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Sometimes the most enjoyable films are quiet releases that don't make it to the big cinema complexes. Here are a few that are favorites of some of the staff here at the Library: Brassed Off - Ewan McGregor, Pete Postlethwaite and Tara Fitzgerald star in this delightful story of small town workers struggling to overcome economic adversity. Cold Comfort Farm - Kate Beckinsale stars as Flora Poste, a recently orphaned London society girl who moves to the country to live on a decrepit farm with her eccentric relatives. Eighth Day - A charming French film (with English subtitles) about a stressed-out business man who forms a reluctant relationship with a man with Down's syndrome who has run away from the institution when he lives. Strictly Ballroom - The magical story of a championship ballroom dancer who breaks all the rules, this is a hilariously funny romantic comedy that's sure to leave you laughing, cheering and feeling great. Shall We Dance - This is a charming Japanese film (with English subtitles) about an uptight business man who decides to learn ballroom dancing. Shirley Valentine - Pauline Collins repeats her London and Broadway stage triumph in the role of a saucy, middle-aged, married woman who feels that life has passed her by - until she gets the opportunity to travel to Greece without her husband. Enchanted April - Utterly charming film about two repressed, married women who seize an impulse and rent an Italian villa for a month. Stealing Beauty - Liv Tyler stars as a nineteen-year-old beauty who travels to an Italian villa to discover the identity of her real father. Jeremy Irons plays a dying author who is also a guest at the villa. The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain - Hugh Grant is perfect as a British map- maker who raises the ire of a Welsh community by designating the prized town landmark as a hill rather than a mountain. Muriel's Wedding - You'll be humming ABBA songs for weeks after seeing this very touching Australian film about an ugly-duckling with a seriously dysfunctional family. This idiosyncratic comedy/drama about friendship packs a real punch. When the Cat's Away - A quirky French film (with English subtitles) about a young woman who leaves her beloved pet cat with a neighbor while she goes on vacation. When she returns to find the cat is missing, she embarks on a quest to find him. |
