Evil does not exist, (2023), Japan, written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi

  

Evil does not exist, 2023, (Japan)

Written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday September 24

Doors Open: 6.30 pm

Takumi lives with his daughter Hana in Mizubiki, a quiet village near Tokyo.

Their lives are disrupted when a Tokyo based company plans to build a poorly designed glamping site near the village.

Representatives from Playmode hold a tense town hall meeting to introduce the idea to the villagers. The villagers reject the idea as the poorly placed septic tank will ruin their pristine water supply, causing damage to the local ecosystem relied upon by the wild deer.

Hana goes missing after an encounter with the local deer hunters. Takumi responds with a primal instinctive reaction that resembles a wonded animal.

The film is described by IMDB as a slow burn, a character study disguised as an eco-drama. 

It is written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi and features a cast of non-professional actors. The film was shown at the Venice International Film Festival and was awarded the Grand Jury Prize.

REELS WINE SELECTION

"Evil does not exist"

There is nothing evil in the REEL's wine cellar.

This month's wines are all unsullied treasures from the wine selections from previous months.

Enjoy

GHOSTLIGHT, (2024), USA, written and directed by Kelly O'Sullivan, codirected by Alex Thompson

 

GHOSTLIGHT, 2024, (USA)

Written and directed by Kelly O'Sullivan, codirected by Alex Thompson

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday August 20

Doors Open: 6.30 pm

GHOSTLIGHT centres on Dan (Keith Kupferer) a melancholic middle aged construction worker grieving after a family tragedy. Cut off from his loving family, wife Sharon (Tara Mallen), and daughter Daisy (Katheren Mallen Kupferer). Dan discovers comfort and community from a group of amateur actors rehearing for their production of Romeo and Juliet.

First premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival this movie was praised for the touching and gently comedic tale of the healing power of art and amateur theatre.

Real life family performances bring tenderness and authenticity to this poignant portrait of a family dealing with loss. Dolly de Leon is hilarious as Dan’s irascible, improbable co-star!

Co-directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan.

“ A masterfully crafted work with nearly no false notes” The Film Stage

REELS WINE SELECTION

GHOSTLIGHT

Wine themes:

# Theatre – drama, heroes, villains, etc.

# Love and Romance - mostly ill-fated

# “Romeo and Juliet” – ends in tragedy

REDS

“Take it to the Grave” Barossa Shiraz, 2025

John Tate Winemakers “Torch Song” Western Australia, Shiraz Cabernet Merlot, 2022

“Dead End” McLaren Vale, Tempranillo, 2022

NON-REDS

Cupio aka “Cupid”, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc

“The Hero” Australia, Pinot Grigio, 2026

SWEET

Gossips “Sweet Lips” Australia, Moscato, 2025

All of us Strangers (2023), Britain, Written and directed by Andrew Haigh

 All of us Strangers, 2023, (Britain)

Written and directed by Andrew Haigh

Sir Robert Helpman Theatre

Thursday July 23

Doors Open: 6.30 pm

Adam (Andrew Scott) begins a relationship with mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal) after a chance encounter. As they become closer Adam is drawn back to the childhood home where his parents are still living just as they were 30 years ago on the day they died!!

This psychological Drama and Romance features Clair Foy as Harry’s mum and Jaimie Bell as Harry’s Dad. Directed by Andrew Haigh based upon the novel by Taichi Yamada.

Nominated for BAFTA for 2024 Outstanding British film of the year.

A beautiful meditation on loss and the connection between familial love and romantic love.

REELS WINE SELECTION

“All of Us Strangers”

Wine themes:

# Strangers / the unknown / suspicion

# Love

# Memory/Nostalgia

REDS

Hidden Ridge “187’” Coonawarra Shiraz, 2024

Taylors’ “Discoveries” South Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023

“Sweet Caroline” Australia, Merlot, 2024

(who doesn’t feel a wave of nostalgia at this one???)

