Cinema Release Round-Up: 8 November

Three somewhat controversial films headline cinemas this week. A drama tipped for Oscar glory, a documentary covering similar ground, and a comedy so outrageous that it makes The Hangover look like Driving Miss Daisy.

The films opening today are:

THE SESSIONS……FILM OF THE WEEK

USA | 94 minutes | Drama, Comedy | Director: Ben Lewin (Lucky Break, Georgia)

This sensational drama based on the true story of poet and journalist Mark O’Brien – a severely physically disabled man desperately wanting to experience the intimacy of sex – features career-defining turns by John Hawkes and Helen Hunt. Surprisingly funny, there’s Oscar buzz a-plenty for this film. Check out our review – here.

SCARLET ROAD

Australia | 75 minutes | Documentary | Wellington Only | Director: Catherine Scott (debut feature)

Try this real-life doco for comparison with The Sessions, above. It focuses on a woman whose services give disabled men the chance for intimacy. Check out our review – here.

KLOWN……HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Denmark | 89 minutes | Comedy | Director: Mikkel Norgaard (TV’s Kloven, Borgen)

Sending audiences into hysterics at this year’s New Zealand International Film Festival, the R-rated comedy of two friends embarking on a debaucherous canoe trip doesn’t hold back or pull its many punches.

http://youtu.be/jWVST6nTD68

DELICACY

France | 109 minutes | Comedy, Drama, Romance | Directors: David Foenkinos and Stephane Foenkinos (debut feature)

The delightful Audrey Tautou in a romantic comedy. Do you really need know more?

ELECTRICK CHILDREN

USA | 95 minutes | Drama | Director: Rebecca Thomas (debut feature)

A Mormon girl and a group of freaky punks hang out in 1960’s Las Vegas. Add in an immaculate conception at the hands of a cassette tape (yes, you read that right!) and you have all the makings of a very off-beat coming-of-age drama.

KATHMANDU LULLABY

Spain | 99 minutes | Comedy, Drama | Iciar Bollain (Mataharis)

A woman from Barcelona moves to Kathmandu and marries a local in order to embark on an ambitious educational project in the slums. Sounds like more of a drama-comedy than comedy-drama.