Films for English Speakers

England, 1984. A talented young boy is torn between his unexpected love of dance and the disintegration of his family. In the tradition of the British social drama, the film takes place in the context of a working-class family in Thatcher's England.

The gut-wrenching story of a ten-year-old boy who travels to Bombay to fulfill his dreams of success, but soon loses his innocent optimism.

Everybody knows that Ben Kalmen is not who he portrays to be. Around a few days when he takes his girlfriend’s daughter to a college admission interview, Michael Douglas superbly sketches an image of a man in crisis—a serial liar that finds it difficult to part with the masks he wears.

A young priest arrives in a rural village. Through his diary, we witness his struggles—both spiritual and physical—and his growing doubts. Diary of a Country Priest, based on Georges Bernanos’ novel, marks Bresson’s turn to a minimalist style: restrained acting and sparse, purposeful camerawork.

Dan, a quiet but restless road worker, is invited to a community theater rehearsal after an outburst. His encounter with art helps break emotional barriers with his wife and daughter. O’Sullivan and Thompson’s film explores the healing power of art in life’s struggles.

Two small-time hustlers pull on elaborate stunt in order to swindle and humiliate an organized crime boss. An immensely enjoyable comedy which makes superb use of Scott Joplin's music.

Andrés Roca Rey is a star matador. Director Albert Serra follows him in and out of the ring with long, patient shots, no interviews or narration. Though it may sound harsh or slow, the film is intense, gripping, and mesmerizing. Contains graphic bullfighting scenes; not suitable for all viewers.

Alma, a philosophy lecturer, must choose between Hank, a tenure-track candidate, and Maggie, her top doctoral student who accuses Hank of assault. The film sidesteps truth claims, focusing instead on the intense emotions, tensions, and complex relationships between the three characters.

Clint, a young drug dealer in Portobello’s flea market, is tired of crime. He decides to become a waiter in a fancy restaurant – but in order to do so, he must find a pair of decent shoes.... An anti-bourgeois look at life at London’s margins.