onto their village green, they had no reason to believe that these soldiers were disguised German paratroopers, and even less reason to be suspicious of Oliver Wilsford (Leslie Banks), their trusted town squire.

Directed by GUY HAMILTON (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die)

The Nazis believed that no man could break out of Colditz Castle. A medieval fortress located in the heart of Saxony and situated 400 miles from any neutral frontier, it was the prison where the most rebellious Allied POWs were sent. Despite the threat of execution, British officer Pat Reid (John Mills) leads a daring escape attempt through the castle's subterranean tunnels.

One of Time Out Magazine's Top 50 Best WWII Movies of All Time!

The year is 1942. Along the barren North African coast where war has turned towns into smoking ruins, Captain Anson (John Mills), a commanding officer in the Royal Army Service Corps, is tired and thirsty. Separated from his unit while evacuating to Alexandria in a military ambulance, he takes on several passengers but soon realizes that one of them may be a German spy. Nominated for four BAFTA Awards and winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 1958 Berlin International Film Festival.

Starring John Mills and Richard Attenborough

NewFest 2019 is here and Film Movement Plus is celebrating the 31st year of New York's annual LGBTQ Film Festival with the premiere of RAFIKI, Wanuri Kahiu's groundbreaking Kenyan film – a 2018 NewFest Official Selection – which was just named one of IndieWire's “Most Dangerous Films of the 21st Century” for its daring courage in “putting art and human rights above the law of the land.”

We invite you to experience this important film (along with other NewFest Selections) this week on Film Movement Plus.

2018 OFFICIAL SELECTION - NEWFEST

“Impossible not to celebrate.” –Variety

“Reminiscent of the early work of Spike Lee.” –Screen Daily

“Lively and full of vision.”–Vulture

“Reminds us why stories of oppression are as important as ever.”–Film School Rejects

“Bursting with life” (AV Club) and the colorful street style and music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, RAFIKI is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” – but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety.

ALSO MAKING ITS STREAMING PREMIERE THIS WEEK...

HUDSON, a short film by Shae Xu 2018 OFFICIAL SELECTION - NEWFEST

First we invited you to celebrate the genius of Alastair Sim with four Ealing Studios classics. Now, we're presenting two Scottish-set, nautical-themed Ealing Comedies from director Alexander Mackendrick (The Man in the White Suit, The Ladykillers, Sweet Smell of Success) – newly remastered and now streaming on Film Movement Plus!

WHISKY GALORE! (1949)

Inspired by a true story. It is 1943 and the tiny Hebridean island of Todday is plunged into the depths of despair. Spirits are low – for Todday is without whisky. Then during a storm, a freighter runs aground which happens to hold a cargo of 50,000 cases of whisky bound for America. Soon a battle of wits ensues between the ship’s captain and the islanders as both attempt to claim the salvaged treasure.

THE MAGGIE (1954)

ALASTAIR SIM Born: October 9, 1900, Edinburgh, Scotland

Though he is perhaps best known for his role as Scrooge in the 1951 film adaptation of A Christmas Carol, Scottish character actor Alastair Sim is one of the best-loved and most prolific actors in classic British comedy. As we approach what would be the 119th anniversary of his birth, we invite you to enjoy some of his most memorable performances – newly remastered and now streaming on Film Movement Plus!

THE BELLES OF ST. TRINIAN'S, a film by Frank Launder

The unruly schoolgirls of St. Trinian’s are more interested in men and mischief than homework and hockey, but now because of two recent arrivals, even greater trouble beckons. Features Alastair Sim playing dual roles as headmistress Miss Millicent Fritton and her twin brother.

LAUGHTER IN PARADISE, a film by Mario Zampi

Practical joker Henry Russell leaves 50,000 pounds to each of his four surviving relatives. But his will has one last joke – they each have to undertake a task completely out of character within a month. Along the way they find that despite the riches, they are getting a lot out of the challenge.

SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS, a film by Robert Hamer

Henry Palfrey tries hard to impress but always loses out to the rotter Delauney. Then he discovers the Lifeman college run by "Professor" Potter (Alastair Sim) and discovers the secrets of success. But does he have the courage to put all his lessons into effect?