NON-REDS

“Sidewood”, Adelaide Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, 2025

(Strangers, checked out in sideward glances…)

“Sweet Caroline” Australia, Pinot Grigio, 2025

(the nostalgia continues)

SWEET

Bailey & Bailey, Australia, Pink Moscato

There’s Still Tomorrow, (C'è ancora domani) (2023) Italy, Directed by acclaimed Italian filmmaker and actress Paola Cortellesi

 

There’s Still Tomorrow, 2023 (Italy)

Directed by Paola Cortellesi

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday June 25

Doors Open : 6.30 pm

The film is set in postwar Rome. 

A working class wife and mother dreams of a better future, Delia breaks traditional family patterns and takes steps towards a different future after receiving a mysterious letter. Delia faces regular verbal and physical abuse from husband Ivano, while still caring for her sullen father in law, Ottorina. She can also see that her daughter Marcella and her relationship with her bossy, controlling fiancé Giulio is heading for a similarly abusive marriage.

After being advised to leave her abusive husband by her group of married friends. Delia decides to fight against her inferior status by voting in the constitutional referendum after receiving her first voter card.

Italian film critics praised the direction and screenplay which deals with issues of feminisim and patriarchy as well as performances by lead actors Cortellesi, Fanelli and Mastandrea.

The film stars Paola Cortellesi who has also directed and co- written the screen play. Awards include Best New Director , Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay.

(Wikipedia viewed June 19,2026)

REELS WINE SELECTION

“There’s Still Tomorrow”

Wine themes:  

# An Italian comedy

# Women rising above their circumstances

REDS

  “Elena’s One & Only” McLaren Vale, Shiraz, 2022

  Tenuta “Sassoregale” Maremma Toscana, Italy, Sangiovese, 2022

NON-REDS

  Vigneti del Sole,  Italy,  Soave, 2024 (similar to Sauv Blanc) 

  “Ciao Bella”, Delle Venezie, Italy, Pinot Grigio, 2024

   Mitolo“Jester”  McLaren Vale, Sangiovese Rosé, 2026

All We Imagine as Light (2024) India, Directed by Payal Kapadia

 

All We Imagine as Light 2024 (India)

Directed by Payal Kapadia

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday May 21

Doors Open :6.30

Special Treat: Indian Sweets will be served before the movie

Described by reviewers as a dreamlike, tender and deeply humanistic drama, the film follows the story of three nurses in modern day Mumbai. A mood of romantic and emotional insecurity hangs over these women’s lives. Kapadia’s story telling is fluent and absorbing. A bitter sweet exploration of urban loneliness. “In times when reality asserts itself harshly Kapadia reminds us that dreaming is also a form of resistance (Gisela Savdie)

They endure the nerve jangling unhappiness and stress of living in a big city – where you are surrounded by people but are effectively alone. When Parvaty decides to quit her job and move home to her small village on the coast, Prabha and Anu decide to accompany her.

Prabha finds relief when she is called on to use her professional skills in a crisis. She also realizes what it has meant to be separated from her husband for so long and also from her own happiness and future. It makes her understand how unhappy her husband has been and the nature of the darkness in which They have both been living.

REELS WINE SELECTION

“All We Imagine as Light”

Wine themes:

# An Indian Film

# Light & its effects eg shadows, silhouettes

# Secrets / A secret love affair

REDS

“Elephant in the Room”(note small ears = Indian elephant) Barossa, Splendiferous Shiraz, 2022

“Secret Tracks” Coonawarra, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 

Giesen “Pure Light” New Zealand, Merlot, 2023

NON-REDS

Petaluma “Lumos” Adelaide Hills, Sauvignon Blanc

“Billy’s Shadow”, France, Chardonnay, 2023

Baily & Baily “Silhouette series” Australia, Pink Moscato, 2025

Riviera Revenge (2025) France, Directed by Ivan Calberac

 

Riviera Revenge 2025 (France)

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday April 16

Doors Open 6.30pm

A jealous and conservative husband, retired officer Francois (Andre Dusosollier) launches a quest for revenge after discovering his wife Annie (Sabine Azema) had an affair 40 years ago.

Directed by Ivan Calberac, this light hearted and charming comedy is set on the picturesque French Riviera with performances that bring depth to a potentially unsympathetic character.

Recommended for those who enjoy a character driven French comedy-drama with scenic cinematography.

