THE OTHERS
USA/SPAIN 2001, CERT. 12
DIRECTOR: ALEJANDRO AMENABAR
Star Rating * * * *
 At the end of WWII, on the
fog-bound Isle of Jersey, a young mother (Nicole Kidman) waits
in her large mansion for her beloved husband to return from
the front. In the meantime she protects her two young children
(Alakina Mann and James Bentley) from sunlight and all other
enemies. Three servants arrive to help, but the woman becomes
increasingly distressed by the inexplicable goings-on in the
house.
With this, his first
non-Spanish language project, director and writer Amenabar
(Open Your Eyes) has produced a supernatural thriller of such
power and tension that even hard-nosed audiences will find it
difficult not to sit on the edge of their seats. Kidman is
superb as the stiff, highly-strung mother, while a
down-to-earth supporting cast of Fionnula Flanagan, Eric Sykes
and Christopher Eccleston lend an eerie sense of security to
this terrific old-fashioned chiller.
Odeon and UGC from November 2
Filmed with oy!
5th Brighton Jewish Film
Festival
The UK's biggest fest
of Jewish film hits town by Lynda Del Sasso
 Exploring Jewish cultures and
identities in all their diversity, the 5th Brighton Jewish
Film Festival runs from Nov 10-25, with screenings at the Duke
of York's and Cinematheque.
The aim of the festival is
"to educate, enlighten and entertain both a Jewish and a
wider audience". This year, selected highlights from the
festival will tour to the Curzon Soho, London from Nov 18, and
to Aberdeen, Cambridge, Oxford and York during November and
December.
Each film plays for one day
only, highlights include:
Nov 10, DOY:
ONE OF THE HOLLYWOOD TEN (UK 2000)
Set in 1940s Hollywood and starring Jeff Goldblum and Greta
Scacchi, this glossy production is based on the true story of
film director Herbert Biberman, who was blacklisted by the
Un-American Activities Committee.
Nov 11, DOY:
THE SECRET (ISRAEL 2001)
Ronit Kertsner's fascinating documentary follows Polish
citizens, including a priest, brought up as Catholics, now
uncovering their Jewish heritage. Based around the Genealogy
Department of the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw, this
sensitive film interviews a number of individuals as they
search for their true identities.
Nov 14, DOY:
THE GULF BETWEEN US (UK 1994)
A social drama set in Golders Green, North London during the
1991 Gulf War. Hassan, an Arab, rents a room from Ruth, a Jew.
When a relationship develops, they both struggle to bridge the
cultural gulf between them. This 40-minute graduation film is
the work of Khaled El Hagar, who will be interviewed by Simon
Fanshawe after the screening.
Nov 18, DOY:
YELLOW ASPHALT - A TRILOGY OF DESERT STORIES (ISRAEL 2000)
Three stories set in the Judean desert, formerly the sole
domain of the Bedouin tribes, illustrating how Western culture
is affecting and changing ancient traditions. The third tale,
Red Roofs, about a Jewish businessman having an affair with
his Bedouin maid, is a well-made and thought-provoking piece.
The film-maker, Danny Verite, will be attending the screening.
Nov 24, DOY:
TIME OF FAVOUR (ISRAEL 2000)
An Israeli romantic thriller, in which the young commander of
a religious combat unit is forced to examine his conscience
and his value system on many levels.
Among other special events are
Writing Jewishly for the Screen; a celebrity interview with
Miriam Margoyles; and Play For Me a celebration of Jewish
music.
For further information please
contact the Festival Box Office at the Komedia: 01273 647100
or visit www.bjewish-filmfest.org.uk
copyright New Insight 2001
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