A host of cinematic goodness for you this week – 7 films to be precise – including a Kiwi sci-fi murder mystery, an award-winning French romantic drama, the return of G.I. Joe, and a new film based on a Stephenie Meyer novel.
So whatever your taste… we got you covered.
The films opening today are:
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RUST AND BONE……FILM OF THE WEEK
France, Belgium | 117 minutes | Romance, Drama
Director: Jacques Audiard (A Prophet)
Cast: Marion Cotillard, Mattias Schoenaerts, Armand Vendure, Celine Sallette, Corinne Masiero, Bouli Lanners
A homeless father finds a friendship and love with a marine park trainer whose life’s been turned upside down by a horrific accident. We’ve been waiting a long time for this powerful, award-winning drama to come to our shores – it’s a must see.
Distributor: Rialto Distribution
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ETERNITY……HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
New Zealand | 79 minutes | Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller
Director: Alex Galvin (When Night Falls)
Cast: Elliot Travers, Amy Usherwood, Dean Knowsley, Amy Tsang, Geraldine Brophy, Liz Kirkman, Ralph Johnson, Jessica Manins
A disgraced detective finds his very existence on the line, when he trades the real world for a virtual one as part of an exercise to redeem his reputation. This Kiwi film blends sci-fi and old-school mystery elements to create an intriguing thriller that’s a cut above your conventional Hollywood fare.
Distributor: Eternity Productions Limited
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G.I. JOE: RETALIATION
USA | 110 minutes | Action, Adventure
Director: Jon M. Chu (Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Step It Up 3D)
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis, Ray Stevenson, Adrianne Palicki, Joseph Mazzello, Arnold Vosloo, Ray Park, RZA
The Joes must track down the original G.I. Joe after they’re framed as traitors by an imposter President – and attacked by their own nation’s forces. This second franchise outing looks to wipe our memory of the decidedly average first attempt – who wouldn’t want to watch The Rock and Bruce Willis kickn’ ass and taking names.
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
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NO
Chile, Mexico, USA | 115 minutes | Drama
Director: Pablo Larrain (Tony Manero, Post Mortem)
Cast: Gael Garcia Bernal, Alfredo Castro, Antonia Zegers, Diego Munoz, Luis Gnecco, Nestor Cantillana
Based on a true story, this film centres around an ad executive planning the advertising campaign to oust Chile’s military dictator Augusto Pinochet as part of the country’s 1988 referendum. It’s an absorbing piece of cinema – first seen at last year’s NZIFF – with a uniquely 80’s look that seamlessly blends film and historical footage.
Distributor: Rialto Distribution
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THE HOST
USA | 125 minutes | Sci-Fi, Drama
Director: Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, In Time)
Cast: Saorise Ronan, Diane Kruger, Max Irons, Jake Abel, Frances Fisher, William Hurt, Chandler Canterbury
Parasitic, invisible aliens, who use humans as hosts, are taking over humanity. One girl, however, is able to resist. Based on a Stephanie Meyer novel, this is possibly a bit Twilight-esque. Hopefully Kiwi director Andrew Niccol can inject some of his Gattaca magic into this adaptation, making it enjoyable for Twihards but also the rest of us.
Distributor: StudioCanal
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HYDE PARK ON HUDSON
UK | 94 minutes | Comedy, Drama, Biography
Director: Roger Mitchell (Notting Hill, Morning Glory)
Cast: Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Williams, Olivia Colman, Samuel West, Elizabeth Marvel
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, his wife Eleanor, and his mistress Margaret entertain King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on the eve of WWII. With Bill Murray in the lead, this comedy drama should prove an entertaining (and possibly educational) night out.
http://youtu.be/yrxXmzSnkqM
Distributor: StudioCanal
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IP MAN: THE FINAL FIGHT
Hong Kong | 100 minutes | Action, Martial Arts
Director: Herman Yau (The Legend is Born: Ip Man)
Cast: Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Eric Tsang, Jordan Chan, Hung Yan Yan, Timmy Hung, Jiang Luxia, Gillian Chung, Chow Ting Yu
Ip Man comes out of retirement to square off against a rival school master and an infamous gangster. The first Ip Man film was sensational. Let’s hope this latest outing can recapture some of that magic.
Distributor: Unknown
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What will you be seeing this Easter?