Review Limelight Magazine

Special Reminder: DVD’s on sale table before the movie

REELS WINE SELECTION

“Riviera Revenge”

Wine themes:

# A French Film / The French Riviera

# Former General Francois and his wife Annie

# A long-hidden secret discovered

# Love and War

REDS

“Annie’s Lane” Adelaide, Shiraz, 2025

Taylors “Discoveries” South Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023

“Love not War” Spain, Tempranillo, 2022

NON-REDS

“Mateus” Portugal, Rosé (note the Eiffel Tower on the label) Jean-Claude Mas, France, Le Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

“La Belle Angele” France, Chardonnay, 2023

Black dog (2024) China, Directed by Guan Hu

 

Black dog 2024 (China)

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday March 19

Doors Open at 6.30pm

Directed by Guan Hu and starring Eddie Peng and Tong Liya, the film tells the story of Lang returning to his home town on the edge of the Gobi desert after serving a jail sentence for manslaughter. 

He joins a team of locals tasked with eliminating a large pack of stray dogs prior to the 2008 Olympic games in China. 

Lang targets a large black dog who has a bounty on its head for biting people and spreading disease. Lang and the black dog become an unlikely team in a landscape of danger and change in Northwest China.

REELS WINE SELECTION

“Black dog”

Wine themes:

#A Chinese Film 

#Dog/A black dog

REDS

“Barking mad” Watervale, Shiraz, 2020

“Black Dog” Bent Creek, McLaren Vale, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020

“Cali Smooth” By Snoop Dogg, Silky Red, Blend, in partnership with 19 Crimes Wines

NON-REDS

“Mateus” Portugal, Rosé, (note the Chinese flag on the label)

“Sit Stay Society” Clare Valley, Violet’s Grüner, Veltliner, 2022

Jamieson’s Run “Billy’s Shadow” Coonawarra, Chardonnay, 2025, (Shadow = dog; see label)

The teacher who promised the Sea (2023), Spain, Directed by Patricia Font

 The teacher who promised the Sea 2023 (Spain) 

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday February 19,

Doors Open: 6.30pm

Based on the true story of Antoni Benaiges (Eric Auquer), a Catalan teacher who brings innovative teaching methods to a small Burgos village in1935 just before the Spanish civil war. This story is matched against the story of Ariadna (Laia Costa) trying to uncover the fate of her grandfathers’ teacher who is targeted by local authorities.

This is an emotional historical drama which comments on the power of education and the importance of memory.

REELS WINE SELECTION

“The Teacher Who Promised the Sea”

Wine themes:

#A Spanish Film 

#Civil War/Revolution

#A Compassionate Teacher / A Hero

REDS

“Children of the Revolution” South Australia, Shiraz, 2024

“Love not War” Tierra de Castilla, Spain, Tempranillo, 2020

“Seleccion De Fincas” Spain, Garnacha, 2022 (Grenache)

NON-REDS

“Marques de Risqual” Spain, Verdejo 2021

“The Hero” Australia, Rosé, 2025

“Saint & Scholar” Adelaide Hills Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

A Little Something Extra (2024), France, Written and Directed and starring popular French comedian Artus.

 

A Little Something Extra 2024 (French Comedy)

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday January 15,

Door Open: 6.30 pm

To escape the police, a son and his father find refuge in a summer camp for young adults with disabilities. They pose as a resident and his teacher. This gives rise to a wonderful human experience which changes them forever.

A predictable, saccharine, manipulative and contrived movie- while also being genuinely funny and occasionally quite moving – It has its heart in the right place.

Directed by and starring popular French comedian Artus.

Rotten tomatoes Review by Graeme Tuckett 4/5

REELS WINE SELECTION

“A Little Something Extra”

Wine themes:

#A Father and Son on the Run

#Criminals on the Lam

#People with Disabilities – a group that can suffer with being insulted and called names

REDS

Pertaringa, McLaren Vale “Under Cover” Shiraz, 2023

“19 Crimes” Nuriootpa Cabernet Sauvignon

“The Sticks & Stones”, McLaren Vale,

Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, Souzao, Touriga Nacional, 2021

NON-REDS

“The Family”, Trentham Estate, Vermentino 2025

“19 Crimes” Nuriootpa Moscato

“Tread Softly” Sauvignon Blanc 2025

REELS Film Society DVD Collection Sale

 

The committee has decided to offer its DVD collection for sale to members. All movies are pre-2024.

