Belleville Rendez-Vous
Filmclub - the afterschool scheme for young people, are celebrating London's new cycle hire scheme this week in their ‘Green Season of Film’.
The ten films to feature eco friendly transport take viewers on a memorable journey, from the backsteets of war ravished Italy, in 1940’s noir classic Bicycle Thieves, through to bustling Beijing- the bicycle capital of the world in Beijing Bicycle.
For a wilder ride, BMX racing will lead you on the ultimate adventure in cult classic BMX Bandits, starring a young Nicole Kidman.
Filmclub feel strongly that being 'green' is the way forward and It’s likely that these films will make you look at a bike, train or even cart in a very different light - so saddle up and enjoy the ride, in this Filmclub Season of the Week.
Season of the Week:
- Beijing Bicycle (PG,2001)
Having spent much of his life in the Chinese countryside, Guei finally makes it to the big city of Beijing. At first, he's awestruck and amazed by the hectic scenes around him - but the harsh reality of urban life soon hits home when his work bicycle is stolen.
- Belleville Rendez-Vous (12,2003)
French cartoon Belleville Rendez-Vous tells the story of Champion, an orphan raised by his grandmother Madame Souza. After she gives him a tricycle as a child, he grows up to take part in the legendary cycle race the Tour de France.
- Bicycle Thieves (U,1948)
A hugely influential Italian film of the 1940s, Bicycle Thieves shows ordinary people in ordinary situations, and features non-professional actors in all roles.
- BMX Bandits (PG,1983)
Cue lots and lots of bike chases and stunts, which - along with some terrible 80s hairstyles and fashion choices - have given this teen adventure a cult movie reputation
- Jour De Fete (U,1949)
Francois sees a documentary on the swiftness and efficiency of the postal system in the US, and shocked and inspired, he sets out to try and match the Americans for speed - quite a challenge when you've only got a rickety bicycle to work with!
- L'Atalante (PG,1934)
Jean is the skipper of a barge, and Juliette is his innocent young bride. They're an odd couple - and their marriage gets off to a bit of a bumpy start as she tries to adjust to life onboard the little boat travelling the canals of France.
- Man Push Cart (15,2005)
A powerful, understated drama which, while telling the specific story of a Pakistani immigrant to New York, peddling food and drinks from his hand-pushed cart, addresses issues; intolerance, the frustrations of overqualified migrants doing menial work in their adopted country.
- The Lady Vanishes (U,1938)
On a train going across Europe just before the start of World War II, a nice old lady disappears. Or does she?.
- The Straight Story (U,1999)
Based on real events, The Straight Story follows the journey across the American mid-west of Alvin Straight, an old man who learns the brother to who he hasn't spoken in years is seriously ill.
- The Titfield Thunderbolt (U,1953)
This warm and whimsical British satire is like a window on a bygone era. The first colour comedy from the famous Ealing Studios, it finds residents of a remote English village up in arms when they're told their train line is being shut down.
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