The story of county party secretary Mei Xiaoge and the reforms he and his colleagues introduce to bring about much-needed change and development to the lives of the people of Guangming County.
Sasha, a sensitive young vampire, is unable to kill to satisfy her blood thirst. In an attempt to save her life, she meets Paul, a lonely teenager with suicidal tendencies who offers to sacrifice himself. What was initially a friendly agreement turns into a race against time as they try to fulfill Paul's final wishes before sunrise.
A 15-year-old student skips class and spends his days in a beautiful garden, where he meets a woman in her 20s. They bond over their love for rainy weather and begin to share their dreams and fears with each other. As their relationship deepens, they both learn valuable lessons about love, loss, and personal growth.
Navillera is a drama about a young man named Chae-rok who has a passion for ballet but faces many obstacles in pursuing his dream. He meets Deok-chul, an elderly man who decides to start ballet in his old age. Together, they form an unlikely friendship that inspires them both to pursue their dreams and find meaning in life.
In post-war Italy, a working-class man's bicycle is stolen, endangering his efforts to find work. He and his son set out to find it. The film tells the story of Antonio Ricci, an unemployed man in the depressed post-World War II economy of Italy. With no money and a wife and two children to support, he is desperate for work. He is delighted to at last get a good job hanging up posters, but on the sole condition that he has a bicycle which must be used for work. He is told unequivocally: 'No bicycle, no job.' His wife Maria pawns their bedsheets in order to get money to redeem his bicycle from the pawnbroker. Early on in the film, Ricci's coveted bicycle is stolen by a bold young thief who snatches it when he is hanging up a poster. Antonio thinks that the police will take the theft very seriously, but they are not really interested in the petty theft of a bike. The only option is for Antonio and his friends to walk the streets of Rome themselves, looking for the bicycle. After trying for hours with no luck, they finally give up and leave. Desperate for leads and with his better judgement clouded, Antonio even visits the dubious backstreet fortune teller that he had earlier mocked, in the hope that she may be able to shed light upon the bike's whereabouts. However, she merely doles out to him one of the truisms that form her stock in trade: 'you'll find the bike quickly, or not at all.' Feeling cheated, a crestfallen Antonio hands over to her some of the last money that they have. After a rare treat of a meal in a restaurant, Antonio admits to his son that if he isn't able to work, they will simply starve. Antonio finally manages to locate the thief (who, it seems, had already sold the bicycle) and Bruno slips off to summon the police to the apartment. Antonio meanwhile, angrily accuses the thief of stealing his bike but the boy denies all knowledge of the crime. When the policeman arrives, he sees the accused boy lying on the floor feigning a seizure and surrounded by irate neighbours who blame Antonio's accusations for causing the 'innocent' boy's fit. The policeman tells Antonio that although he may have seen the boy stealing the bike, he did not catch the thief red-handed, nor has he any witnesses and that Antonio making an accusation is not good enough. With no proof and with the thief's neighbours willing to give him a false alibi, he abandons his cause. Antonio walks away from the house in despair, as the thief's neighbours follow, jeering at him about his lost bicycle. At the end of the film in one of the most resonant scenes, Antonio is sitting on the curb outside the packed football stadium. He looks at the hundreds and hundreds of bicycles that are parked outside the stadium and as he cradles his head in despair, a fleet of bicycles mockingly speeds past him. After vacillating for some time about whether to steal one for himself, he decides he has no other option but to snatch one that he spots outside an apartment. Unluckily, he is seen taking the bike and caught by a crowd of angry men who slap and humiliate him in front of his son. Ironically, this time with an army of witnesses who catch him, he is frogmarched off to the police station but after seeing how upset Bruno is, the owner of the bicycle declines to press charges. The film ends with the man and his son, sad and let down from what has just happened, they walk along in a crowd, leaving us with a dim outlook for the two. Holding hands, they are both reduced to tears.