This is your opportunity to purchase some of your favorite DVDs at a bargain price. 

The collection will be on sale for $5.00 each or 3 for $10.00 on Thursday night, 18 December 2025, before the commencement of the movie.

Purchase your favorite DVDs, and watch them at your leisure whenever you like. They would also make the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one. 

The Holdovers (2023), USA, written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne.

"The Holdovers"

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday December 18,

Doors open: 6.30pm 

The Holdovers is a 2023 American Christmas comedy drama film written by David Hemingson and directed by Alexander Payne.

The movie is a remake of Marcel Pagnol's 1935 French film Merlusse and was named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute.

The Holdovers was filmed in Massachusetts and is set in 1970, at Barton Academy, an all-male boarding school. 

Paul Giamatti stars as a teacher and former student of Barton. He is equally unpopular with students and other staff at the school and is forced to supervise five students left on campus (or “Holdovers”) during the Christmas holiday break.

REELS WINE SELECTION

“The Holdovers”

Movie / Wine theme:

Five students are “held over” at their boarding school over the Christmas break

This month’s wines have all been 

#heldover - from the Reels Wine selections of previous months in 2025.

ENJOY!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Monk and the Gun (2023) Bhutan, directed, written and co-produced by Pawo Choyning Dorji

The Monk and the Gun

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday November 20,

Doors Open: 6.30 pm

"The Monk and the Gun" was written and co produced in 2023 by Pawo Choyning Dorji, the writer-director of “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” which we screened in January 2024, with a high general approval of the Reels society members and a star rating of 4.6.

“The Monk and the Gun” is again filmed in the writer’s home country of Bhutan. The story is set during the historical period of 2006 – 2008 when the Bhutanese king abdicated the throne to allow the country’s first democratic election to take place.

Mock elections are being held throughout the country to teach people how to vote and in the town of Ura, the venerated Lama orders his young monk to get him 2 guns so he can “make things right”.

Meanwhile, an American collector is in the country, on the trail of a valuable antique rifle, and the paths of the two inevitably cross.

REELS WINE SELECTIONS

“The Monk and the Gun”

Movie / Wine themes:

# Bhutan – a highly mountainous country

# A revered Lama sitting up on the hill above the village and his obedient Monk

# A Policy of Gross National Happiness

REDS

Sevenhill “Inigo”(Clare Valley) Shiraz, 2022 *

“Sacred Hill” De Bortoli Cabernet Merlot

Nepenthe “Altitude” (Adelaide Hills) Pinot Noir 2022-4

NON-REDS

Sevenhill “Inigo”(Clare Valley) Riesling 2023 *

Vasse Felix (Margaret River) Classic Dry White 2018

(“Felix” means Happy)

“One for All” (NSW) Strawberry Lemon Sorbet Moscato 2023

*Sevenhill winery started by monks

President's report for October 2025 AGM

 President’s Report for October 2025 AGM

 

This time last year, after both the president and vice president retired, the plea went out for someone with computer skills and another committee member. I am very pleased to report that Hoveida and Susie answered that plea.

 

Catarina and Susie have enjoyed and spread enjoyment, to you all through playing Heads and Tails before each movie. As the only extroverts on the committee, they have embraced this challenge with gusto.

 

Hoveida has patiently helped maintain the Reels website and sent out notices, just what every committee needs - (a computer whiz). You would have seen Hoveida when she was offering Persian tea and sweets at our August movie night.

 

This last year (Oct 24 – Oct 25) has seen an average star rating of 4.1, a very good result by any film society standards.  Getting 4 people on the selection committee to agree on ANY movie is remarkable. Starting with up to 60 movies, down to 15 and then finding the film distributers is truly hard and time consuming but satisfying and rewarding. We love it.

 

All committee members have agreed to carry on next year, they are all quiet high achievers, whose actions speak louder than words.  Our membership is still healthy; we may not be bigger than BEN HUR but are still in the top 3 regional film societies of SA and Victoria. This year has seen a marked increase in 3-month membership (around 30)

 

The SRHT is an excellent venue for us and will be back to its best shortly, when the elevator is back in operation.  Five movies this calendar year have been digital and thanks to Marcus (always), have all gone to plan.

