The Belle of the Ball? Not!

Belle, a new dvd in the library, is inspired by the 1779 painting of Dido Elizabeth Belle beside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray, at Kenwood House, which was commissioned by their great-uncle, William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, then Lord Chief Justice of England. Very little is known about the life of Dido Belle, who was born in the West Indies and was the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of Mansfield's nephew. She is found living in poverty by her father and entrusted to the care of Mansfield and his wife. The fictional film explores her life as a young woman, a life of luxury, as her father left her money, but no social standing because of her race. Lushly photographed, and stellar acting make this film not only beautiful but intelligent and affecting. ML

Documentary Film

War Dance is the inspiring story of a school at the Patongo refugee camp in Northern Uganda.  The filmmakers follow Nancy, Dominic, and Rose -- three students who have been scarred by violence and war -- as they prepare for the annual National Music Competition in Kampala.  Deeply moving and affirming, this film explores the darkest places in the human soul and how music, dance, and community have the power to uplift and enhance feelings of self-worth, paving the way for positive change.  HM


If you like War Dance, check out Bouncing Cats, a documentary that profiles the work of Breakdance Project Uganda, which provides an outlet and positive influence for youth in Kampala.

So Near, and Yet So Far

Have you ever considered the back up singer? The beautiful voice, put to service of the "star" of the ensemble. There were back up singers (usually women) in the fifties for artists like Perry Como.
With the rise of R&B, Soul and Rock, African American women were the go to back up singers. The new DVD in the library, 20 Feet From Stardom, explores the life of several back up singers. The music in this documentary is so wonderful, just the voices of these women is amazing! Also features stars like Sting, Mick Jagger, Sheryl Crow and Bruce Springsteen discussing the importance of these singers. Lots of clips of groups singing, everyone from Otis Redding to the Rolling Stones, to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Set back and enjoy! ML

A Life Well-Lived

A Simple Life is a spare and gorgeously filmed movie that explores the end of life and who we consider to be our "family" when it really comes down to it. Maid Ah Tao has served a single household for four generations, culminating with the last bachelor son, Roger.  After suffering a stroke, Ah Tao decides to retire to an assisted-living facility where she comes to terms with her own mortality and where she and Roger begin to realize that their bond goes much deeper than as merely servant and employer.  HM

The Girl Who Went to the Movies

Have you gone to see the Hollywood remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, based on the book by Stieg Larsson? I saw it last weekend, and though I was very impressed with the actors and enjoyed the story's reinterpretation, I'm still in love with the Swedish original (and Noomi Rapace's chilling portrayal of Lisbeth Salander). Check it out -- along with the other two films in the trilogy, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.


Have you seen both versions? What do you think? HM

Before It's Too Late

Last Chance to See is the story of an epic journey that began 20 years ago, when zoologist and wildlife photographer Mark Carwardine teamed up with the late writer Douglas Adams to visit some of the most inaccessible places on Earth. Their mission was to locate 9 of the world's most endangered species in their natural habitats, and they did. Now for this documentary, Carwardine and Adams' close friend, actor Stephen Fry, return to the same places and species to see what has become of them, 2o years on.

Also check out the Douglas Adams book of the same title, published in 1990. HM

Defend the Turf

Attack the Block is a comedy/horror movie (think Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) with a surprising dash of morality thrown in. When an alien crash lands in their council estate, a gang of teenagers do what anybody else would: they kill it. However, this one fatal decision causes a full-scale alien invasion and the boys and their leader, Moses, are left to defend the block. They team up with Sam, a woman they had previously mugged, to thwart the police, fight against drug dealers, and protect their neighborhood. Along the way, both Sam and Moses begin to realize that they are responsible for the consequences caused by their actions and prejudices. HM

Dealing With The Devil

Detective Chief Inspector John Luther has a lot of problems. He's incredibly volatile, he's haunted by the terrible crimes he investigates, his marriage is falling apart, and a psychopath is obsessed with him. But he's also a brilliant detective who will stop at nothing to punish the deserving for their monstrous actions. Always balancing on a tight-rope across a moral grey area, will Luther be pushed over the edge when he faces the ultimate betrayal? Find out in Luther: Season 1. And keep an eye out for Season 2, coming soon to the Oxford Public Library! HM

It's not Dear Abby, but it still works

For decades, the broken and wounded of heart have been making the pilgrimage to Verona Italy, the setting of Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. Here, they leave letters asking Juliet for advice about relationships. And, thanks to a dedicated team of writers, the letters are answered in due course. This was the inspiration for the 2010 romantic comedy Letters to Juliet:

It is while assisting this team of writers that Sophie, a young woman struggling with her own relationship issues, finds a 50-year-old letter written by Claire. Thinking she is only doing her job, Sophie responds to Claire's letter, offering the best advise she can. But sometimes life brings unexpected twists of fate. Soon Sophie finds herself accompanying Claire, now an old woman, on a journey to find Claire's long-lost true love. Along the way, sparks fly between Sophie and Claire's stubborn grandson. Included is some gorgeous scenery of the Italian countryside. Although quite cheesy and often predictable, Letters to Juliet is a lighthearted and enjoyable film. Watch it alone or with the "girls". Pints of Ben and Jerry's are optional. A word of warning to potential male viewers, though: This movie is more "chick flick" than "date movie" (and yes, there is a difference).

More Than Dirty Harry

Clint: A Retrospective is packed with photographs that document the life and career of Clint Eastwood (some even dating back to the 50s). Mr. Eastwood wrote the forward himself and the following chapters illustrate the wide array of ways he's contributed to the film industry as actor and director. Don't miss the accompanying DVD that features clips of his movies.