Movies Everyone Should, But May Not, Have Seen

Richard Lewin, United Church of Christ pastor, retired 

Thursdays, 2 – 4 p.m. October 3, 10, 17, 24. Bohm Theatre. Class size unlimited. There is a $10 charge to help cover the cost of the theatre rental.

There are many movies of historical significance, artistic genius, with wonderful storylines, and ground-breaking technology that should be seen, even decades after their release. This class shall view four such movies – wonderful movies, that should be seen… ESPECIALLY if you have not been fortunate enough to have already seen them. There will be time provided for conversation regarding the viewing event.

Notorious (1946)

With this twisted love story, Alfred Hitchcock summoned darker shades of suspense and passion by casting two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars starkly against type. Ingrid Bergman plays Alicia, an alluring woman with a checkered past, recruited by Devlin (Cary Grant), a suave, mysterious intelligence agent, to spy for the U.S. Only after she has fallen for Devlin does she learn that her mission is to seduce a Nazi industrialist (Claude Rains), hiding out in South America. Coupling inventive cinematography with brilliantly subtle turns from his mesmerizing leads, Hitchcock orchestrates an anguished romance shot through with deception, and moral ambiguity. A thriller of rare perfection, Notorious represents a pinnacle of both its director’s legendary career, and classic Hollywood cinema

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

A winner of awards across the world including Best Foreign Language Film Oscar, 5 BAFTA Awards including Best Actor, Original Screenplay and Score, the Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival and many more. Giuseppe Tornatore’s loving homage to the cinema tells the story of Salvatore, a successful film director, returning home for the funeral of Alfredo, his old friend, who was the projectionist at the local cinema throughout his childhood. Soon, memories of his first love affair with the beautiful Elena, and all the highs and lows that shaped his life, come flooding back as Salvatore reconnects with the community he left 30 years earlier.

Hugo (2011)

Welcome to a magical world of spectacular adventure! When wily and resourceful Hugo discovers a secret left by his father, he unlocks a mystery and embarks on a quest that will transform those around him and lead to a safe and loving place he can call home. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese invites you to experience a thrilling journey that critics called “the stuff that dreams are made of.”

Encanto (2021)

Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Encanto, with original songs by award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the tale of the Madrigals, an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the Colombian mountains. But, when Mirabel, the only ordinary family member, discovers the magic surrounding their home is in danger, she may be her family’s last hope.