 

Thanks to not only to the committee, but to Hoveida, Leeanne, Andrew, Mark, Cathy and John Martin Brown.  Our gratitude also extends to our Public Officer Graham Adams and our Auditor Doug Mullen. Thank you all for being involved.

 

The committee wishes to thank all members for being part of a successful Film Society.

Hope to see you all next year.

 

 

Regards,

 

Graham Carpenter

Reels Film Society

Mount Gambier South Australia

 

Join us for the AGM and watch Charcoal, Carvão

Charcoal, Carvão (2023) Argentine Brazilian, Written and directed by Carolina Markowicz

Charcoal, Carvão

Venue: The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Date: Thursday OCT 16

Doors Open: 6.30pm

 

Set in rural Brazil ‘Charcoal’ focuses on the family of Irene and her husband Jairo and son jean. Jairo earns money seasonably by burning charcoal but also has a drinking problem.   They struggle to cover medical costs for bedridden grandfather Firmino, who after a stroke can no longer walk, talk or breathe without additional oxygen.

One day a new district nurse Juracy arrives who makes Irene an unusual proposal. To “replace” Firmino with a much more lucrative lodger. An Argentinian crime “jefe” named Miguel who has faked his own death and needs to lie low for a while.

Markowicz maintains a tight grip on the tone of this movie, keeping it on the biting point between black comedy and agonising suspense.

 

(Leslie Felperin- The Guardian)

Charcoal wine list

Movie / Wine themes:  

 # Charcoal    (Very nearly black)

 # South America

# A Peasant family living with a Criminal hiding in their midst

REDS

Cat amongst the Pigeons “Flyway” (Barossa) Shiraz, 2024

“19 Crimes”  (South Eastern Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon

“Tension” La Ribera (Argentina) Malbec Petit Verdot 2024

 

NON-REDS

“Trapiche” (Argentina) Oak Cask Chardonnay 2022

McGuigan “Black Label” (NSW) Sauvignon Blanc 2025

“One for All” (NSW) Moscato 2023

Mad about the Boy: The Noel Coward Story (2023) Written and directed by Barnaby Thompson

 

Mad about the Boy: The Noel Coward Story

Venue: The Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Date: Thursday September 25^th

Doors Open: 6.30pm

 

Premiered in 2023 and directed by Barnaby Thompson.  Mad about the Boy is a contemporary documentary narrated by Scottish actor Alan Cumming that tells the story of the life and career of talented and gregarious writer and performer, Noel Coward.

By the age of 30 Coward was the highest paid writer in the UK. He rose from poverty to stardom while keeping his sexuality a secret.  The variety and quality of contemporaneous archives combined with  readings taken from Noel Cowards personal journal , recorded by Rupert Everett makes an entertaining and enjoyable story. 

Mad About the Boy cleverly celebrates Noel Cowards’ talent and his contribution to the development of music, theatre, cinema and comedy.

 

Please note that nomination forms for membership on the Reels Committee will be available at the end of the movie prior to the AGM in October . New members are encouraged to nominate and will be  very welcome. 

“Mad About the Boy” Wine List

Movie / Wine themes:  

 # Mad       (like the title)

 # Noël Coward’s Plays  

-        Their Style: witty dialogue, glamorous settings, satirical portrayals of upper-class British society

-        Prolific writing (over 50 plays) including “London Calling” and “Still Life”

REDS

Watervale “Barking Mad” (Clare Valley) Shiraz,  2019/20

Claymore “London Calling”  (Clare Valley) Cabernet Malbec 2023

“Swanning Around” (Riverland)  Pinot Noir 2023

 

NON-REDS

“Riposte” (Adelaide Hills) Sauvignon Blanc 2022

“Choosy Beggars” (Margaret River) Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2024

(The label picture tells the story – Jolly good, what?)

