We’ll be sharing cinema together again soon, but until then, Palace Cinemas wants to share some of our film favourites with our Weekly Watch List.  Here’s to sharing and staying safe.

 

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD  (2007) | Andrew Dominik

An expertly crafted period piece and insightful look at one of the enduring figures of American Lore, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford showcases Roger Deakins best ever cinematography (in our opinion), a hauntingly beautiful score from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, pitch-perfect direction from Australian Andrew Dominik, and two powerhouse performances from Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck, to deliver an incredibly layered and deeply resonate character study on the American legend.

“If you love classic and stylish mood Westerns such as McCabe and Mrs. Miller and The Long Riders, this is your film.” Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper

Rent it on iTunes, Google Play or YouTube.

 

ONCE (2015) | John Carney

A charming, captivating tale of love and music, ONCE sets the standard for the modern musical. Featuring Glen Hansard and his Irish band The Frames, ONCE tells the story of a street musician and a Czech immigrant during an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their unique love story. The little film that could, made on a budget of less than $100,000 with two handi-cams, it caught the attention of the world with its authentic heart and poignant lyrics, eventually winning Best Original Song at the 2008 Academy Awards.

“The real dialogue is the music, as the lovers communicate through lyrics. The filmmaking is unadorned, but the emotional virtuosity is rhapsodic.” Stephen Garrett, Time Out

Rent it on iTunes, Google Play or YouTube.

 

TRUMAN (2015) | Cesc Gay

In this jewel of a film, Javier Cámara and Ricardo Darin deliver a masterclass in screen acting, convincingly depicting the ease and rapport that only a life-long connection allows. With characteristic understatement and sensitivity, Gay finds great dignity and humour in ordinary lives, delivering a witty, moving and hugely entertaining reflection on human connection, and a reminder that the best friendships are, indeed, forever.

“It sounds paradoxical but, if done right, films about a life ending can be the most life-affirming films you’ll see. ‘Truman,’ a great success in its native Spain, is definitely done right.” Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Rent it on iTunes, Google Play or YouTube, or stream on Stan.

 

HIGH AND LOW (1963) | Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa, need we say more? Well… we will. What’s perhaps most enjoyable about watching this 1960’s crime & suspense thriller, is how incredibly modern it feels even by today’s standards. It’s come to define generations of detective procedurals but illuminates its world with a wholeness and complexity you rarely see.

“One of the best detective thrillers ever filmed.” A.O. Scott, New York Times

Stream it on Kanopy.

MURIEL’S WEDDING (1994) | P.J. Hogan

An Australian classic, Muriel’s Wedding follows Muriel (a breakout performance by Toni Collette), as a young woman deeply unsatisfied with her life and is rejected by her friends and family. When she meets fellow outcast Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths) the two travel to Sydney where Muriel changes her name and redesigns her life to match her fantasies. This Australian feel-good classic embodies the sentiment of expressing who you really are and pursuing your dreams without any fear of being blamed for fault or failures.

“The film’s good heart keeps it from ever making fun of Muriel, although there are moments that must have been tempting” Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times

Rent it on iTunes, Google Play or YouTube, or stream on Foxtel Now or Stan.

 

THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987) | Rob Reiner

Robin Wright and Cary Elwes star in this post-modern fairy tale about a beautiful princess and a gallant hero who rescues her. Reiner provides an intelligent mix of romance and comedy that takes the age-old damsel in distress and offers a unique and inventive perspective with a masteful screenplay from the legendary William Goldman.

“One of the all-time great fantasy movies, channelling both a rollicking spirit of adventure and genuinely uplifting humour all ages can appreciate.” Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun

Rent it on itunes, Google Play or Youtube.