HUE AND CRY, a film by Charles Crichton

DATE TYPE TITLE October 4, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - Alastair Sim

THE BELLES OF ST. TRINIANS

October 4, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - Alastair Sim

LAUGHTER IN PARADISE

October 4, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - Alastair Sim

SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS

October 11, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - Ealing Comedies

HUE AND CRY

October 11, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - Ealing Comedies

THE MAGGIE

October 11, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - Ealing Comedies

WHISKY GALORE

October 18, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

RAFIKI

October 25, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - British WWII

THE COLDITZ STORY

October 25, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - British WWII

DUNKIRK

October 25, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - British WWII

ICE COLD IN ALEX

October 25, 2019 Exclusive Premiere - British WWII

As the curtain rises on the new Metropolitan Opera season, Film Movement Plus proudly presents the streaming premiere of the 2K digital restoration of FARINELLI.

Currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of its initial theatrical release, the acclaimed, Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated film depicts the incredible true story of the infamous castrato, who was the biggest stage star of his time.

NEW 2K DIGITAL RESTORATION

WINNER - GOLDEN GLOBE - BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM NOMINEE - ACADEMY AWARD - BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

“Does for the singer what Amadeus did for Mozart.” –The Times

“A triumph… artistry abounds in every aspect of the film.” –Los Angeles Times

For two weeks every September the San Gennaro Festival takes over New York City's Little Italy for a red, white and green extravaganza celebrating everything "Italian"...

In honor of this joyous event, Film Movement Plus unveils Laura Luchetti’s acclaimed festival favorite, TWIN FLOWER, which is making its streaming premiere simultaneous with it now playing in select North American theaters!

OFFICIAL SELECTION - TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

“Luchetti's delicate direction with two young first time actors is [a] marvel.” –Screen Anarchy

“Bolstered by revelatory performances from its leads, and a timely thematic foundation appropriate to its place and moment, Twin Flower tells a story that’s as nuanced as it is profound.” –The Playlist

“Luchetti offers some of the most exquisite shots of the Italian countryside since Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name.” –812 Film Reviews

Sixteen-year-old Anna is on the run, escaping from a violent event that has not only traumatized her but has left her unwilling to use her voice. On the road she is rescued by Basim, a teenage illegal immigrant from Ivory Coast. Together they embark on a perilous journey through the deserted lands, woods, villages and breathtaking landscapes of Sardinia.

ALSO MAKING ITS STREAMING PREMIERE THIS WEEK, AN EPIC TALE WITH ITS ANCIENT ORIGINS IN THE ITALIAN ALPS...

28 years ago, on September 19, 1991, two hikers discovered a mummified body that was left exposed by a melting glacier. At first, people assumed he was a hiker, but later his true Stone Age origins were revealed...

STEP BACK IN TIME, TO DISCOVER THE WORLD OF ÖTZI, THE ICEMAN!

“A visceral thrill ride through the Alpine Copper Age.” –The Hollywood Reporter

“Discover the first unsolved murder case in the history of mankind.” –Screen Comment

“A bloodthirsty prehistoric revenge movie.” –Sight & Sound

As summer turns to fall and kids of all ages trade their carefree lives for the rigors of the classroom, Film Movement Plus offers up a collection of A+ films that will take you “back to school,” leading off with the streaming premiere of Shunji Iwai’s lyrical coming-of-age tale ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU-CHOU.

“One of the most haunting, viciously honest coming-of-age films.” –LA Weekly

“Much of All About Lily Chou-Chou is mesmerizing: some of its plaintiveness could make you weep.” –The New York Times

“Gorgeously shot… [a] hypnotically plugged-in drama.” –Variety

For young people around the world, music is often the only salvation when pain and suffering becomes too much to bear. Yuichi is in 8th grade and worships Lily Chou-Chou, a Björk-like singer whose lush and transcendent music provides the perfect escape from his brutal surroundings. Yuichi also finds solace as the moderator of an online chat room dedicated to his pop idol, but as his real life nightmare of teenage exploitation, crime and bullying grows more untenable, will Lily be enough to save him from isolation and despair?

ALSO STREAMING ON FILM MOVEMENT PLUS:

BLUSH, a film by Michal Vinik OFFICIAL SELECTION - OUTFEST

Naama can't find an escape from her troubles at home, but everything changes when she meets a free-spirited new girl at school and the two begin a relationship that changes her life forever.

