feel feel goo goo films films It seems that now more than ever we could all use some feel good films, so the Film soc have come together to recommend some of their favourites.
THE MUMMY (1999)
Though not a great movie by any objective standard, The Mummy remains my go-to comfort watch. It’s got a little of everything: comedy, action, drama, romance... All against a backdrop of Egypt, both in the time of the Pharoahs, and the early 20th Century. It channels the energy of the Indiana Jones movies, which are objectively better (well, the first three...), but Brendan Fraser’s Rick is a little more lighthearted than Ford’s Jones, making the whole thing more fun. What’s more, Rachel Weisz’s Evie is a clever, capable strong female lead: take that, Bembridge Scholars! -Mr Leask
JULIE & JULIA (2009)
For food fanatics like myself, Julie & Julia is sweet and comforting... much like a warm apple pie on a winter’s day or a chocolate molten cake. Julie & Julia is without a doubt - my go-to Friday night film. On my most recent watch, however, I found that the message of the movie was particularly relevant to our current circumstances – cooking can unite us. Julie and Julia are not only separated by time but also by space. Regardless of their distance they share one strong commonality their passion for cooking. Throughout the course of the film you are taken on a relatable roller-coaster ride of emotions, from the pure joy of perfecting a Bœuf Bourguingnon to Julia’s own fearless satisfaction; after she proves to her male counterparts in her cooking class and, arguably, to herself that she is more than just the bored housewife of an American diplomat. Julie & Julia is everything from empowering to charming, while Meryl Streep gives another outstanding performance where she truly captures the beauty of Julia Child living in a man’s world. Perhaps the film will inspire one of you to be bold and attempt a recipe or two from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking… -Eilidh, L6
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE (2004)
This movie is set in a during a war period in a prehistoric alternate universe where magic, monsters and demons run amok. The story follows Sophie, a young hat maker who was cursed and finds herself living with a well-known wizard, Howl, to revert the curse. Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki films are iconic for their ethereal, magical visuals that immerse viewers in surreal worlds. They create an encompassing feeling of adventure, wonder and escape. It’s become one of my favourite films as it holds important messages which show us what really makes us human, common in many of Miyazaki’s films. In Howl’s Moving Castle there are hidden nuances of the unfairness of war on soldiers and armies, and the truth that love can transcend visual expectations, just to name a few. Couple this with the magical scenes where nothing in particular is happening, it’s clear why I love Ghibli films. -Iman, L6 4
