September 19, 2008

Reservations required for Opening Night Gala Call 996-1500

Please scroll down for Festival Movie synopses

Movie Times listed below

Directed By: Nanette Burstein

Language: English

Rating: PG-13

In this biting cinéma vérité documentary, director Nanette Burstein follows a group of four Indiana high school seniors as they navigate the social maze of adolescence, prepare for graduation, and generally deal with the often surprising and strange situations that arise simply from being seventeen. Incorporating intimate footage, interviews, and animation, Burstein reveals all the gritty details about life as a teenager in Midwestern America, from drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure to cliques, first love, and heartbreak.“You’ll be totally riveted.”- Rolling Stones

Starring: Hayley Atwell, Ben Whishaw, Matthew Goode, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon

Directed By: Julian Jarrold

Language: English

Rating: PG-13

A provocative and suspenseful drama, 'Brideshead Revisited' tells a story of forbidden love and the loss of innocence set in the pre-WWII era. Photographed at one of Britain’s largest and most beautiful estates, the film focuses on the character of Charles Ryder who becomes entranced with the noble Marchmain family. Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson co-stars as Lady Marchmain. The rise and fall of Charles' infatuations reflect the decline of a decadent era in England between the wars. The film, based on Evelyn Waugh's acclaimed novel is sumptuous to look at and fulfilling on many levels.

“A masterpiece…the movie intelligent filmgoers have waited for all year.”- New York Observer

Directed By: Marcos Carnevale

Language: Spanish with subtitles

Rating: PG

‘Elsa & Fred' is a romantic comedy about the irresistible power and total delight of love when two people in the autumn of their years discover that it’s never too late to fall in love… or to dream. Elsa has dreamt for the past sixty years of visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome ever since she saw the memorable scene in Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita' which immortalized the famous fountain. Her widower neighbor, Alfredo is a reserved, meticulous man who becomes the object of Elsa’s desire. Elsa bursts into his life like a whirlwind, determined to teach him that the time he has left to live is precious and that he should enjoy every minute of it. Fred, as will you, surrenders to Elsa’s enthusiasm for life, her childlike energy, boldness, and charm. “A movie about love and a love letter to movies.”- The New York Times

Directed By: Werner Herzog

Language: English

Rating: G

Werner Herzog, director of the acclaimed documentary ‘Grizzly Man’, offers his unique perspective on the South Pole in this film profiling the Antarctic community of McMurdo Station. Whether offering a detailed study of the unique survival training regimen that newcomers to McMurdo are obligated to endure or pondering the majestic beauty of a landscape where the discovery of three new species in a single day is normal, Herzog boldly offers viewers the opportunity to visit one of the most inaccessible and awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet.“Hauntingly beautiful.”- The New York Times

Language: English

Rating: PG-13

On August 7, 1974, a 24-year-old French high-wire artist named Philippe Petit committed one of the most astonishing performance stunts of the late 20th century. He strung a thin cable in between the two towers of the World Trade Center and not only walked across, but did a nerve-wracking series of acrobatic movements 1,350 feet above the streets of New York. James Marsh's thoroughly engrossing documentary revisits the event and its planning in great detail illuminating what has been called "the artistic crime of the century."“All together enthralling.”- The New York Times

Directed By: Sergei Bodrov

Language: Mongolian with subtitles

Rating: R

Award-winning Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov illuminates the life and legend of Genghis Khan in his stunning historical epic. Based on leading scholarly accounts, 'Mongol' delves into the dramatic and harrowing early years of the ruler who was born in 1162. As it follows his perilous childhood to the battle that sealed his destiny, the film paints a multidimensional portrait of the future conqueror, revealing him not as the evil brute of the historical stereotype, but as an inspiring, fearless and visionary leader. “Hugely impressive.”-The Wall Street Journal

Directed By: Pierre Salvadori

Language: French with subtitles

Rating: PG-13

Pierre Salvadori directs this sexy and thoroughly charming romantic comedy against the lavish backdrop of the French Riviera. A shy young bartender is mistaken for a millionaire by a beautiful, scheming opportunist played by Audrey Tautou in this French romp. When she discovers his true identity, she abandons him, only to find that, love-struck, he has no intention of letting her get away. The comical attempts to gain her affections gradually evolve into setting himself up as a gigolo at a luxury hotel, until she finally starts to warm to her persistent, persuasive suitor. “Utterly charming…effortlessly sexy and chic.”- Time Out New York