BREATHE, a film by Mélanie Laurent OFFICIAL SELECTION - CANNES CRITICS’ WEEK

A taut, nuanced story about the depths of female friendships and the dark side of teenage infatuations, based on the best-selling young adult novel by Anne-Sophie Brasme.

THE FOREST FOR THE TREES, a film by Maren Ade WINNER - SPECIAL JURY PRIZE - SUNDANCE

Melanie, a young teacher filled with idealistic zeal, starts her first job at a city high school and soon discovers that the harsh realities of her new life are too much for her to bear.

THE TEACHER, a film by Jan Hřebejk WINNER - BEST ACTRESS - KARLOVY VARY FILM FESTIVAL

A middle school teacher uses her students to manipulate their parents for personal gain in this dark comedy set in 1983 Czechoslovakia and inspired by true events.

PLUS KICK OFF THE START OF NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH (SEPTEMBER 15 - OCTOBER 15) WITH THIS SELECTION OF ACCLAIMED TITLES NOW STREAMING ON FILM MOVEMENT PLUS:

For ten days, the film world will be focused on the eagerly anticipated premieres playing at the 44th annual Toronto International Film Festival.

Celebrate recent discoveries from TIFFs past with a curated selection of official selections on Film Movement Plus, highlighted by the streaming premiere of STYX, one of the most talked about films from last year's festival.

2018 Toronto Film Festival - Official Selection

“A captivating, exhilarating cinematic experience.” –FirstShowing

“Told with the intensity of a ticking-clock thriller.” –IndieWire

“A commendably bold work of art.” –The Playlist

“Proves even more gripping than its brilliantly achieved visceral action.” –Variety

ER doctor Rike (German Film Awards Best Actress winner Susanne Wolff) embarks on a one-woman solo sailing trip to Ascension Island in the Atlantic. When she comes across a sinking ship filled with refugees, Rike is suddenly torn out of her contented world. Pushed to her physical, psychological and moral limits, she is forced to make a momentous decision. Aptly named after the mythological river that separates the living from the dead, STYX is an astute modern day parable of Western indifference in the face of marginalized suffering.

ALSO STREAMING ON FILM MOVEMENT PLUS:

I AM NOT A WITCH (2017 TIFF Official Selection)

In her award-winning debut feature, Rungano Nyoni crafts a satiric feminist fairy-tale set in present-day Zambia. When 9-year old orphan Shula is accused of witchcraft, she is exiled to a witch camp run by a corrupt and inept government official.

AFTER THE STORM (2016 TIFF Official Selection)

Hirokazu Kore-eda is presenting his latest film, The Truth, in Toronto but three years ago he was at TIFF with After the Storm, a touching drama about a struggling writer attempting to reunite with his mother, ex-wife and young son amidst a typhoon.

HARMONIUM (2016 TIFF Official Selection)

Koji Fukada also returns to TIFF this year with A Girl Missing. In 2016 he presented Harmonium, a searing tragedy about a small factory owner whose life takes an ominous turn when he employs an old acquaintance who was released from prison.

DISCOVER MORE RECENT TIFF FAVORITES:

DATE TYPE TITLE September 6, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

STYX

September 13, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU-CHOU

September 20, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

ICEMAN

September 20, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

TWIN FLOWER

September 27, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

2014 Venice Film Festival - Opening Film

“A worthy testament to a fiery storyteller determined to use the medium as a necessary means of subversion.” –IndieWire

“Inspired by the turbulent events of the Arab Spring, there’s a timeless quality to this absorbing and powerful fable.” –Los Angeles Times

The President once ruled his land with a draconian fist, but after a coup d’état uproots him from power, his wife and daughters are immediately flown out of the country. He stays behind with his grandson, who is too young to grasp the unfolding events. After his personal escort and bodyguards turn on him, the President is forced to disguise himself and flee into the countryside to avoid capture. He soon learns that he is now the country’s most wanted fugitive and begins a perilous journey into exile.

A Corinth Films Release

Discover more acclaimed Venice Festival Favorites on Film Movement Plus:

WORLD HUMANITARIAN DAY IS AUGUST 19 A day dedicated to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world.

