Occasional Cinema

Date: Thursday, 24th November 2016
Time: 7:00 pm


Second Mother  Anna Muylaert,  Brazil, 2015,  112 mins,  12A ,  Comedy Drama

Charming and sensitive

When Val’s estranged teenage daughter comes to stay with the affluent family she serves, the balance of their lives is upset.  The family considers Val part of the family but far from treats her like one. The film points out these hypocrisies in a well defined, lightly comedic and dramatically satisfying way. The remarkable character of this film is in the way it reflects the points of views of mother and daughter without judging the appropriateness of either position. The film’s generous heart allows enough time for each of the principals to grow in understanding the other.

Superb acting especially from Regina Case as the mother. Very natural and in the vein of real life, to an almost unbearably disturbing extent. The screenplay and directing are excellent. None of it is at all showy but it all builds up to quietly powerful and deeply emotional moments and scenes. The characterization is rich and it all really sneaks up on you in terms of its effect.Writer/director Anna Muylaert knows how to play all her cards right, including careful mise en scene to distinguish the dichotomies between class and their spaces. The film is a whisper with its quiet drama, but its implications are loud, striking a tender chord.

Awards: 26 wins and 16 nominations

Occasional Cinema is a film society run by volunteers. Films are shown at the Caban, Brynrefail on the second Wednesday of the month and at the Blue Sky Cafe, Bangor on the fourth Thursday and unless stated otherwise start sometime after 7.30pm.  Membership is available on the door for a cost of £5; the first film is free; after this entrance for the film is £3.00.   Food is usually available from 6.30pm and a sophisticated clientele enjoy the wholesome food, reasonable price (£10.00 for two courses) and excellent atmosphere.  Please make reservations for any meals at least 24hrs in advance – Blue Sky 01248 355444. You can’t book a seat for the film only, which is on a first come first served basis. If you want a guaranteed seat you must book a meal.

Because it’s the closest movie to Xmas we are going to go with a Xmas theme for the food for this one.  MENU  Cashew nut and parsnip roast with roasties, onion and thyme gravy and seasonal veg.  Dessert Homemade apple, cranberry and mincemeat tart with whipped cinnamon cream