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Film Review: Mud
Billed as a ‘coming of age’ film with a fairly uninspiring title, Mud certainly was not top of the list of flicks I wanted to see this month, writes Afra Morris in Thinking Faith. It is, however, a pleasant surprise that will have you dreaming of sun-dappled days and the adventures of your youth. Set in Arkansas, it tells the Huckleberry Finn-esque tale of two 14-year-old boys, Ellis (Tye Sheridan) and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), as they discover and assist the enigmatic ‘Mud’ (Matthew McConaughey), a fugitive trying to rebuild a boat to float away with Read More ...
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Film: Lincoln
A sobre but very impressive film. While it runs for over two and a half hours, Lincoln limits itself to the month of January, 1865 (with a very brief prologue indicating the intensity of the war in close-up one-on-one combat in muddy fields and an epilogue with the surrender of General Robert E Lee and the assassination of President Lincoln). The focus is human rights and politics. With the act for the abolition for slavery passed by the Senate, the campaign for the vote in the House of Representatives was hard and, at times, bitterly fought. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Film: Silver Linings Playbook
This film has touched a nerve with audiences and critics alike, winning Oscar eight nominations this years, and the Best Actress in a Leading Role Oscar for Jennifer Lawrence. Writer-director David O Russell has a son who is bipolar and was interested in the novel by Matthew Quick on which he based this film. It is very American. The characters are very extroverted in whatever situations they find themselves in. Whether the character is experiencing depression or just living ordinarily, uproar is not all that far away. Read More ...
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Fr Stephen Wang reflects on the Oscars
I'm not saying it was the best film of the year, but Ben Affleck's Argo was way, way better than Lincoln, Life of Pi, and even Zero Dark Thirty - see my earlier post here. I haven't seen Amour, so I can't say whether Affleck deserved to triumph over Haneke; but he is certainly a worthy winner, Fr Stephen Wang writes in his blog Bridges and Tangents today. And yes, Jennifer Lawrence was much more interesting in Silver Linings Playbook than Jessica Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty, even though I would still have given Chastain the Oscar for Read More ...
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Film: The Impossible
This graphic film by Spanish director Juan Antonion Bayona tells the harrowing story of one family who were caught up in the 2004 tsunami that left more than 250,000 people dead and caused immense destruction across the coastlands of the Indian Ocean. The story opens during a bumpy flight as Maria, (Naomi Watts) Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three slightly fractious young sons start their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Film for Christmas: The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey
It has broken box office records and divided critical opinion – a perhaps inevitable circumstance for a film under the weight of as much anticipation as the first instalment of Peter Jackson's adaptation of JRR Tolkein's 'The Hobbit'. The hobbit Bilbo Baggins is summoned by the wizard Gandalf to join a party of thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, to reclaim the lost dwarf city of Erebor. Many have complained that “nothing happens” and that we do not get to know the characters (particularly the dwarves); there is some truth in both of these claims, although Read More ...
Naomi Billingsley |
India: film about Jesus in Hindi released
A six hour long film on the life of Jesus, in the Hindi language, has been released in India this week for the Year of Faith. Titled 'Christayan' ('The Way of Christ'), the film is the work of Fr Geo George SVD, an Indian missionary who used 200 non-professional actors, about 80% non-Christians, and seven years of work to produce the film. Playing the role of Jesus, is the young Hindu actor Ankit Sharma. Fr Dominic D'Abreo, spokesman of the Indian Bishops Conference, Read More ...
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Film: Skyfall
It looks as though this is a James Bond film that you will have to see to make up your own mind. The critics have been generally very favourable. The box-office has been very good. But, the bloggers on the net have been devastating in their critiques and condemnations. This review will be favourable. While admittedly there are some plot holes and some improbabilities (and should you want details, the IMDb has more than 590 entries and counting, some growling about in minute detail and numbered lists, the flaws), this celebration of James Bond’s fifty years is quite entertaining. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Text: Lord Alton at presentation of film 'Its a Girl'
Lord Alton gave the following speech at a meeting at the House of Lords on Tuesday co-sponsored by Lord Alton and Baroness Howe before a screening of the short film: 'It's a Girl' - which highlighted gendercide, the abortion of little girls aborted because of their sex. October 11th was UN International Day of the Girl. During that commemoration it was suggested that globally some 100 million girls are the victims of domestic violence, compulsory veiling, the sex trade, trafficking, bonded Read More ...
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New film: 'Its a Girl' exposes scandal of gendercide
Lord Alton and Baroness Howe hosted the launch of a harrowing new film at the House of Lords on Tuesday evening: 'Its a Girl' - which exposes the scandal of the millions of forced abortions and killings of newborn girls taking place in India and China.
As many as 200 million female babies have been killed in the past 30 years. In India, traditionally, daughters are seen as a liability. While a son will bring money into the family, a girl must be provided with a dowry. In poorer communities girls babies are killed after birth by smothering, poisoning or other means. Richer Indian families Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Film: Argo
The plight of the hostages trapped in the US Embasssy in Tehran from 1979-81 was a strong political focus at the time – and was considered one of the reasons why Jimmy Carter was not re-elected as president. However, there was a story behind the headlines, a story that still seems far-fetched, but which was released for the public only in 1997 by President Clinton. Argo is that story. How it relates to current attitudes to Iran and its nuclear program as well as its staunchly religious administration of the country will be an interesting issue with this film’s release, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Life of Blessed John Henry Newman in new DVD
Blessed John Henry Newman is just one of the six well known Blesseds of the Church who feature on a new DVD from Mary’s Dowry Productions – Well Known Blesseds Volume One. Each short film tells the life of a particular Blessed and volume one focuses on the lives of Blessed John Henry Newman, Blessed Mother Teresa, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Blessed John Paul II, Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa and Blessed Dominic Barberi. Mary's Dowry Productions is a family-run Catholic film production company based in England. They produce original films and documentaries Read More ...
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Film: On the Road
On the Road was writer Jack Kerouac’s autobiographical novel of his travels along the highways of America, the exuberance of discovery of the wide range of American lifestyles as well as his seeking for greater freedom and freedoms. It was the novel of what was called The Beat Generation, a reflection of life between 1947 and 1951 which was to influence young Americans, especially, over the next decade. A number of film-makers have wanted to transfer it to the screen but failed. Now, using a screenplay by Jorge Rivera, Brazilian director, Walter Salles Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
St John Southworth video wins award
‘In Search of St John Southworth’ a DVD produced by the Diocese of Westminster, has won a Highly Commended prize in the 2012 CBC media awards. Filmed on location in London, and aimed for use in schools, the 22 minute film follows four secondary school children from Douay Martys School in Hillingdon on a pilgrimage around London as they find out more about St John Southworth’s mission to the poor and his trial and execution at Tyburn in London. The pilgrimage is led by Fr Paolo Bagini, who at the time of filming was about to be ordained a Catholic priest. Read More ...
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Lebanon: Christian flashmob wins first prize at film festival
The Christian European Visual Media Association (CEVMA) has awarded the SAT-7 'Jesus is Risen' flashmob video first prize in the music category of its 2012 Film Festival. Filmed at Beirut's biggest and busiest mall, the video features Lebanese singing group 'The Four Knights' in a performance of the song 'Jesus is Risen.' The Arabic language video lasts just under two minutes, but the work that went into it and its impact are immense. The most stunning reaction was that of onlookers at Beirut City Mall, Read More ...
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Reflection on BBC drama Parade's End
'Nothing, unless it is difficult, is worthwhile' - Ovid..... There is no doubt that Ford Madox Ford is a challenging read. But in the end when one gets his measure it does produce fruit. The question was could it transfer to television. When I first heard that the BBC were going to attempt this feat, I had mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was thrilled that it was being tried and looked forward to the result. On the other hand I had a dread that this masterpiece would be turned into a Downton Abbey and I, Read More ...
Fr John Buckley |
Film: We Went to War
To mark UN Peace Day on 21 September, Tipping Point Film Fund will host a screening of the newly released and highly acclaimed film by Michael Grigsby and Rebekah Tolley – We Went to War. In 1970, a young British director Michael Grigsby made one of the first films about veterans returning home from the Vietnam war - the critically acclaimed and award winning I Was a Soldier. The film focused on Dennis, David and Lamar, three young soldiers recently returned from combat, as they tried to re-adjust to life back home in the heartlands of Texas, Read More ...