Ikiru follows the story of Kanji Watanabe, a government official who is diagnosed with stomach cancer. Realizing that he has limited time left to live, Watanabe embarks on a quest to find meaning in his life. Through his journey, he discovers the importance of making a positive impact on others and finding happiness in the small moments. This poignant drama explores themes of mortality, loneliness, and the search for purpose.
In 'Across the Universe,' the love story between an American girl and a Liverpool artist unfolds amidst the music of The Beatles and the turmoil of the Vietnam War. Their romance is tested as they navigate cultural differences, protests, and personal tragedies. Through it all, the transformative power of love and music shines through.
The Ballad of Narayama follows an old woman in a village facing the harsh realities of poverty and survival. In this ancient Japan, people believe in the afterlife and gods, but their beliefs cannot alleviate the misery and hardship they endure. The woman must make a tough decision, facing starvation and dying traditions that seem to be inevitable. As she navigates through a mountain hike, hunger, and tough choices, she reflects on her life and the fate of her village.
When a cellist loses his orchestra job, he finds work preparing bodies for funerals. As he navigates the delicate process of preparing the deceased for their final journey, he discovers a deeper appreciation for life and the power of music.
Origin (2023) explores the unspoken system that has shaped America and how people's lives today are defined by a hierarchy of human divisions. It delves into the profound impact of these divisions and the lasting effects they have on society.
Set in Nazi Germany during World War II, Sophie Scholl and her brother Hans are members of the anti-Nazi resistance group, the White Rose. They distribute leaflets criticizing the regime and calling for resistance. As their activities are discovered by the Gestapo, Sophie and Hans are arrested, interrogated, and ultimately sentenced to death. This gripping film showcases Sophie Scholl's courage and conviction in the face of overwhelming odds.
In World War I, three French soldiers are captured and held in a German prison camp. They form a deep bond and attempt to escape, facing challenges and forming alliances along the way.
Howards End follows the lives of three families, the wealthy and conservative Wilcoxes, the idealistic and intellectual Schlegels, and the working-class Basts, as they navigate social class, love, and inheritance in turn-of-the-century England.
The Salt of the Earth is a biography and documentary film that tells the story of a renowned photographer. It explores his work capturing images from various parts of the world, showcasing the human condition and social cohesion. The film highlights his journey to places like France, Galapagos Islands, Kuwait, Mexico, and more, where he documented the effects of starvation, drought, and other issues. It also delves into his experiences in countries like Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, covering topics such as the Rwandan genocide and violence. Throughout his career, he has produced iconic photographs that have become famous, reflecting his humanist perspective.
Life, Animated (2016) tells the inspiring true story of Owen Suskind, a young boy with autism who is unable to speak until he discovers a deep connection and ability to communicate through Disney animated films. With the help of his family, Owen navigates the challenges of growing up and finding his place in the world as he uses the colorful characters and imaginative stories of Disney to express himself and make sense of the world around him.
In 19th-century French colony, a woman's husband is sentenced to death for murder. She forms a bond with the captain of the army, who is in charge of executing prisoners. As she learns to read and tends to a greenhouse, she seeks redemption and fights against the death sentence. The story showcases love, revenge, and the struggle for justice.
Breaking and Entering follows the story of an architect who becomes entangled in a web of relationships, conflicts, and crime. Set in London, the architect's life takes a turn when he crosses paths with a young thief and his mother, leading to a series of events that challenge his beliefs and values. As he navigates through the complexities of love, elitism, and class differences, he must confront his own flaws and make difficult choices.
Hail Satan? is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the rise of the Satanic Temple and their unique form of political activism. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, the film explores the organization's fight for religious pluralism, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. It also explores the controversies and misconceptions surrounding Satanism and the movement's efforts to challenge social prejudices and religious fanaticism within society.
Oranges and Sunshine tells the powerful story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the mass deportation of children from the UK to Australia.
Sambizanga is a powerful drama set in Angola during the colonial period. The film follows a man who becomes involved in the liberation movement and the struggles he faces against police violence, terrorism, and secret organizations. It explores themes of race relations, human rights, and the fight for freedom.