Genre: Historical/ Drama/ Autobiographical

Rated: 12A

Run Time: 118 minutes

Director: Tom Hooper

Actors: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush & Helena Bonham Carter




Plot:This documentary- esque movie follows the journey of King George VI- who suffered with a severe stammer his whole life. It has always been an issue with George, but however it becomes a major setback after the death of his father, resulting in him becoming the King of Great Britain. Desperate to be able to deliver the all – important Christmas Day greeting George looks for help in the unorthodox ways of Lionel Logue, he may not have all the certificates and qualification as the other therapists George attended over the years but he was the one person who accomplished what so many speech therapists could not achieve- he gave George the confidence and freedom to speak without stammering- the best gift ever given to King George VI.

Comments:In my opinion there was no other actor able to perform as spectacularly as Colin Firth did in this movie. His depiction of both the regal and vulnerable side of King George was mesmerising. His interpretation of the stammer was not too overplayed or false. There was a perfect amount of stammering to keep in tone with his character. The way in which the movie was directed gave the audience a chance to feel as if they were in the same room as the king. Overall a fantastic movie – both actors and director did a great day and they deserve all the awards they receive

Genre: Historical/ Autobiographical/ Drama

Run Time: 105 minutes

Rating: 15A

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

Actor(s): Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent & Richard E. Grant
 





Plot:The story is told through the eyes of an elderly Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep). The movie focuses around her struggles with dementia as she speaks to the memory of her deceased husband, Denis. As she tries to come to terms with his death she recalls poignant moments in both her personal life and her life as Prime Minister. She remembers low moments such as rising taxes and abandoning her children for work to winning the war on the Falkland Islands.

Comments:This movie had the right mix to be a fantastic movie; however I must admit it just didn’t work. I found it hard to navigate through the movie, the movie tended to jump and skip from place to place. I didn’t like how the movie focused on her struggle with dementia and much of the recap on her political life contained more negative achievements than positive. Although there is no doubt the effort was there however it just didn’t work. The best thing about this movie was Meryl Streep, I was spellbound at how she was able to transform herself into the character of Margaret Thatcher, capturing her real essence and personality. It was a great effort on her part. 

Genre: Historical/ War/ Autobiographical

Run Time: 121 minutes

Rating: 15A

Director: Terry George

Actor(s): Desmond Dube,Don Cheadle, Hakeem KaeKazim 





Plot:Set in the dangerous times of civil war in Rwanda, the thrilling tale of Paul and his hotel is told. Rebels are at large in Rwanda killing innocent civilians without remorse. The most important thing on hotel owner Paul’s shoulders is the safety of those dearest to him. Risking his life he opens his hotel to help those seeking refuge from the devastation around them. 

Comments:An exciting, heart wrenching story which captures the true emotions of those during the dark days in Rwanda. George captures this heart- wrenching tale of woe by using actual footage from when the rebels were at large, this creates a sense of realism which captures the heart of all that who watch the film. Although this movie is created around a fictional hotel, the events which occurred were still true so therefore this movie is more of a documentary than a fictional story.  

Genre: Historical/ Autobiographical 

Rating: 15A

Run Time: 120 minutes

Director:  Baz Luhrmann

Actor(s): Leonardo diCaprio, Clare Danes, Paul Rudd etc





Plot:William Shakespeare’s famous play is finally adapted into a 20th century movie. Based on the famous love story of Romeo & Juliet who are denied of their love by the deep hatred which exists between  their families- the Montagues & the Capulets. They are prepared to risk their lives to be together, with the help of Friar Lawrence but will their love defy all the odds against them?

Comments: This movie had a lot of expectations to live up to, in my opinion I personally liked the modern twist on an old classic, it was exciting, thrilling & left the audience at the edge of their seats. Leonardo & Clare are the modern day version of Romeo & Juliet, their chemistry was electric. This movie is a perfect tool for students who are finding it hard to grasp the true meaning to this story. 

Genre: Drama, History

Rated: 12A

Runtime:  114 mins

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

Actors: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland



Plot: A family goes on holidays to Thailand  After settling into their villa, they go to the pool to relax. It's perfect until they hear a distant roar. In seconds the tsunami hits and there is no time to run. Maria (Naomi Watts) and her eldest son are swept away and Henry (Ewan McGregor) and the youngest another way. Who will survive?

Comment: This film is based on the 2004 tsunami which happen during the Christmas holidays. 'The Impossible' captures the emotions and brings the true event to screen. The special effects were done very well but it didn't live up to my expectations, somehow. The actors did great and the relationships came across on screen.  Naomi Watts was nominated for an Oscar in this movie (2013).