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Film: Hope Springs
Talent, age and experience are all very impressively present in this light and serious comedy about marriage and marriage counselling. Both Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones, in their 60s, are so at home in front of the camera that their performances seem effortless – but, it is obvious that they have given a great deal of thought to each scene, even to body language with small details. Hope springs eternal, of course. The title refers to Great Hope Springs, a small town in Maine. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Film: Searching for Sugarman
‘Thank you for keeping me alive’ says Jesus Rodriguez to a sell out auditorium of fans he never knew existed in this entrancing and uplifting documentary by Swedish filmmaker Malik Bendjelloul. In the early 1970s Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, a Mexican folk-singer songwriter in Detroit, was dropped by his record label, Sussex, after two critically acclaimed albums of songs of inner city poverty, hope and struggle that didn’t sell. His label boss wondered if the record sales had been a total of six! Yet the producers cite Rodriguez as one of the greatest talents they had ever worked with. Read More ...
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Please support this film: They Came in the Morning
Catholic film maker Leila Sansour has submitted a short (two-minute) film about Bethlehem into a national short film competition run by Virgin. If the film wins, it will be shown for a year in cinemas all over the country and beyond (including on Virgin flights) and will be entitled to a further prize, one of which, will again be selected by the public. The film: 'They came in the morning' is a very touching true story. It is unusual for a film like this to be out there against other more commercial films. Read More ...
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Weekend films: Moonrise Kingdom; 7 Days in Havana; Film Review: Shadow Dancer
Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of a pair of young, star-crossed lovers who decide to run away together after meeting in the New England town of New Penzance. The story is not Romeo and Juliet; in fact, it has far more in common with Peter Pan and in many ways also resembles director, Wes Anderson’s previous offering, Fantastic Mr Fox. Its quirkiness and its ability to capture the imagination give us the space to think like children again. Read More ...
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Film: Where do we go now?
This is the question raised at the end of the film as the people of a Lebanese village, part Muslim, part Catholic, attend the funeral of one of the young people who has been killed in sectarian crossfire. They have clashed themselves but, in an attempt for peace, they join for the funeral, going into the local cemetery with the clear demarcation path between Muslim and Catholic plots. The men carrying the coffin look at the dividing line, swivel around and ask, Where do we go now? Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Competition: churches offered chance to attend movie premiere
The star-studded red-carpet premiere of Chariots of Fire will take place in central London on 10 July. The digitally remastered film will go on general release in cinemas across the UK on 13 July. Damaris is working in partnership with More Than Gold, to promote resources to enable church communities to make the most of this inspiring film, which celebrates universal values of passion, dedication and trust Read More ...
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Film shows rare footage of Mexico’s brutal Cristero War
Today, a new film opens in US cinemas telling the inspiring and heart-wrenching story of the Cristero War, or La Cristiada (1926-1929). Starring Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, and Peter O’Toole, For Greater Glory depicts a brutal episode in Mexico’s history when an atheist government sought to destroy the Catholic Church’s influence on the people and culture. Through repressive laws and public executions of priests, Read More ...
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Film: 'Elefante Blanco'
..blogger Iglesia Descalza is promoting Elefante Blanco, from Argentinian director Pablo Trapero. The film follows the story of two priests, Father Julian (Ricardo Darín) and Father Nicolas (Jérémie Renier), who are working in the shantytown that has come up around an abandoned hospital construction project (the 'white elephant') on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. They are joined by an atheist social worker Read More ...
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Film: The Lady
The Lady is a tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi, one of the most significant public figures of the late twentieth century, early 21st century, a strong woman and political leader. Some audiences have expressed disappointment because they wanted more political background and analysis. But this is to misunderstand the intentions of the film-makers. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Film: The Descendants
Directed by Alexander Payne, The Descendants is a sad, thoughtful, often funny film, which examines relationships in a rich, but loveless family when the mother is critically injured in a boating accident. Hardworking, but emotionally muffled lawyer Matt King, played very well by George Clooney, suddenly finds himself having to get to know
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Jo Siedlecka |
Film: The Devil Inside
It is almost 40 years since the release of The Exorcist. Movie-makers and audiences have had an almost non-stop fascination with diabolic possession films and exorcisms. Fascination with ‘the dark side’? An indulgence in superstition? Morbid curiosity? Of course, those of a more sceptical frame of mind have an in-built resistance and can dismiss these films as
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Fr Peter Malone |
Short film for Lent
Please watch this little, one-minute film. It is perfect for the beginning of Lent. Many thanks to Sr Gemma Simmonds CJ, who sent it to us. Read More ...
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Star who became nun to attend Oscars
A Hollywood star who became a nun. is the subject of a documentary film up for an Oscar this week. Dolores Hart was the first film star to kiss Elvis Presley. She went on to perform in several more films in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1961 she played St Clare in Francis of Assisi. That year she met Pope John XXIII. She told him: "I'm Dolores
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Jo Siedlecka |
Seven Deadly Sins through film
Thinking Faith, the online journal of the British Jesuits, is taking a unique look at the 'Seven Deadly Sins' through the medium of film this Lent. The series starts today (Monday 20 February) with an article from ethicist, Nicholas Austin SJ. He starts by considering the 1995 thriller, Seven and a historical take on the seven deadly sins. The weekly series will continue on Ash Wednesday
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Film: The Artist
The Artist is a joy from start to finish. At a time when filmmakers are pushing the boundaries with more and more scenes of sex and violence, here comes a silent movie, drawing the crowds and sweeping up awards without even showing a screen kiss. French director Michel Hazanavicius has meticulously used the techniques of early
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Jo Siedlecka |
Film Review: W./E.
If W./E. had been released ahead of the Prince of Wales’s wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles, the very mention of the Wallis/Edward legend might have been enough to capitalise on the interest of the audience. But as it is, the relationship between Wallis and David lacks chemistry, Read More ...
Frances Murphy |
Film: The Iron Lady
Love her or hate her - Margaret Thatcher was an incredibly powerful woman and had a dramatic impact on British life which has extended well beyond her term of office. She said: "there is no such thing as society" and she meant it - sweeping away reforms that had taken years to put in place, to enable the individual to prosper. Her life story, to me has many of
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Jo Siedlecka |
Scorsese plans film on Jesuit missionaries in Far East
Fr Tim Byron SJ from Liverpool is currently working in the Philippines. In his latest blog, he reflects on a story from the region that he hopes will soon reach the big screen. He writes:'The history of Christianity in Asia is marked by terrible suffering and persecution, mixed with power, corruption, ignorance, prejudice, cultural suspicions, terrible mistakes, acts of great generosity
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Fr Tim Byron SJ |
Film preview TODAY: The Road to Bethlehem
Film director Leila Sansour will be showing excerpts from her latest work: The Road to Bethlehem, before it goes on UK release, at a special screening in Richmond this Sunday. Sansour, who is also Chief Executive of the Open Bethlehem Campaign will be talking about what it meant to document five momentous years in the life of Bethlehem and about the
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Holiday films + trailers: Puss in Boots, Tin Tin
Puss in Boots first put in a cameo appearance in the Shrek movies. The fiesty feline, voiced by Antonio Banderas, now has a 3D animated adventure all to himself. Humpty Dumpty also pops up in this story, in which Kitty Softpaws helps him hatches a plan to steal the famous golden egg-laying goose and save the world from two murderous outlaws known as Jack and Jill. Very entertaining. Read More ...
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Film: Albert Nobbs
A genteel film about gentility. Based on a novella by George Moore, Albert Nobbs is a project cherished by Glenn Close after she acted the character on stage in the 1980s. She worked on the screenplay and produced the film and offers a tour-de-force performance as Albert, a 19th century woman who dressed and acted as a man, who was comfortable acting as a servant at a hotel in
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Fr Peter Malone |
Film: Machine Gun Preacher
Of course, this title is intended to be provocative. It reminds us of the book and film of the 1970s, The Cross and the Switchblade. Both are stories of personal conversion leading to active Church service in an American evangelical Church. Box-office has not been much. Those interested in the machine gun may lose interest in the religious dimension of the film.
