Who says Wednesdayโฆ Okay, fine, it’s New Year so weโre on Thursday, so who says Thursday says cinema. Today, we offer you our selection of films of the week, to best guide you in the movie theaters.
1. Present Love by John Crowley
Almut and Tobias have their lives turned upside down by an unexpected encounter. This romance explores the moments that transform and build our lives. The writing highlights endearing characters. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh portray a modern couple with accuracy. This film blends humor and tragedy, offering a realistic look at our lives.
2. A Bear in the Jura by Franck Dubosc
Michel and Cathy, a couple exhausted by years and financial worries, hardly talk anymore. Everything changes when Michel, avoiding a bear on the road, causes a fatal accident. Two victims and two million in cash in the trunk: enough to restart communication… and impose silence. This dark comedy is reminiscent of the Coen brothersโ “Fargo,” with its clumsy antiheroes and snowy settings. The story, full of twists, oscillates between biting humor, tenderness, and gravity. A meticulous staging and committed actors make this film captivating.
3. Totto-Chan, the Little Girl at the Window by Shinnosuke Yakuwa
Tokyo, early 1940s. Tetsuko, nicknamed Totto-Chan, is a lively and mischievous little girl. Expelled from her school, she enrolls at Tomoe, a unique institution where the classrooms are old train cars. The principal encourages students’ autonomy and creativity. As Japan plunges into war, Totto-Chan learns that everyday experiences matter more than lessons. Adapted from the bestseller Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, this animated film by Shinnosuke Yakuwa advocates for peace and tolerance. Boldly, it explores life during World War II while adopting a bright approach, contrary to Grave of the Fireflies. A touching story, which will speak to both children and adults.
4. Bird by Andrea Arnold
At 12, Bailey lives with her brother Hunter and her father Bug, who raises them alone in a squat in Northern Kent. Bug, often absent, leaves Bailey, on the brink of adolescence, to seek elsewhere the attention and escape she needs. Andrea Arnold, faithful to her style of social cinema, mixes poetry and fantasy to tell this transition to adolescence. Bailey finds refuge in imagination to face a harsh daily life. This sensitive story evolves in its final part, shifting from social realism to a fairy tale, with a touch of wonder that surprises and moves.
5. Quiet Life by Alexandros Avranas
Sweden, 2018. A strange syndrome affects refugee children. Sergei, Natalia, and their two daughters, after fleeing their country, try to integrate. Despite their efforts to embody an ideal family, their asylum application is rejected. Shortly after, Katja, their youngest daughter, falls into an unexplained coma. Determined to save her, her parents embark on a fierce battle, ready to do anything to see her wake up. Inspired by real events, this poignant film highlights the talent of Chulpan Khamatova, a Russian actress noted in Goodbye, Lenin! and Petrovโs Flu.
