The Lunchbox
PG
India, 2013
Language: Hindi
Director: Ritesh Batra
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur
What’s it about?
In bustling Mumbai, dedicated wife Ila lovingly prepares delicious lunches for her husband each work day. She’s feeling lonely and is eager to reconnect with him. But when the lunchbox is delivered to someone else by mistake, it sparks a letter-writing relationship between the accidental recipient, widower Saajan, who’s counting down the days to retirement, and Ila. This is a delightful film. Be quick to catch it – it leaves on 28 July.
In bustling Mumbai, dedicated wife Ila lovingly prepares delicious lunches for her husband each work day. She’s feeling lonely and is eager to reconnect with him. But when the lunchbox is delivered to someone else by mistake, it sparks a letter-writing relationship between the accidental recipient, widower Saajan, who’s counting down the days to retirement, and Ila. This is a delightful film. Be quick to catch it – it leaves on 28 July.
The Lunchbox is streaming at SBS On Demand until 28 July.
Blinded By The Light
PG
UK, 2019
Language: English
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Starring: Viveik Kalra, Kulvinder Ghir, Nell Williams, Dean-Charles Chaplin, Rob Brydon
What’s it about?
This coming-of-age story is set in 1987 Luton, in Thatcher’s UK. Javed is torn between two worlds: at home, he is the son of Pakistan-born Muslim parents. In the wider world, he dreams of becoming a journalist, and writes poetry and lyrics for his mate’s band, indulging his love of rock music. With racism and unemployment a daily reality, and the strong desire to express himself banging against his father’s ideals for him, it’s the music of Bruce Springsteen that ends up changing the course of Javed’s life. The ensemble cast and killer soundtrack make this an enjoyable ride. Based on the memoir of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor.
This coming-of-age story is set in 1987 Luton, in Thatcher’s UK. Javed is torn between two worlds: at home, he is the son of Pakistan-born Muslim parents. In the wider world, he dreams of becoming a journalist, and writes poetry and lyrics for his mate’s band, indulging his love of rock music. With racism and unemployment a daily reality, and the strong desire to express himself banging against his father’s ideals for him, it’s the music of Bruce Springsteen that ends up changing the course of Javed’s life. The ensemble cast and killer soundtrack make this an enjoyable ride. Based on the memoir of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor.
Blinded By The Light is now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Florence Foster Jenkins
PG
UK, 2016
Language: English
Director: Stephen Frears
Starring: Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Simon Helberg
What’s it about?
Meryl Streep plays a socialite in 1940s New York City, who finances her dream of singing elaborate opera in live performances, despite the fact that she is a terrible singer. Supported by her lover, St Clair, she hires a reluctant accompanist, piano player Cosmé McMoon, who prepares her for a performance at the grand Carnegie Hall. Based on the real life of Florence Foster Jenkins whose devoted audience members (in a ‘it’s so bad, it’s good’ kind of way) included Cole Porter and Enrico Caruso. Streep’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination.
Meryl Streep plays a socialite in 1940s New York City, who finances her dream of singing elaborate opera in live performances, despite the fact that she is a terrible singer. Supported by her lover, St Clair, she hires a reluctant accompanist, piano player Cosmé McMoon, who prepares her for a performance at the grand Carnegie Hall. Based on the real life of Florence Foster Jenkins whose devoted audience members (in a ‘it’s so bad, it’s good’ kind of way) included Cole Porter and Enrico Caruso. Streep’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination.
Florence Foster Jenkins is now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Hairspray
PG
USA, 1988
Language: English
Director: John Waters
Starring: Ricki Lake, Divine, Ruth Brown, Jerry Stiller, Sonny Bono, Debbie Harry
What’s it about?
While there went on to be a popular Broadway musical and 2007 film version, this is the original Hairspray. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the film follows high schoolers and best friends Tracy and Penny, who audition for a spot on a local live TV dance show beloved by teenagers. Tracy succeeds, and brings an infectious glee with her. With racial tensions abounding at the time, she also brings forth her ideals of equality and togetherness, and eagerly learned new dance moves, to the show, using her newfound fame as a platform. The dancing is a treat, the music a blast, and the hair enormous.