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Fr Peter Malone |
Film: My Week With Marilyn
My Week With Marilyn tells the story of the filming of The Prince and the Showgirl as recorded by Colin Clark, the young third assistant to the director. The Prince and the Showgirl brought together two of the greatest acting legends of the time, but what everyone seemed to consider a gift-wrapped success actually turned out to be a production
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Film: Toomelah
Toomelah is set in an indigenous community in northwestern New South Wales, Australia. Writer, director, photographer, composer Ivan Sen comes from Toomelah. He knows what he is talking about. This is very clear in this sometimes quietly compassionate film, a film that sometimes reveals an inherited anger.
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Fr Peter Malone |
We Have a Pope (Habemus Papam) – New Film by Nanni Moretti
The Pope is dead. The Conclave is assembled in the Sistine Chapel. Three heavyweight cardinals, the bookies’ favourites, surge ahead in the first few ballots of the ensuing election – only to fall into a deadlock. When a compromise candidate is eventually chosen from the backbenches he steps forward with a humble heart and a nervous smile. But his courage fails him, and just as he is invited onto
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Fr Stephen Wang |
Film preview at Stoneyhurst: Doonby
Two former Stoneyhurst students, Michael and Daniel Mackenzie, returned to their old school to give pupils a sneak preview of their new film last night. (Wednesday) . The movie has already been shown at the Cannes Film Festival last May and described by David Alton as 'brilliant cinema'. Doonby was written and directed by the brothers' father, Peter Mackenzie. Michael was one of the producers Read More ...
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The Way DVD - Competition winners
The Way is a beautiful film with Emilio Estevez and his father Martin Sheen, set on the Camino to Compostella. We recently had five DVDs to give away to five people who correctly answered the question: What saint is the shrine of Santiago de Compostella dedicated to? The answer is of course, Saint James. Congratulations to the following five winners who were chosen from a hat. Read More ...
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COMPETITION - The Way DVD
One of the most popular independent films this year, has been The Way, directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father Martin Sheen. The film also features Dutch actor Yorick van Wageningen, Canadian Deborah Unger and Irishman James Nesbitt in a thoughtful, latter-day Canterbury Tales, set on the Camino de Compostella. It also has a wonderful eclectic soundtrack by Tyler Bates and featuring among others, James Taylor, Catalan band Berroguetto, Alanis Morrissette and Nick Drake. Read More ...
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Film: The Help
Set in a small community in the Deep South during the Civil Rights era and based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help shows some of the horrendous racial inequalities that existed at the time, from the perspective of the black women servants. Among other injustices there is a campaign started by one lady to forbid black domestic servants from using their mistresses' toilets - although they don't mind them looking after their children virtually all the time. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Hollywood: three Biblical epics planned
Studios in Hollywood are beginning preparations for three huge Biblical film productions - based on stories from the Old Testament; Noah, and Moses, Judas Maccabeus. On 3 October Paramount Pictures announced the start of the movie production 'Noah', starring Christian Bale.
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Claire Bergin |
Review – Christian Jankowski: Casting Jesus
This film is being premièred at London's Lisson Gallery. Its format is a game-show in which thirteen actors audition for the part of Christ before a panel consisting of Monseñor José Manuel del Rio Carrasco, Vatican Priest; Sandro Barbagallo, Art Critic at the Vatican’s L'Osservatore Romano newspaper, and Massimo Giraldi, journalist and Secretary of the Commission for Film Classification of the Italian Bishop Conference. Read More ...
Naomi Billingsley |
Tyburn Nuns documentary
The Tyburn Nuns have announces the release of Tyburn Convent Gloria Deo, a 90-minute documentary film about their order. Filmed by Michael Luke Davies, the DVD takes the viewer on a fascinating visual tour of the Benedictine order’s nine convents, many of which have been founded within just the last few decades. The film begins at the mother house near Marble Arch, London, where the order was established
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New website for monastery that inspired 'Of Gods and Men'
A new website, on the Trappist monastery of Tibhirine in Algeria, has been built by the Church in Algeria. The real-life story of the monks who lived there until they were killed in 1996, has been told in the award-winning film 'Of Gods and Men'. The site includes some original photographs and personal accounts by the monks. The monastery has been restored Read More ...
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London: Farm Street films
A new season of thought-provoking films begins soon at Farm Street Church in Mayfair. The series begins with Of Gods and Men next Thursday, 22 September. This award-winning film takes a powerful look at love and sacrifice in the context of a Catholic monastic community working in a Muslim country. The evening takes place in the Church Hall at 114 Mount Street with an introductory talk at 6:45pm, screening at 7pm and discussion with refreshments following.
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Documentary - Mary Ward: Dangerous Visionary
A one-hour documentary made by TV production company, New Decade, based in Dublin, Ireland, about a 17th century woman who established a religious order based on Jesuit principles, has been made available on DVD. It tells the story of Mary Ward (1585-1645), known in her day as 'that incomparable woman' - through the lens of the 21st century. Mary Ward was a divinely inspired advocate of a radical new way of religious life for women, Read More ...
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Christian Jankowski: Casting Jesus
Casting Jesus, a new film by artist Christian Jankowski opens at the Lisson Gallery in London on 7 September. The film focuses on an audition to select an actor that best interprets the role of Jesus, judged by a jury from the Vatican. Read More ...
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Signis statement on The Rite
For almost forty years, since The Exorcist was first released in 1973, demonic possession and exorcisms have been in the forefront of films which combine horror with the life of the Catholic Church. The Exorcist led to three sequels and, in recent years, two prequels. A 1976 case in Germany was the basis for Requiem as well as for The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
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Fr Peter Malone |
Film about murdered missionary Fr John Kaiser wins top award
At the recent 14th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), held in the Stone Town, a Kenyan film: 'The Rugged Priest' by Bob Nyanja took the prestigious Golden Dhow Award for the best feature film. The life and death of Fr John Kaiser, a Mill Hill missionary, inspired the script of the film, based for a large part on real events of his life. Read More ...
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Warsaw: Japanese film-maker wins top Catholic award
Professor Shigeki Chiba, the president of Signis Japan, received the prestigious 'Multimedia at the Service of the Gospel Award.' at the 26th International Catholic Film Festival award ceremony held on 4 June at Niepokalanow, near Warsaw in Poland.
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Review: The Way
Every year, one or two films stand out for their sheer beauty, the quality of the script and acting and the profound story they tell. For me last year, it was 'Of Gods and Men' (before that - maybe Little Miss Sunshine.) This year undoubtedly, it's The Way - written, produced and directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father Martin Sheen - which opens across the UK on Friday. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Film: Rio 3D
Directed by Brazillian Carlos Saldanha, this is a gloriously colourful film about a young parrot who is afraid of flying. Living with a bookshop owner in snowy Minnesota there's not much need for aeronautics. Blu has a good line in tricks to amuse visitors, like impersonating an alarm clock, operating a toaster and brushing his teeth. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Film: Oranges and Sunshine
Oranges and continual sunshine were part of the enticing of young children to go to Australia from the United Kingdom from the 1940s to 1970. These children were orphans, children of unmarried mothers who had to give up their babies to save family shame, children of poor families who could not manage. There were thousands of them.
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Father Peter Malone |
The Way - competition winners
Congratulations to the following people who have won a pair of tickets each to preview screenings of The Way in London, Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds. The tickets are being posted today to: Read More ...
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COMPETITION - tickets for preview screening of The Way
The Way, filmed on the ancient pilgrimage route - the Camino de Compostella and starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez - opens nationwide across the UK on 13 May. There will be preview screenings in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow and Liverpool on 3 May, hosted by Premier Radio. Read More ...