“Wickedly smart.” –Los Angeles Times

“One of the most striking debuts of the year.” –IndieWire

“A rush of originality, energy and ambition.” –Sight & Sound

“Signals the auspicious arrival of a fierce new talent.” –Chicago Reader

In her BAFTA award-winning debut feature, Rungano Nyoni crafts a satirical feminist fairy tale set in present-day Zambia. When nine-year-old Shula is accused of witchcraft, she is exiled to a witch camp run by Mr. Banda, a corrupt and inept government official. Tied to the ground by a white ribbon, Shula is told that she will turn into a goat if she tries to escape. As the only child witch, Shula quickly becomes a local star and the adults around her exploit her supposed powers for financial gain. Soon she is forced to make a difficult decision – whether to resign herself to life on the camp, or take a risk for freedom.

ALSO STREAMING ON FILM MOVEMENT PLUS:

LUCKY, a film by Avie Luthra

How could an orphaned, 10-year old homeless boy ever be called Lucky? Through an odyssey marked by greed, violence and, ultimately, belonging, Lucky shows how a child's spirit can bring out decency, humility and love in adults struggling to survive in the new South Africa.

MUNYURANGABO, a film by Lee Isaac Chung

After stealing a machete from a market in Kigali, two young Rwandan boys leave the city on a journey tied to their pasts. Munyurangabo wants justice for his parents who were killed in the genocide, and Sangwa wants to visit the home he deserted years ago.

UNDER THE BOMBS, a film by Philippe Aractingi

During a cease-fire in the Lebanon-Israeli conflict of 2006, a Christian taxi driver brings a Shiite woman from Beirut to the heart of the conflict in the country's south. During their trip, the two travelers develop a deep bond as a response to the devastation all around them.

THE BAREFOOT ARTIST, a film by Glenn Holsten & Daniel Traub

ALFRED HITCHCOCK Born: August 13, 1899, London, England

Alfred Hitchcock entered the film industry designing title cards for silent films. After working as a assistant director, he helmed his first feature in 1925 before going on to make a string of "thrillers" that would bring him worldwide acclaim. His 1929 film Blackmail is said to be the first British "talkie." One of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Hitchcock's career spanned more than 50 feature films over six decades.

Commemorating the birthday of the Master of Suspense, Film Movement Plus proudly presents three of Hitchcock’s early classics!

JAMAICA INN (1939)

Adapted from the Daphne du Maurier (Rebecca, The Birds) novel of the same name, Jamaica Inn was the last British film that Alfred Hitchcock directed before heading to Hollywood. This often overlooked gem from the Master of Suspense stars Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, Leslie Banks and Robert Newton.

THE 39 STEPS (1935)

In this brilliant thriller, Robert Donat plays a London civilian who accidentally gets caught up in an attempted plot to steal vital British military information. Brought into the confidence of a counter-espionage agent who is later killed, he is forced to go on the run to save himself and stop a nefarious spy ring.

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (1934)

DATE TYPE TITLE August 4, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

SARA STEIN - THE COMPLETE SERIES

August 9, 2019 Spotlight - Alfred Hitchcock

JAMAICA INN

August 9, 2019 Spotlight - Alfred Hitchcock

THE 39 STEPS

August 9, 2019 Spotlight - Alfred Hitchcock

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH

August 16, 20199 Exclusive Premiere

I AM NOT A WITCH

August 23, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

THE PRESIDENT

August 30, 2019 Exclusive Premiere

FRANTZ FANON WAS BORN ON JULY 20, 1925 IN FORT-DE-FRANCE, MARTINIQUE

A FILM BY ISAAC JULIEN & MARK NASH

Winner, Certificate of Merit, San Francisco International Film Festival

“There is artistry in abundance in Isaac Julien's singularly ambitious portrait... He does justice to the complexity of his intriguing subject.” –The Guardian

ONE OF THE 20TH CENTURY'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS, DAVID HOCKNEY WAS BORN ON JULY 9, 1937

“Fascinating! Takes us inside the head of one of our greatest living artists.” –Vogue

“A whirlwind tour with firsthand knowledge of the man and his work.” –Artforum

“Entertaining...like most of its subject's art, Hockney is a sunny film.” –The New York Times