GERRINGONG PICS AND FLICKS

In the aftermath of World War II, a group of surrendered German soldiers are ordered by Allied forces to remove their own landmines from the coast of Denmark. Directed by Martin Zandvliet, Land of Mine made its world premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. Rating: R (for violence, some grisly images, and language) Genre: Art House & International ,  Drama Directed By: Martin Zandvliet Written By: Martin Zandvliet Runtime: Critics Consensus: 110 minutes Land of Mine  uses an oft-forgotten chapter from the aftermath of World War II to tell a hard-hitting story whose period setting belies its timeless observations about bloodshed and forgiveness.

After attending a talk on reincarnation by a visiting swami (Art Malik), sickly Horatio Fisk (Peter O'Toole), who is still grieving over the death of his eldest son, and his youngest son, Henslowe (Jeremy Northam), meet the charismatic Dean Spanley (Sam Neill) and the businessman Wrather (Bryan Brow n). Horatio and Dean become fast friends and meet up frequently for dinner. Dean, though, is no ordinary guest. He claims to be the reincarnation of a dog, which only intrigues Horatio more. Director :  Toa Fraser Screenplay :  Alan Sharp Adapted form a short s t ory by :  Edward Plunkett, 18th Baron of Dunsany Adapted from :  My Talks with Dean Spanley Duration :  100 minutes Rating :  G More information :  www. paramountpicturesaustralia. com.au/deanspanley/ "Toa Fraser's sensitive direction of this deceptively challenging and surprisingly satisfying film, keeps the tone perfectly balanced in the ...

Paterson ​ ​ Paterson is a bus driver in the city of Paterson, New Jersey--they share the name. Every day, Paterson adheres to a simple routine: he drives his daily route, observing the city as it drifts across his windshield and overhearing fragments of conversation swirling around him; he writes poetry into a notebook; he walks his dog; he stops in a bar and drinks exactly one beer; he goes home to his wife, Laura. By contrast, Laura's world is ever changing. New dreams come to her almost daily. Paterson loves Laura and she loves him. He supports her newfound ambitions; she champions his gift for poetry. The film quietly observes the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details. Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus :   Paterson  adds another refreshingly unvarnished entry to Jim Jarmusch's filmography -- and another outstanding performance to Adam Driver's career credits. David Stratton SMH Dec 2016 :  Who would ha...

Pics and Flicks is proud to present Mahana An engrossing narrative on a grand scale From the author of "The Whale Rider", a tale of family rivalry and reconciliation, set against the stunning backdrop of rural New Zealand in the 1960s. Director: Lee Tamahori Writers: John Collee (screenplay), Witi Ihimaera (novel) Stars: Temuera Morrison , Akuhata Keefe , Nancy Brunning Mahana is the story of a powerful rivalry between two Maori families who make their living as shearers around Gisborne, on the east coast of the north island, in the early 1960s. In the history of Maori films, it is a landmark – it succeeds as an engrossing narrative on a grand scale about quotidian lives. It's neither paean to Maori spirituality (although there is a little of that), nor a film about the white oppr...

Summertime (La Belle Saison) presents a well-acted, beautifully framed period romance that offers a refreshing perspective on its era in the bargain. A young woman (Izia Higelin) moves from the French countryside to Paris and begins a passionate love affair with a feminist leader (Cecile de France) in this drama set in 1970s France. Catherine Corsini writer/director. Rating:not yet rated Genre:Art House & International, Drama, Romance Directed By:Catherine Corsini Written By:Catherine Corsini, Laurette Polmanss " The film is distinguished by magnificent photography by Jeanne Lapoirie and by the insightful screenplay by the director and Laurette Polmanss. It's enjoying a very limited cinema release, but is well worth checking out. " David Stratton, The Australian 16 Sept 2016.

On hearing the news, ex-pat Tomás flies from Canada to Madrid to spend four days with his old friend Julián. In terms of plot there’s some bickering about the past plus a day-trip to Amsterdam to visit Julián’s son, and that’s about it. But don’t be dissuaded, Truman offers much, much more. This is a film about the troublesome mechanics of friendship, of ageing and the inevitability of dying. Foremost it’s about being human, about courage and generosity. And that’s what makes it so warm. At the centre of the film are two knockout performances by two of the best actors working in Spain - Javier Cámara ( Talk To Her ) and Ricardo Darín ( Wild Tales ). There’s not a moment in this film that doesn’t ring true as they reconnect the past and set about the business of the present. It’s not exactly easy business either as Julián finalises his will, draws a line on how much hospital intervention he wants (none), prepares funeral arrangements and most significantly, tries to fin...

Pics and Flicks has chosen an award-winning Colombian film to begin our 17th year of great films at Gerringong Town Hall. Embrace of The Serpent Inspired by the real-life journals of Theodor Koch-Grunberg (portrayed by Jan Bijvoet) and Richard Evans Schultes (Brionne Davis), the film charts each man’s treacherous and life-changing journey. Though decades apart, both are guided through the labyrinthine rivers and jungles by the same native shaman, Karamakate (Nilbio Torres, and later Antonio Bolivar Salvado Yangiama), the last surviving member of his tribe, who takes them deeper and deeper into a heart of darkness. Recalling such visionary films as Jim Jarmusch’s Dead Man and Werner Herzog’s Aguirre, the Wrath of God , EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT grips with suspense and revelation as it meditates on both the beauty of nature and the devastating impact of colonial interference on native culture. The spectacular widescreen black and white cinematography and evocative sound...