A run of mostly British films this week.
The Invisible Woman (2013) – Disappointingly dreary account of Charles Dickens’ secret love affair with Ralph Fiennes and Felicity Jones. – 4
A Cat in Paris (2010) – Brief French animated feature counters a rather bland story with some lovely animation. – 5
Moolaadé (2004) – Riveting, visually arresting and massively powerful Senegalese drama arguing forcefully that some traditions must be ended. – 8
The Beguiled (1971) – Clint Eastwood staggers into a girls’ school behind enemy lines during the Civil War. Sometimes eerily effective, sometimes a little silly. – 5
The Gay Divorcee (1934) – Charming Astaire and Rogers comedy musical – but their finest hours (Top Hat, Swing Time) were ahead of them. As always, Edward Everett Horton steals every moment he is on screen. – 6
The Deep Blue Sea (2011) – Folks in Terence Davies’ nostalgic dramas really do sing a lot, don’t they. Rachel Weisz is splendid here. – 6
Sexy Beast (2000) – Hugely entertaining thriller with memorable characters and a sense of humour. – 7
Queen & Country (2014) – Deeply disappointing, belated sequel to (for me) one of the great films of the ‘80s. Caleb Landry Jones’ bizarre and awful performance has to be seen to be believed. – 3
The Browning Version (1994) – Can’t hold a candle to the 1951 version with Michael Redgrave but Albert Finney is good value in this entertaining Terence Rattigan adaptation. – 6
Jude (1996) – Grim but handsomely produced Thomas Hardy adaptation feels a little rushed at times but Kate Winslet is excellent. - 6
Best Film: Moolaadé
Best Director: Ousmane Sembene, Moolaadé
Best Actor: Ray Winstone, Sexy Beast
Best Actress: Rachel Weisz, The Deep Blue Sea
Best Supporting Actor: Edward Everett Horton, The Gay Divorcee
Best Supporting Actress: Alice Brady, The Gay Divorcee
Best Screenplay: Sexy Beast