Philomena, with Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. In the context of the book we're reading, Small Things Like These, I strongly recommend the club members to watch it. It's about a teenage girl who, in 1950's Ireland, becomes pregnant out of wedlock, is sent to a convent. When her baby is a toddler, he is taken away from her and put up for adoption in America. 50 years later the mother embarks on a journey to try and find her son.
It's a really interesting film with a fantastic cast.
Philomena Official Trailer #1 (2013) - Judi Dench, Steve Coogan Movie HD
Philomena is based on the book The lost child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith , which tells the true story of Philomena Lee and her fifty-year search for her son. Unlike the film adaptation, the book focuses more on Michael Hess 's life before he was adopted.
In our meetings we often talk about films. Sometimes, something somebody says reminds one of us of a movie we have enjoyed. Last week I talked about these three films which all have excellent English. In different ways they are all "very British"
Summerland, directed by Jessica Swale
Youtube - Summerland - Official Trailer
"Summerland" is a 2020 British war drama film directed by Jessica Swale. Set during World War II, the story revolves around Alice Lamb, a reclusive writer played by Gemma Arterton, who is reluctantly tasked with caring for a young evacuee named Frank. As their bond grows, Alice confronts her own painful past. The film beautifully explores themes of love, loss, and acceptance against the backdrop of the English countryside. With captivating performances and stunning cinematography, "Summerland" delivers a poignant and heartwarming narrative. It received acclaim for its emotional depth and the chemistry between the lead characters.
A Promise, directed by Patrice Leconte
Youtube - A Promise - Vendetta films
"A Promise" is a 2013 romantic drama film directed by Patrice Leconte. Set in pre-World War I Germany, the film tells the story of a young engineer, Friedrich Zeitz, played by Richard Madden, who begins working for a wealthy industrialist, Karl Hoffmeister, portrayed by Alan Rickman. As Friedrich becomes Hoffmeister's private secretary, he develops a close relationship with Hoffmeister's wife, Lotte, played by Rebecca Hall. The film explores themes of love and sacrifice in the face of societal expectations. With a compelling narrative and strong performances, "A Promise" offers a poignant portrayal of forbidden love against the backdrop of a changing era.
The Cambridge Spies, directed by Tim Fywell
Youtube - Cambridge Spies
"The Cambridge Spies" is a 2003 British television drama miniseries directed by Tim Fywell. It chronicles the lives of the infamous Cambridge Five, a group of spies who passed intelligence to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The story primarily focuses on four members: Kim Philby (played by Toby Stephens), Guy Burgess (Tom Hollander), Anthony Blunt (Samuel West), and Donald Maclean (Rupert Penry-Jones). The miniseries delves into the complex relationships, ideological conflicts, and betrayals that shaped their espionage activities. With a compelling historical backdrop, "The Cambridge Spies" offers a gripping portrayal of loyalty, deception, and the moral complexities of espionage during a tumultuous period in history.