Directed by: Roger Spottiswoode

Language: English and Chinese with subtitles

Rating: R

The film stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers (‘Match Play’, 'The Tudors') and Radha Mitchell. Based on real events, this is a sweeping but intimate story set against war-torn China in the 1930's. The film centers on a young English journalist, an American nurse and the leader of a Chinese partisan group (Chow Yun Fat) who meet in desperate and unexpected circumstances. Together they rescue 60 orphaned children, leading them on an extraordinary journey across hundreds of miles of treacherous terrain, through snow-covered mountains and an unforgiving desert. Along the way they discover the true meaning of love, responsibility and courage."Tells an engrossing story of a remarkable man.” -Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Directed By: Catherine Breillat

Language: French with subtitles

Rating: NR

'The Last Mistress' pairs cinema's premiere provocateur, director Catherine Breillat with one of the most fearless and explosive French actresses working today, Asia Argento. A penniless rogue shocks 19th century France with his engagement to a virginal gem of the aristocracy. As lurid speculations of the young man’s ten year affair with the carnal mistress envelopes the characters, a supremely erotic and wickedly humorous depiction of human lust is revealed. With its sexual subject matter and classical style, 'The Last Mistress' is entertaining and highly provocative. “Surprisingly erotic and wickedly humorous.”- New York Magazine

Directed By: Tom McCarthy

Language: English

Rating: PG-13

This is a complex drama that became a word-of-mouth hit of the specialized feature marketplace. A lonesome widower and college economics professor finds his quiet existence suddenly shaken up when he befriends a pair of illegal immigrants, in the second feature from ‘The Station Agent’ director Tom McCarthy. When visiting Manhattan, the professor is surprised to discover that a young couple has moved into his seldom-used apartment in Greenwich Village. Walter reluctantly allows the couple to remain in his apartment. The young man insists on repaying his host's kindness by teaching him to play the African drum. The ageing academic finds his spirits revitalized but must deal with abrupt changes when his new friend is threatened with deportation. “You can’t help but be uplifted.”- USA Today

Directed By: Brad Anderson

Language: English

Rating: R

Emily Mortimer, Woody Harrelson and Ben Kingsley star in this riveting thriller about an American couple unwittingly caught up in illegal activity as they sweep across the tundra from Peking to Moscow on the Trans-Siberian Express. Miss Mortimer gives her usual entrancing performance, but this time she is caught up in life and death circumstances with moral and ethical dilemmas worthy of a character from a Hitchcock movie. Woody Harrelson is steadfast as the adoring but bumbling husband. Ben Kingsley adds another notch to his belt as the super sly detective (or is he?) after the stolen loot. The film contains a few moments of violence that may be upsetting to some but the filmmaking is on par with some of the most intense thrillers of recent times. “One of the best thrillers of the year.”- Richard Roeper, Ebert and Roeper at the Movies

Directed By: Yung Chang

Language: Chinese with subtitles

Rating: NR

Director Yung Chang uses the construction of China's massive Three Gorges Dam as a springboard to better understanding the social hierarchies and changing times in his homeland in this documentary focusing on a luxury cruise ship that carries predominately Western tourists down the Yangtze River. Constructed as a symbol of modern progress in China, the Three Gorges Dam has forced millions from their ancestral homes, and will soon swallow up numerous towns and villages. This unusual film reveals the hidden difficult realities of life in rural China.“Touching and haunting.”- New York Magazine

Directed By: Woody Allen

Language: English

Rating: PG-13

Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz light up the screen in this outrageous romantic comedy, Woody Allen’s funniest film in many years. Two young American women come to Barcelona for a summer holiday. One is sensible and engaged to be married; the other is emotionally and sexually adventurous. They're drawn into a series of unconventional romantic entanglements with a charismatic painter, who is still involved with his tempestuous ex-wife. Infused with luscious Mediterranean sensuality, 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' is an open-minded celebration of love in all its configurations. "Has a natural, flowing vitality to it, a sun-drenched splendor that never falters."-The New Yorker

Language: English

Rating: PG

Prepare to be entertained by the inspiring individuals of a New England senior citizens chorus that has delighted audiences worldwide with their covers of rock ‘n roll hits. This is a funny and unexpectedly moving testament to the simple things these seniors value: old friendships, new challenges and a little time in the spotlight."A heartening and poignant affirmation of the transformative power of music.”-USA Today

TELL NO ONE

Directed By: Guillaume Canet

Language: French with subtitles

Rating: NR

‘Tell No One’ is based on the international best-selling novel by Harlan Coben. An innocent man is on the run after he's accused of murder and his spouse seemingly returns from the grave in this thriller from France. The film stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Nathalie Baye and a cast of top French actors in a film of suspense and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. “Pure, nasty fun…a labyrinth in which to get deliriously lost.”- The New York Times