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Out on DVD: Of Gods and Men
Xavier Beauvois' award-winning film Of Gods and Men has just been released on DVD. It is Catholic cinema at its best - beautifully filmed, with a haunting soundtrack, sensitive performances and a gripping human story that deals with faith, community, ecumenism, and the meaning of vocation. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Martin Sheen: 'faith and family are what endure'
"Film is an illusion, fame is ephemeral - faith and family are what matter" - so said Hollywood star Martin Sheen when he appeared on Desert Island Discs with Kirsty Young on Sunday. Working with his son Emilio on 'The Way' Sheen's forthcoming movie set on the Camino de Santiago was "a joy". Read More ...
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Martin Sheen is this week's Castaway
Hollywood star Martin Sheen is Kirsty Young's guest on Desert Island Discs this Sunday. In recent years the Catholic actor has won great acclaim and a Golden Globe for playing the leader of the free world in the hugely successful political drama The West Wing. Read More ...
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Director Roland Joffe likens Opus Dei founder to Mandela
In an era of ideological conformity the founder of Opus Dei had the courage to tell people to think for themselves, and like Nelson Mandela in South Africa brought healing to Spain, the British film director Roland Joffé told an audience at the Vatican last night. Presenting There Be Dragons at a private screening of 150 Vatican officials, he said St Josemaría Escrivá Read More ...
Austen Ivereigh |
Madrid: 'There Be Dragons' in WYD screening
In the run-up to World Youth Day in Madrid, there will be a preview screening of There Be Dragons, directed by Roland Joffe, two-time Oscar nominee, best known for his work on The Mission and The Killing Fields. The film opens with the investigation of journalist Roberto Torres on a series of events that took place during the Spanish Civil War, revolving around the figures of his own father and a young priest, Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer. Read More ...
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Black Swan
The initial response to being mesmerised was the maybe-inelegant but apt, ‘Whew’ (and then some). Tchaikovsky, Freud and Jung and many others would probably be quite excited by this exploration of the themes of Swan Lake. We are alerted to this at once with Nina (Natalie Portman in an intriguing performance) dancing with a frightening black swan Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Africa United out on DVD today & competition
Join in the adventures of the five pint-sized protagonists as they journey across one of the world's biggest continents in Africa United - out on DVD today. 25% of profits from sale of the film will be donated to charity. To enter Premier Radio's prize draw to win a copy of the film see below: Read More ...
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A father and son project: Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez discuss The Way
Hollywood stars, Martin Sheen and son Emilio Estevez put in a guest appearance at a special preview screening of their new film, The Way, hosted by Premier Radio in London last night. Set on the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, the film tells the story of a Californian doctor Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Street children steal the show at Berlin Film Festival
Street Kids United, a film about the Street Child World Cup premiered to a sell-out audience at the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday. An audience of 1000 people attended the special screening and world premiere of this new documentary feature. The film is an uplifting story of the Umthombo Young Stars – a football team of South African street children Read More ...
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Film: Never Let Me Go
Never Let Me Go, perhaps inadvertently, is one of the most Catholic films I’ve watched in a long time. To explain this without giving too much away: its emphasis, both in the dystopia it creates and in its emotive force, is at the furthest reach possible from a utilitarian view of human life. It is a mature film made in worrying times, and Catholic viewers will find deep resonances in its narrative.
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Nathan Koblintz |
Film: Korkoro
Writer-director, Tony Gatlif (born in Algeria with a gypsy background and settled in France) has developed a cinema career of making arresting films with gypsy stories, themes of wandering peoples, and a focus on their music, Latcho Drom, Gadjo Dilo, Exils, Princes... Korkoro is his latest, but it is different from his other films insofar as it takes us back into World War II history. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Rite - What do horror films say about God?
The Rite fails both as a horror film and as a religious experience. But it didn’t have to happen that way. I read Matt Baglio book’s The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, on which the new film is loosely based, and talked to priests in California who knew the Rev Gary Thomas, the priest who inspired the book and who served as technical adviser for the film. Read More ...
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Of Gods and Men wins Best European Film prize
Des Hommes et des Dieux (Of Gods and Men) by Xavier Beauvois of France has won the first Prize for Best European Film of 2010 offered by the European region of SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication and Media. Inspired by the tragic fate of seven French monks in the Algerian village of Tibhirine, Read More ...
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Brighton Rock
The new film version of Graham Greene’s 1939 novel, Brighton Rock, brings some Catholic themes into prominence. A BBC/UK Film Council production, it is directed by Rowan Joffe, who wrote the screenplay for The American, a Greene-like drama about a burnt-out hitman. His father, Roland Joffe, directed The Mission and City of God as well as the forthcoming film about St Jose Maria Escriva, There be Dragons, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Film: The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech (for which Colin Firth won a Golden Globe award today) is a moving story about human relationships, about fear and about courage. Sensitively filmed, expertly scripted and superbly acted, it comes as close to cinematic perfection as any film has the right to be. The script deals particularly well with the presentation of its historical subject and the calibre of the acting is first-rate.
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Kristina Glicksman |
Film: Of Gods and Men
Xavier Beauvois' Of Gods and Men opens in the UK today. If you only go to one more film this year - see this one. It is Catholic cinema at its best - beautifully filmed, with a haunting soundtrack, sensitive performances and a gripping human story that deals with faith, community, ecumenism, and the meaning of vocation. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Film: Eat, Pray, Love
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book, the title refers to the twelve months the author spent to take stock, enjoy and marvel at the world, and to reach a kind of self-forgiveness and acceptance. She was four months in Rome (eat), four months in India (pray) and four months in Bali (love).
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Fr Peter Malone |
Film: The Social Network
I really don’t like Mark Zuckerberg. That does not sound like a review. But, it is. And a favourable review at that. Of course, I don’t know the actual Mark Zuckerberg. I am responding to the portrayal in The Social Network, the performance by Jesse Eisenberg and the direction by David Fincher. They show his abilities and skills, his ingenuity – and his rather unpleasant personality Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
London: Mind the Gap Advent film series
Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory's Church, in Warwick Street near Piccadilly Circus is starting up a new 'Mind the Gap' Advent Reflection Evening for Young Adults (17-35ish) with films followed by refreshments and discussion. Screening dates and films are as follows: Read More ...
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Schola Cantorum, London Oratory Junior Choir in new Harry Potter film
The long-awaited Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) is released next Friday, 19 November. The soundtrack features both the Schola Cantorum of the Cardinal Vaughan School and the London Oratory Junior Choir, directed by Charles Cole. You can see the official trailer of the film here: Read More ...
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Martin Sheen walks to Compostella in new film
When Pope Benedict celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostella on Saturday, two people in the congregation were Hollywood actor Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez, who had just completed a film set on the ancient Camino pilgrimage route to the traditional burial place of the Apostle James. Sheen, who is now 70, told reporters: "I first heard about the trail from my father, who came from this part of Spain. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Award-winning film: 'Chicken a la Carte'
The short award winning documentary from Cultureunplugged, Chicken a la Carte, has been viewed over 14 million times. When you watch it you will see why. It gives new meaning to the phrase 'a la carte'. Read More ...
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Farm Street Films
There can't be many parishes that also have film clubs, but Farm Street Jesuit Church in Mayfair has been running one for a while. They have a very thoughtful season of classic film screenings coming up. This Thursday, at 6.45pm they will be showing Rosetta (1999, directed by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardennes) with an introduction by Peter Bridgman. Read More ...
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George Clooney as The American
Who are all those hitmen that we see in thrillers? Where do they recruit all those security guards that seem to appear out of nowhere when somebody threatens a gangster or a Mafia boss? What do they do when they are not hitting? You won’t get answers to all these questions in The American but you will get a portrait of a hitman who is tiring, beginning to form relationships he never dared to form before, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Movie: Africa United
Africa United is a film rich in faith. On more than one occasion, Beatrice, played by Sanyu Joanita Kintu, prays openly for her friends with a simple faith that combines remorse for past failings and hope for the future. It is a beautifully crafted film, with great scenery and a thoroughly believable cast. And what it does – to great effect – is provide us with a sketch of Africa.
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Ged Clapson |
Film Review: Winter’s Bone
The Missouri Ozark forests in winter and their unkempt homesteads and rusting pickups are the bitter physical landscape of this haunting film. These are no Beverley Hillbillies – life is a matter of raw survival - there are clearly no hairdressers, no handbags, no tumble dryers, no lipstick. To read Jane Leek's review on Thinking Faith Read More ...