While there went on to be a popular Broadway musical and 2007 film version, this is the original Hairspray. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the film follows high schoolers and best friends Tracy and Penny, who audition for a spot on a local live TV dance show beloved by teenagers. Tracy succeeds, and brings an infectious glee with her. With racial tensions abounding at the time, she also brings forth her ideals of equality and togetherness, and eagerly learned new dance moves, to the show, using her newfound fame as a platform. The dancing is a treat, the music a blast, and the hair enormous.
Hairspray is now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Our Little Sister
PG
Japan, 2015
Language: Japanese
Director: Kore-eda Hirokazu
Starring: Haruka Ayase, Masami Nagasawa, Kaho, Suzu Hirose
What’s it about?
Based on a graphic novel by Akimi Yoshida, this beautifully written and photographed film from acclaimed director Kore-eda Hirokazu centres on three sisters, now grown women, estranged from their father since he had an affair and left. When their father dies, they meet his daughter from that affair, teenager Asano, and invite her to live with them. The move is criticised by other family members, but being together helps all four daughters heal inner wounds. A touching film.
Based on a graphic novel by Akimi Yoshida, this beautifully written and photographed film from acclaimed director Kore-eda Hirokazu centres on three sisters, now grown women, estranged from their father since he had an affair and left. When their father dies, they meet his daughter from that affair, teenager Asano, and invite her to live with them. The move is criticised by other family members, but being together helps all four daughters heal inner wounds. A touching film.
Our Little Sister is now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Supa Modo
PG
Kenya, 2018
Language: Swahili
Director: Likarion Wainaina
Starring: Stycie Waweru, Marianne Nungo, Nyawara Ndambia
What’s it about?
All young Jo wants is to be a superhero. It fills her dreams and gives her reality much-needed sparkle, especially in the face of the sad verdict that she has a terminal illness. Her situation moves the villagers where she lives to come together and figure out a way to make her dream come true.
All young Jo wants is to be a superhero. It fills her dreams and gives her reality much-needed sparkle, especially in the face of the sad verdict that she has a terminal illness. Her situation moves the villagers where she lives to come together and figure out a way to make her dream come true.
Supa Modo is now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Happy-Go-Lucky
M
UK, 2008
UK, 2008
Language: English
Director: Mike Leigh
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Alexis Zegerman, Eddie Marsan, Kate O’Flynn, Samuel Roukin
What’s it about?
In a role made for the effervescent Sally Hawkins, her primary school teacher Poppy epitomises the adage, ‘attitude is everything’. Poppy is cheerful, optimistic and loving, without condition. While her driving instructor Scott is filled with anger and easily irritated by her, filling the tiny space they share with tension, she maintains her disposition. After all, his behaviour is his responsibility. Despite being criticised by those around her, she thoroughly enjoys London life with her mates. She’s also the teacher we wish we had. This is a masterclass in Mike Leigh’s filmmaking, striking the perfect balance between comedy and tragedy, leaving us feeling enriched.
In a role made for the effervescent Sally Hawkins, her primary school teacher Poppy epitomises the adage, ‘attitude is everything’. Poppy is cheerful, optimistic and loving, without condition. While her driving instructor Scott is filled with anger and easily irritated by her, filling the tiny space they share with tension, she maintains her disposition. After all, his behaviour is his responsibility. Despite being criticised by those around her, she thoroughly enjoys London life with her mates. She’s also the teacher we wish we had. This is a masterclass in Mike Leigh’s filmmaking, striking the perfect balance between comedy and tragedy, leaving us feeling enriched.
Happy-Go-Lucky is now streaming at SBS On Demand.
Browse other feel-good, funny and uplifting films now streaming at SBS On Demand, including , , , and Australia’s and . See these and more in the .
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