Manon God

From Directors: Fernando Meirelles, Kátia Lund, starring Alexandre Rodrigues, Leandro Firmino, Matheus Nachtergaele, Phellipe Haagensen
Rated R

Set in the 1960s and 1970s in the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro, "City of God" follows the story of two young boys, Rocket and Li'l Zé, who grow up in the slums and become caught up in the violent and chaotic world of organized crime. As Rocket strives to be a photographer and stay out of the gang warfare, Li'l Zé becomes one of the most feared drug traffickers in the city. Through their lives, the violence, corruption, and poverty of the city is explored in an unflinching and often brutal fashion. The film is an award-winning drama that paints a vivid portrait of the dangerous and desperate lives of those living in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Emilio Echevarría, Gael García Bernal, Goya Toledo, Álvaro Guerrero
Rated R

Amores perros is a Mexican drama film by director Alejandro G. Iñárritu. It follows three separate story lines that are connected by a car accident in Mexico City. The stories involve a young man seeking revenge on his brother-in-law, a magazine editor whose marriage is on the brink of collapse, and a homeless street kid who dreams of becoming a professional in dogfighting. The film explores issues such as class, poverty, and loyalty, and is a powerful examination of human relationships and the cost of love.

From Mike Nichols, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels
Rated PG

The Graduate is a 1967 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols and written by Buck Henry and Calder Willingham, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Webb. The film stars Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate with no well-defined aim in life, who is seduced by an older woman, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft), and then falls in love with her daughter Elaine (Katharine Ross). The film explores the themes of social alienation and rebellion, as Benjamin feels disconnected from the society around him and begins to question the values of the older generation. It also deals with issues of identity, as Benjamin struggles to figure out who he is and what he wants for his life. With its iconic soundtrack, The Graduate was a critically acclaimed box office success, and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Mike Leigh, starring Timothy Spall, Brenda Blethyn, Phyllis Logan, Claire Rushbrook
Rated R

Secrets & Lies tells the story of Cynthia, a successful black optometrist living in London who, after years of estrangement, learns that she has an unknown white half-sister, Hortense. Hortense is a single mother who lives in a working-class neighborhood in London and is struggling to take care of her son. Cynthia, eager to get to know the sister she never knew she had, sets off on a journey to meet her. Along the way, she discovers secrets and lies that her family had kept from her for years. As she slowly learns more about herself and her family, Cynthia must confront the truth about her past and the people she loves.

From Luca Guadagnino, starring Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Amira Casar
Rated R

Call Me by Your Name is a coming-of-age story set in Northern Italy in 1983. 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) is spending the summer at his parents' villa when his father (Michael Stulbarg) invites an American student, Oliver (Armie Hammer), to stay with them to help with his research. Elio and Oliver develop a friendship, then a passionate romance that blossoms over the course of the summer. As their relationship intensifies, Elio and Oliver grapple with the emotions and consequences of a forbidden love. Ultimately, Elio must choose whether to follow his heart or stay loyal to his family. The film was a critical success, praised for its romance, performances, and cinematography. It won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Picture.

From James Mangold, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick
Rated PG-13

"Walk the Line" is a biographical drama that follows the life of legendary singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. Directed by James Mangold, the film traces Cash's rise from the poverty of his childhood in rural Arkansas to the superstardom he achieved in the 1950s and 60s. The film follows Cash's struggles with faith, family, and addiction, as well as his passionate, yet complicated romance with his wife, June Carter. Along with Cash's iconic songs, Walk the Line showcases his resilience and strength as he faces the challenges of his life and career. Ultimately, the film celebrates Cash's legacy and his enduring influence on country music.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Maribel Verdú, Gael García Bernal, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ana López Mercado
Rated R

Y Tu Mamá También (2001), directed by Alfonso Cuarón, is a Mexican coming-of-age road trip drama. It follows two teenage boys, Julio (Gael García Bernal) and Tenoch (Diego Luna), who, after discovering that their girlfriends are cheating on them, impulsively invite an attractive older woman, Luisa (Maribel Verdú), to accompany them on a road trip to a beach they heard of but have never seen. Along the way, the boys learn lessons about life, love, and growing up. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and nominations and praised for its nuanced portrayal of Mexican society.

From Ming-liang Tsai, starring Chao-jung Chen, Chang-Bin Jen, Kang-sheng Lee, Yi-Ching Lu
Rated Not Rated

Rebels of the Neon God is a 1992 Taiwanese drama film written and directed by Ming-liang Tsai. The film follows two teenage boys, Hsiao-Kang and Ah-Tze, who live in Taipei and struggle to come to terms with their family, school, and social lives. Hsiao-Kang is an introverted, introspective young man who works at a video arcade, while Ah-Tze is a outgoing and confident young man who loves to pickpocket. The two boys gradually become close friends, but their paths diverge when Ah-Tze gets involved with a gang and Hsiao-Kang begins to explore his sexuality. As the film progresses, the boys must decide who they are and what they want out of life as they come of age in the neon-lit streets of Taipei.

From Céline Sciamma, starring Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson, Sophie Cattani
Rated Not Rated

From Ruben Östlund, starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West, Terry Notary
Rated R

From Céline Sciamma, starring Karidja Touré, Assa Sylla, Lindsay Karamoh, Mariétou Touré
Rated Unrated