Jane Leek |
New film on Fatima
A major new film on the apparitions of Our Lady at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917 has been been released in this Marian month. The Catholic Truth Society has been chosen to act as distributor for the film: The 13th Day – A Story of Hope. As well as DVDs for home viewing, CTS is supplying screening packs for parishes and secondary schools. Read More ...
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Film: The Special Relationship
The Special Relationship is that political love affair between the United States and the United Kingdom – despite the Revolutionary Wars. The credits sequences of this film give us a pictorial historical overview of the presidents and the prime ministers and the partnerships from Winston Churchill during World War II and Franklin Roosevelt to John Major and Bill Clinton in the 1990s.
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Fr Peter Malone |
Film: The Kid
Last night the Odeon Leicester Square hosted the London Premiere of The Kid starring Rupert Friend as Kevin Lewis. The screenplay is based on the true story of a boy growing up in a violent and dysfunctional family on a Croydon council estate in the '80s. Kevin Lewis's book "The Kid" was a best seller and the film looks set to become an award winner. Read More ...
Jane Lowe |
Movie: The Special Relationship
The Special Relationship is that political love affair between the United States and the United Kingdom – despite the Revolutionary Wars. The credits sequences of this film, directed by Richard Loncraine, give us a pictorial historical overview of the presidents and prime ministers and their partnerships - from Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt during World War II, to John Major and Bill Clinton in the 1990s. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone - Signis |
Movie: Boy
From the first scene - Boy (a lively and attractive James Rolleston) looks into the camera and recites his life story. He lives in a community of Maori people, disadvantaged but with a lively spirit that sustains them or, sometimes, leads them into trouble. It is 1984 and pop culture has more than made inroads in this part of New Zealand. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone - Signis |
Movie: Letters to Juliet
A sweet romantic tale for young and old. Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, is a fact-checker with the New Yorker, engaged to an exuberant enthusiast, Victor, who is about to open his own restaurant (Gael Garcia Bernal). They have decided to go on honeymoon to Verona before the wedding because, after it, all will be busy at the restaurant. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Movie: Brooklyn’s Finest
This is a very interesting police story, set in Brooklyn, New York. While much of this material has been seen before, it is particularly well done here, by new writer Michael C Martin, who spent some time observing police at work. The film was directed by Antoine Fuqua, whose earlier film, Training Day also focusses on police life.
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Fr Peter Malone |
Voyage of the Dawn Treader trailer
Be the first to view the trailer of the next film in The Chronicles of Naria series: 'The Voyage of the Dawn Treader' . Its available now in an exclusive preview for Christian media outlets on Catholic Media Review: Read More ...
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Vatican endorses 'The Blues Brothers'
In an article marking the 30th anniversary of John Landis' classic movie 'The Blues Brothers', the Vatican's official newspaper 'L'Osservatore Romano,' has called the film a 'Catholic classic' and says it should be recommended viewing for Catholics everywhere. Read More ...
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Colin Firth launches on-line Refugee Week film festival
A unique online film festival showcasing some of the best in recent world cinema will be launched at BFI Southbank as part of this year's national Refugee Week celebrations (June 14-20). Brightwide, a film website set up by BAFTA-winning actor Colin Firth and his wife Livia, is hosting films which explore the refugee experience such as In This World, Welcome,
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Des Hommes et des Dieux - Of Gods and Men
One of the finest religious films, and one of the best Catholic films, in years. No controversy here. The film won the Ecumenical Prize at Cannes 2010. It also won the Grand Prix du Jury from the festival itself. The subject is the Trappist community of Mt Atlas, Algeria, in the 1990s.
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Fr Peter Malone - Signis |
'Of Gods and Men' (Des Hommes et des Dieux) wins Cannes Grand Prix
'Of Gods and Men' (Des Hommes et des Dieux) - Of Gods and Men - a drama about Catholic monks caught up in Algeria’s Islamist violence, directed by French film-maker Xavier Beauvois has won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival. The film has also received the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury.The film was acclaimed by critics and had audiences in tears. Read More ...
Claire Bergin |
Film Review: Russell Crowe's Robin Hood 
Russell Crowe’s controversially Yorkshire characterisation is one of a number of attempts to ‘do things differently’ that make this version of Robin Hood tolerably entertaining. The attempt to give the film a claim to historical accuracy seems particularly bankrupt given the gradual descent into fantasy that occurs as the two hours unravel. Read More ...
1 opinion posted |
Carmelites launch DVD on St Jude: Patron Saint of Desperate Cases
The National Shrine of Saint Jude in the Kent town of Faversham was established by the Carmelite Friars in the 1950s. Since then it has developed into a place of prayer and pilgrimage in honour of the Apostle known as the 'Patron Saint of Desperate Cases'. Read More ...
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Film: Agora
Hypatia was a woman philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician, who lived in 4th century Christian Alexandria. Her story is told in Agora, an unusual new film directed by Alejandro Almanebar. Fr Peter Malone from Signis has issued the following analysis. Read More ...
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The Calling
The Calling is a small-budget British film, directed by Jan Dunn, that will probably not be distributed or seen widely. However, with its Catholic themes and the treatment, it comes within the range of a SIGNIS Statement. The film is about a community of Benedictine Nuns in Kent, England, and a young woman who feels she has a calling to the contemplative religious life. What promises to be an interesting portrait of an enclosed community is not.
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Fr Peter Malone |
Thinking Faith reviews Crazy Heart
Nothing compares to the life of the touring musician, does it? ‘Life on the open road’, ‘the wind in your hair’, ‘the feel of the white desert sun beating down against your face.’ Read More ...
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Thinking Faith reviews A Single Man
Director Tom Ford's first film stars Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode, Nicholas Hoult. ‘I not only live each endless day in grief, but live each day thinking about living each day in grief.’ So CS Lewis described his mourning of his beloved wife, Helen, in A Grief Observed. Read More ...
Frances Murphy |
Film: Thinking Faith reviews the Oscar-winning Hurt Locker
The central insight of The Hurt Locker is the fact that for many soldiers, a motivation to fight is simply the alleviation of boredom. This insight comes with some compassionate and compelling realism. The film explores this through the story of the last few days of a bomb-disposal team's tour of Iraq. Read More ...
Ambrose Hogan |
Film review: Lourdes
From the opening scene to the final fade out, Austrian filmmaker Jessica Hausner's 'Lourdes' is pure joy. Though the film is located in Lourdes it is the broader canvas of the human condition that is it's subject. We all of us push our particular wheelchair through the pilgrimage of life. Read More ...
Father John Buckley, Michael Slater |
Film: Katalin Varga
This is a deeply unsettling film which does not do much for the reputation of Hungarian/Romanian men. Filmed and set in Transylvania, English director Peter Strickland's first film, (made on a shoestring) is a kind of Eastern European take on Thomas Hardy mixed with Deliverance.
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Jo Siedlecka |
New film: Saint Nicholas Owen: Maker of priest holes
A new short film currently being shot on location in Sussex by Mary's Dowry Productions, tells the life story of one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, Saint Nicholas Owen. For about twenty years he worked across England constructing priest holes in many houses, some of which have still not been discovered.
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Christian trust recommends Lovely Bones for Lenten discussions
"The film's sheer intensity makes it a tough watch - but if your church is looking for a highly-charged discussion starter for Lent then The Lovely Bones (12A) fits the bill exceptionally well." That's the view of Nick Pollard who sees Peter Jackson's latest film as an ideal means of reflecting on tough moral issues. Read More ...
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Film: Invictus
Invictus means 'unconquered'. However, the film's title comes from a poem of 1975 by William Ernest Henley, a poem Nelson Mandela relied on during his 27 years internment on Robben Island, especially its final lines, 'master of my fate, captain of my soul'. Mandela was certainly invictus in his surviving prison and invictus in his election as president of South Africa. Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
“Avatar is real” say tribal people
As the acclaimed 3D film ‘Avatar’ was today nominated for an Oscar in the Best Film category, tribal peoples around the world have claimed the film tells the real story of their lives today. Audiences for the popular film are transported to the future and to a lush moon in another solar system where humans have a mining base. Read More ...
Ellen Teague |
Study resources on newly-released Creation DVD
A range of free resources for use in Christian educational ministry are included on the movie Creation, released this week on DVD. Three leading academics with contrasting views discuss issues raised in the film. Other features include seven short clips, 'Digging Deeper into Darwin', by author Nick Spencer. Read More ...
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Taking a closer look at Avatar
I read your brief critique of Avatar. I do share some of your insights; still I believe there is more to this film than meets the eye. If one looks at the film for its special affects, then Avatar is clearly one of the best movies produced lately. If one looks at the embodied messages, a more serious critique is called for Read More ...
Fr Joseph Caramazza |
Film: Avatar
This fantastic-looking 3D sci-fi adventure combines extraordinary special effects with a quite old-fashioned story. Set 145 years from now, the story centres around paraplegic ex-Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), who is sent to planet Pandora to work with American security forces and scientists who want to mine precious mineral deposits they have discovered there. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka - 1 opinion posted |
Film: The Human Experience
Starting out at the St Francis House in Brooklyn, a home for young men run by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, the movie follows two young men about 20 years old, who set out on a crash course odyssey in search of the answers to the burning questions: Who am I? Who is Man? Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Film: discussion with director of 'Oh My God!'
Before I tell you what's wrong with Peter Rodger's film, let me begin by saying that Oh My God! is the most visually exciting film I've seen in many years. When I met with the director in a private interview, I congratulated him for creating a graphically stunning and visually-captivating film. Read More ...
Angelo Stagnaro |
Faith in Film: evenings for young adults
Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story, and Molokai: The Story of Father Damien, are just two of the films to be screened during Mind the Gap - a weekly evening for Young Adults (17-35ish) being held during Advent, at Our Lady of the Assumption parish, in Warwick Street near Piccadilly. Read More ...
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New film documents life of Carmelite nuns
A new film entitled No Greater Love is set to give the public greater understanding of the vocation of a monastery of enclosed Carmelite nuns. After ten years of correspondence, film-maker Michael Whyte was given unprecedented access to the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, in London’s Notting Hill. Read More ...
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Movie preview: The Soloist
The Soloist is an engrossing story about Los Angeles journalist Steve Lopes, (played by Robert Downey, Jr) who begins writing about a schizophrenic homeless musician (Jamie Foxx) living on Skid Row, and gradually becomes his friend. Initially Lopez, whose own life is a bit of a mess, flatters himself that he has all the solution to Ayers' problems Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Ronald Joffe begins film on St Josemaria Escriva
Ronald Joffe, the academy award winning director whose work includes: 'The Mission, City of Joy and 'The Killing Fields' has begun shooting a film in Argentina about St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. Read More ...
Tulio Amato |
Pope sees preview of film on Saint Augustine
Yesterday afternoon, in the 'Sala degli Svizzeri' of the Apostolic Palace at Castelgandolfo, Pope Benedict attended the screening of a film mini-series on the life of Saint Augustine. The Italian, German, Polish co-production, filmed on location in Tunisia, was directed by Christian Duguay and is due for release next Spring. Read More ...
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Movie: Creation
Charles Darwin’s theory of Evolution, described in The Origin of Species, was viewed as one of the most explosive ideas in history, when it was published in November, 1859. A one-time devout Christian, and world-renowned scientist, Darwin suffered more than 20 years of soul-searching, before he finally decided to publish his master-work, Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Uma Thurman to play nun who rescued Ugandan child slaves
Hollywood star Uma Thurman has been cast in an independent drama based on the 1996 abduction of 140 schoolgirls in Uganda forced to fight as child soldiers and serve as sex slaves, it was reported Tuesday. Thurman, the 39-year-old star of 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Kill Bill,' will play the nun who tracked down the armed rebels Read More ...
Claire Bergin |
Movie Review: A Rabbi asks - ‘Is Bruno Good for the Jews?'
“It’s a dangerous game…How can Cohen be sure that audiences 'get' his meta-humour?…I’m a fan of Sasha Baron Cohen, and respect the fact that we could all use a good laugh or two these days. But I’m also a rabbi; so much of his raunchy humour makes me deeply uncomfortable, too. It certainly isn’t material for a Shabbat sermon" - Rabbi Simcha Weinstein. Read More ...
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Analysis: Angels and Demons
Just what everyone has been waiting for: a film of a Dan Brown novel! However, with the report of a review in L'Osservatore Romano after the film's premiere in Rome saying that the film was commercial and entertaining and that Ron Howard had made an effective thriller Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Gran Torino: a modern morality tale
Clint Eastwood turns in his best performance in years in this thoughtful film which explores the themes of reconciliation, sacrifice and redemption in a less-seen view of American suburban life. Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Movie: Religulous
Starting with the title Religulous ridiculous combined with religious outspoken comedian Bill Maher makes his stance clear. In this comedy-documentary, Maher travels to Jerusalem, the Vatican, the Netherlands and London and around the US, asking people about their beliefs while pulling no punches. Read More ...
Christy Lawrance |
Slumdog Millionaire
Slumdog Millionaire is a rags-to-riches saga that unfolds like a Dickens novel set in Mumbai.
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Fr Peter Malone |
Dean Spanley
Peter O'Toole gives a scorching performance in this wonderfully eccentric comedy-drama. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
W
Throughout the whole film, audiences will be asking themselves how George W Bush, with his background Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
New documentary on Thomas Merton
A new documentary on Thomas Merton has been released recently, in the 40th anniversary of his death (10th December 1968). Read More ...
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Catholic analysis of 'Doubt'
The film version of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning play, Doubt, is being released in the United States on December 12th Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Secret Life of Bees
This is a beautifully-produced coming of age story, set in South Carolina in 1964 - at the beginning of the civil rights era.
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Jo Siedlecka |
Miracle at St Anna
Director Spike Lee's powerful World War II drama follows the story of a kindhearted black American solder, Read More ...
Dan Bergin |
Pope sees new documentary on John Paul II
Pope Benedict has attended the screening of a new documentary film, 'Testimony', based on the book A Life with Karol" Read More ...
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Monsieur Vincent re-released
Monsieur Vincent, the stunning 1947 classic film about the life and work of St Vincent de Paul is being re-released shortly. Read More ...
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Venice: Catholic film jury awards prizes
The Catholic Jury in Venice - formerly OCIC, now SIGNIS - celebrated this year its 60th year of presence at the oldest film festival Read More ...
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Catholic themes in the X Files
The X Files: I Want to Believe raises some unexpected Catholic issues in the context of an FBI investigation thriller. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
This French film tells the inspiring true story of Elle magazine editor-in-chief Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathieu Amalric) Read More ...
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Son of Man
After the worldwide success of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ in 2004, one might well ask what direction the Jesus film Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
The Kite Runner
An exhilarating, life-affirming epic. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's bestseller 'The Kite Runner not be disappointed with this sensitive film adaptation. Read More ...
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We Are Together - a life-changing movie
March 7 sees the much-anticipated release of what is being described as this year's most heart-warming documentary.
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Juno
Juno is a bittersweet comedy-drama that offers new insights into the world of American teenagers and the way society in America Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Ken Loach to speak at homeless movie club
Movie director Ken Loach, will appear at the Prince Charles Cinema next Tuesday, as a guest of St Patrick's Open House Film Club for the homeless. Read More ...
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Movies for Fair Trade Fortnight
Fair Trade Fortnight runs from 25 February - 9 March 2008. Barbara Kentish from Westminster Justice and Peace recommends the following films dealing with ethical themes, which could be shown to parish or youth groups. Read More ...
Barbara Kentish |
The Golden Compass
The following statement was written by Fr Peter Malone on behalf the Cinema Desk of Signis Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Concerns voiced about The Golden Compass
A storm is brewing about a new film for children that goes on general release on 7 December.
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Jo Siedlecka |
Ratatouille
As long as you don't have a phobia about rats, this is delightfully entertaining film that can be recommended Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Eastern Promises
An excellent film from Canadian director David Cronenberg. However, it is one that cannot be recommended without a caution. Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
Is the film: Elizabeth - the Golden Age anti-Catholic?
This week's movie headlines proclaim that the Vatican has condemned this sequel to the 1998 Elizabeth. Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
Michael Clayton
Director Tony Gilroy's movie has many of the ingredients of a John Grisham thriller: bent lawyers, corrupt multinational companies Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
And when did you last see your father?
Book-loving readers of The Universe may remember this memoir of poet, novelist, literary editor, Blake Morrison Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Exodus: work by Catholic director at London Film Festival
British film-maker Penny Woolcock has produced a brilliant contemporary take on the Old Testament Exodus story, set in Margate in the near future. Read More ...
Frances Novillo |
Water
Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2007, Water, by the internationally acclaimed director Deepa Mehta, Read More ...
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Sinner - thoughtful film examines priestly celibacy
Sinner is a small-budget, independent American film. Its topic is Catholic priesthood, specifically clerical celibacy. Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
The Painted Veil
Based on the novel by W Somerset Maugham and set against the visually stunning backdrop of China during one of its most dramatic periods Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Amazing Grace reaches No 6 in UK film charts
In the few days since it opened at the weekend, the film Amazing Grace has reached number xix in the UK film charts and is still climbing. Read More ...
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Retrieval by Slawomir Fabicki
Awarded a special mention by the Ecumenical Jury Cannes 2006 Read More ...
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Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, released in the UK later this month, tells the little-known story of William Wilberforce and his fellow campaigners' Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Berlin: Chinese films win ecumenical awards
At the Berlin International Film Festival at the weekend, the Ecumenical Jury gave its Prize in the Competition to the Chinese film Tu Ya De Hun Shi Read More ...
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Bristol: talk on spirituality in the films of Eric Rohmer
The films of French director Eric Rohmer will be the focus for an event at the University of Bristol Catholic Chaplaincy this Sunday, 25 February 2007, Read More ...
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Christian and Muslim organisations host screening of award-winning film
Christian Aid and Britain's leading Muslim magazine, Q-News, have teamed up to host a special screening of Bamako, a powerful film about the devastating effects of World Bank Read More ...
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Into Great Silence
In 1987, director Philip Gröning contacted the Great Chartreuse monastery set in a remote corner of the French Alps, Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Feature: The history of Our Lady in the cinema
The Nativity Story, as a film, takes its place in a long list of films that portray Mary. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Nativity Story
Beautifully filmed- The Nativity Story is a worthwhile and modest enterprise that, by and large, comes off well. Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
The Nativity Story premiers at the Vatican
A film about the birth of Jesus was due have its world premiere last night at the Vatican, Read More ...
Claire Bergin |
Snakes on a Plane
Well, of course, that is exactly what it is.
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Fr Peter Malon |
Cave of the Yellow Dog
Another beautiful and humane film from Mongolian director Byambasuren Davaa. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Kamataki; Memories in the Mist
A fine and beautiful film from French Canadian director Claude Gagnon. Married to a Japanese woman, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Signis statement on The Omen
Today is the 6th of the 6th 06 and, in fact, the screening of The Omen today finished at 6.06 pm - so it seems a suitable moment for a statement on the film. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Review: The Da Vinci Code
The first thing to say about the movie version of The Da Vinci Code is that it is certainly superior to the book. What we have is something like 'a Gnostic potboiler'. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Da Vinci Code: 'a film which the Church has little to be concerned about'.
The World Catholic Association for Communication issued the following statement today, after the premier of the Da Vinci Code in Cannes.
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Scotland: Catholic Church launches Da Vinci Code DVD
The Scottish Catholic Media Office will launch a DVD tomorrow, which aims to tackle many of the myths and misinformation Read More ...
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Survey finds Da Vinci Code alters beliefs
Reading the Da Vinci Code has dramatically undermined the British people's trust in the claims of the Catholic Church, Read More ...
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Archbishop Vincent Nichols on The Da Vinci Code
"The Da Vinci Code gratuitously insults Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church," said the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Read More ...
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Opus Dei leader: 'some good may come from Da Vinci Code'
The head of Opus Dei, Monsignor Javier Echevarria , said on Friday he believes some good may come from the Da Vinci Code film Read More ...
Dan Bergin |
CoE launch Da Vinci resource
A new section of the Church of England website has been launched this week, inviting people to consider the facts and fiction of the Da Vinci Code for themselves. Read More ...
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Debate: The Da Vinci Code - cracking or cracked?
A major public debate on the Da Vinci Code will take place at 11am this Wednesday, at the National Christian Resources Exhibition Read More ...
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London: chance to meet producer of Tsotsi
The producer of this year's Oscar-winning best foreign film, Tsotsi, is coming to the School of Oriental and African Studies in London Wednesday, Read More ...
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Statement by Da Vinci Code Response Group
The Da Vinci Code Response Group is a team of Catholics available for comment on the film, co-ordinated by Austen Ivereigh, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster's Director for Public Affairs. Read More ...
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Boycott Da Vinci Code film urges top Vatican official
A top Vatican official has urged Catholics worldwide to boycott The Da Vinci Code film when it goes on general release on Friday 19 May. Read More ...
Peter Jennings |
Shooting Dogs
This is an impressive cinematic achievement. It is also a fine portrayal of a priest and the Catholic Church. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Tristan and Isolde; The White Countess
This film takes us back into pre-Arthurian times and legends. Like the recent King Arthur, the film-makers have opted for a Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Archbishop commends new film: Shooting Dogs
Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Birmingham has personally endorsed a BBC film about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Read More ...
Peter Jennings |
Tsotsi
This is a beautiful coming-of-age movie, set in post-apartheid South Africa. Brutal, but at the same time tender, Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Mumbai: Church makes Bollywood Aids film
The Catholic Church in India has collaborated with Bollywood to make a commercial film highlighting the problem of Aids. Read More ...
Mita Patel |
Ecumenical film awards 2006
The Ecumenical Jury at the 2006 Berlin Film Festival announced awards to the following films at the ceremony for Independent Juries on Saturday 18. Read More ...
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Keeping Mum; Yasmin
It is probably true that some British housekeepers are battleaxes. But most of them don't wield an axe, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Everything is Illuminated; Flightplan
A young Jewish New Yorker is told that 'everything is illuminated by the past'. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
March of the Penguins
These penguins made a surprisingly successful march during the 2005 summer through the American box-office Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Brothers Grimm
The world is indebted to Wilhelm and Jakob Grimm. Over many years, they collected more than two hundred stories Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Archbishop Foley praises 'cinema at the service of mankind'
On Tuesday evening, Archbishop John P Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, inaugurated Read More ...
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'Temptation to believe' - festival of spiritual cinema
'Temptation to believe' is the theme of the Ninth Tertio Millennio Festival of Spiritual Cinema which opened last night in Rome.
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Film analysis: The Exorcism of Emily Rose
For film audiences since 1973, The Exorcist has been something of a model for what most people imagine as the rite of exorcism Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone MSC |
Oliver Twist; Pride and Prejudice
Oliver Twist is probably the most widely known of Charles Dickens' novels. One of his earliest, it was published in serial form in 1837, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Rossellini's St Francis
There have been a few films made about St Frances of Assisi - Zeffirelli's 1973 Brother Sun and Sister Moon with the Donovan soundtrack, Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Bonhoeffer
If one were asked who is the best known German who resisted Hitler and Nazism, the answer would probably be Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Mighty Celt; Crash
This film has a good feel about it. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
La Neuvaine (The Novena)
This is not a statement about a controversial film that involves religious issues. Rather, it is a statement to draw attention to a film that is religious in the best sense of the word. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
This is a film for the holidays, one that adults can happily take all the children, to see and enjoy.
Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Les Choristes (The Chorus)
One of the most popular films at the French box-office in many years, Les Choristes has received BAFTA and Oscar nominations Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Vera Drake; Constantine
I paid a late visit to Vera Drake to see what all the fuss was about, and was immediately sucked into Mike Leigh's hypnotic reconstruction Read More ...
Anne Dunhill |
Film on nun's fight against anti-Semitism reaches Oscar shortlist
'Sister Rose's Passion' - the story of a nun's effort to counter anti-Semitism in Catholic teaching, is one of five Oscar nominees Read More ...
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Sometime in April; Hotel Rwanda
Both these films deal with the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and are similar in content, often overlapping in events of 1994 Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
I am David; Being Julia; Callas Forever; Phantom of the Opera
During the 1960s, Anne Holm's novel sold millions of copies and was read widely by children. The producers of this film remembered Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Christmas with the Kranks; Surviving Christmas; Ladies in Lavender
Dir: Joe Roth. The first surprise was that this film is based on a John Grisham story. The second surprise is the films itself. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Bride and Prejudice; Triple Agent; Saved
Well, here's a cheerful how d'you do! Read More ...
Fr Peter Malon |
Finding Neverland; Fakers; I am David; Inside I'm Dancing
Any film that fosters creativity and imagination is worthy of praise. Finding Neverland does this - and more. Peter Pan has been a favourite Read More ...
Fr Peter Malon |
Vera Drake, A Fond Kiss, The Merchant of Venice
Vera Drake, a film by Mike Leigh, won the Golden Lion at the 61st Venice Film Festival. This British film won a further boost Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Film on life of Pope underway
An Italian production crew has begun filming a TV movie on the life and times of Pope John Paul II. Read More ...
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Massive campaign launched to promote Passion DVD
A massive marketing campaign has been launched in America to promote the sale of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ DVD to churchgoers. Read More ...
Claire Bergin |
The Story of the Weeping Camel; Control Room
A pleasing docudrama filmed in Southern Mongolia. The director, Byambusuren Davaa, comes from this area, grew up in the city Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Story of the Weeping Camel; Control Room
A pleasing docudrama filmed in Southern Mongolia. The director, Byambusuren Davaa, comes from this area, grew up in the city Read More ...
Fr Peter Malon |
Fahrenheit 9/11
Everybody knows Michael Moore. After the success and Oscar of Bowling for Columbine and the media hype for him and the film, Read More ...
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A Christian take on Fahrenheit 9/11
Fahrenheit 9/11 opens in the UK today. We will be carrying our own review of Michael Moore's controversial award-winning film soon. Read More ...
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Passion film to be shown at Glastonbury
This year's other Passion film: Man Dancin', is being screened at the Glastonbury Festival at the weekend. Read More ...
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The Day After Tomorrow; Troy; Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Roland Emmerich is a German director who has made his name with Hollywood blockbusters: Stargate, Independence Day, Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Gaz Bar Blues; Basque Ball; Evelyn; Wondrous Oblivion
The first local film to win the main awards at the 2003 Montreal Film Festival and winner also of the Ecumenical Award.
Read More ...
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La Mala Educacion (Bad Education)
Pedro Almodovar is Spain's leading director, with a strong international reputation and two Oscars (for All About My Mother and Talk to Her). Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
British premier of film on murdered Haitian journalist
The British premiere of the award-winning documentary film: The Agronomist - a portrait of Haitian human rights activist Read More ...
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Statement on the film: 'Song For a Ragged Boy'
Song for a Raggy Boy is one of several Irish films, made in 2001-3, on themes of physical and sexual abuse in the Irish Catholic Church. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
The Statement; The Missing; Valentin; Valentin. Man Dancing Fr Peter Malone
The Statement is based on a 1990s novel by Irish born Catholic author who became a Canadian citizen and an agnostic. Read More ...
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The Passion of the Christ - a personal view
As a Catholic - already familiar with the Good Friday services, and Stations of the Cross images around the walls of our churches, Read More ...
Jo Siedlecka |
Passion actor meets Pope
The actor who plays Jesus in Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of the Christ had an audience with the Pope on Monday, Read More ...
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Man Dancin - a Glaswegian Passion Play
A movie premiered in London on February 18th - Man Dancin - is the culmination of commitment and struggle for Read More ...
Peter Malone |
The Passion of the Christ
The world is in for a sensational Lent in 2004. Yesterday saw the US opening of Mel Gibson's very personal movie tribute to Jesus: The Passion of the Christ. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
A Talking Film; Buongiorno, Notte; Sylvia
A Talking Film is one of the many directed by veteran Manoel de Oliviera. He was 93 when he made this film. Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
US bishops choose their top ten movies
While the race for the Oscars has begun in Hollywood, the US Bishops' have issued their own list of the ten best movies for 2003.
Read More ...
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Pope has seen Mel Gibson's 'The Passion' - but hasn't commented
Following a flurry of press reports concerning the Pope's opinion of Mel Gibson's forthcoming movie 'The Passion' Read More ...
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Gladiator director in row over filming at Spanish cathedral
A row has broken out between film director Sir Ridley Scott and Spanish church authorities, over his request Read More ...
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Cold Mountain; Lord of the Rings: Return of the King; Le Divorce; Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself
However one responded to The English Patient, it was clear that writer-director Anthony Minghella was a fine movie craftsman and Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Timeline; Thirteen; American Cousins; The Singing Detective
Having read Michael Crichton's Timeline and enjoyed its kind of Saturday matinee adventures, I was looking forward Read More ...
Fr Peter Mal |
Master and Commander
Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World. is one of the most enjoyable movies I've seen this year. Based on two of Patrick O'Brian's Read More ...
Josephine Siedlecka |
A Catholic analysis of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion'
The Passion of Christ is a considerable cinematic achievement.
Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Catholic take on the latest Matrix movie
With Matrix Revolutions, the American screenwriters and directors, the Wachowski Brothers (Andy and Larry) Read More ...
Peter Malone |
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen; Party Monster; Mystic River; Spellbound
Because the main characters in this extravagant adventure are literary figures, most of the critics seemed to be expecting some Read More ...
Fr Peter Malone |
Once Upon a Time in Mexico; The Boy David Story; Commandante; Finding Nemo
The third in Robert Rodriguez' Mexican outlaw trilogy. He began with the minimal budget, El Mariacchi, Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Hitler's Secretary; Bright Young Things; The Sin Eater; Calendar Girls
If you were told that you were to spend the next ninety minutes watching a film that was all interview, a focus on a talking head without Read More ...
Peter Malone |
White Oleander Young Adam; Gigli; Underworld Peter Malone
White Oleander is a movie where men seem almost insignificant except when they hurt women. Read More ...
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Antwone Fisher; Pirates of the Caribbean; Legally Blonde 2
It is difficult to dramatise goodness. Far easier to deal with conflict and evil - and more absorbing for audiences. Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Venice Film Festival: Patriarch addresses Catholic movie judges
The Patriarch of Venice, Archbishop Angelo Scola, addressed the Jury of SIGNIS, The World Catholic Association for Communication, Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Hulk; Bringing Down The House; Dirty Deeds; The Recruit
It is hard to put one's finger on Taiwanese director, Ang Lee. His career has covered a wide range of genres: Wedding Banquet, Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Whale Rider; The In-Laws; The Hard Word
For audiences searching for a movie for the whole family, a quality picture with serious themes and a touch of humour, Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Gods and Generals; Max; Dreamcatcher
During the 1990s, audiences had the opportunity of going back to the American Civil War and, in a five hour film, Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Latest Charlie's Angels; Nicholas Nickleby; La Communidad
(Peter is the London-based president of SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication) Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Bruce Almighty; Dark Blue; Animal Factory
(Peter is the London-based president of SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication)
Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Mel Gibson movie The Passion condemned as anti-Semitic
Mel Gibson's new film The Passion, which will include a brutal depiction of the Crucifixion and Christ's final 12 hours, Read More ...
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I'll Be There
(Peter is the London-based president of SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication) Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Matrix Reloaded; Dark Waters; Anger Management
(Peter is the London-based president of SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication) Read More ...
Peter Malone |
In This World
In the crowded Afghan refugee camps outside Peshawar on the northwest frontier of Pakistan, two young cousins, Read More ...
Peter Malon |
The Heart of Me
A BBC film and a reminder of those dramas that it used to do. They were excellent in the re-creation of a period, Read More ...
Peter Malone |
Movie: Catholic analysis of 'Doubt'
The film version of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning play, Doubt, is being released in the United States on December 12th. Read More ...
Father Peter Malone |
Hit movies used in new Anglican prayer course
The Church of England is using clips from hit films Four Weddings and a Funeral, Dead Man Walking, and Truly, Madly, Deeply Read More ...
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