“Still Life” Hardy’s (NSW) Moscato 2025

My favourite cake, (2024), Iran, written and directed by Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha

 

My Favourite Cake

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday August 21,

Doors Open: 6.30 pm

Written and directed by Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha

Seventy-year-old Mahin has been living alone in Tehran since her husband died and her daughter left for Europe. One afternoon, tea with friends, leads her to break her solitary routine and revitalise her love of life.

As Mahin opens herself up to a new romance, what begins as a surprise encounter evolves into an unpredictable, unforgettable evening. A huge hit with critics and audiences alike at the 2024 Berlinale, My Favourite Cake is an endearing portrayal of a woman who gives herself a second chance at life and love - and is faced with unexpected consequences. Co-directors Sanaeeha and Moghadan deftly deliver social criticism with a story that is equally charming and touching

(Palace Nova 2024)

Persian tea and sweets will be available to members of the society as a special treat before the movie.

REELS WINE SELECTIONS

“My favourite cake”

Movie / Wine themes:

# Cake or Other Sweet Things

# A Woman (especially older) going against societal expectations

# Love at any age 

The Wines:

Reds

Penley Estate “Hyland” Coonawarra Shiraz, 2021 

Quote on the bottle: “For most of history, Anonymous was a woman” 

“Sweet Caroline” (Australian) Merlot 2024 

“Not Your Grandma’s”, Chaffey Bros, Barossa 

 Grenache & Mourvedre 2022 

Non-Reds 

Jam Shed (Southeastern Australia) Rose 2024

Cupio (New Zealand) Sauvignon Blanc 2024 

One for All (NSW) Strawberry Lemon Sorbet 

Moscato 202

Wicked Little Letters, (2023) England, Directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan and Timothy Spall

Wicked Little Letters

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Thursday July 24,

Doors Open: 6.30 pm

Directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet starring Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana

Vasan and Timothy Spall

Wicked Little Letters is an incredibly funny, cheeky, and punchy film that will be sure to put a smile

on your face.

It follows a series of bizarre events as the pious and reserved Edith receives a string of crude letters,

supposedly from her boisterous neighbour Rose. It is one of those delightful British films that brings

to a light a surprisingly true story and packs it full of brilliant British talent.

The story is great fun. As mentioned, it is cheeky and lewd, but this isn't the only string to its bow.

There are some brilliantly fleshed out and interesting lead characters as well as a great collection of

supporting characters, which gives it a great blend of comedy and drama.

Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman as the two leads are both brilliant as expected. They each bring a

different style of comedy to their characters, elevating the witty dialogue superbly. They are just

such great fun to watch.

Overall, this film is just an absolute hoot. It is fun and quirky and boisterous and just a really good

time.

(Ethan Bresnett July 2024)

REELS WINE SELECTIONS

“Wicked Little Letters”

Movie / Wine themes:

# Insults and Abuse – delivered anonymously in the Mail

# Gossip, Accusations, Suspicions and Loyalties

The Wines:

Reds

D’Arenberg “Sticks and Stones” (McLaren Vale) Blended

Red, 2019 70% Tempranillo, Souzao, Grenache, Touriga, Tinta Cao

Old Fat Unicorn (Sth Australia) Shiraz 2024

Barking Mad (Watervale) Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Non-Reds

Fat Bastard (California) Chardonnay 2022

Sidewood (Adelaide Hills) Sauvignon Blanc 2024

(side-wood glances of suspicion)

Gossips (NSW) Pink Moscato 2024

The Old Oak (2023), England, Screenplay by Paul Laverty, Directed by Ken Loach

The Old Oak  (2023) England

Screenplay by Paul Laverty

Directed by Ken Loach

Thursday June 19^th

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Doors Open: 6.30pm

  

The local publican of a previously thriving mining community battles to keep his pub open after the mines close … tensions rise in the town when Syrian refugees arrive to live in houses left empty after mining closures.

The old Oak becomes a beacon of hope in an otherwise cruel and vicious world where people must choose between affording heating or food.

The story revolves around a town in Northern England where unemployed miners and a group of Syrian refugees must learn to share The Old Oak- the only public gathering place .

Publican TJ Bannatyne (Dan Turner) grows to know and appreciate Yara (Ebla Mari) and her refugee family as they organise a food initiative for the struggling mining community.

The movie speaks poignantly about both issues in the British political scene: unemployment and poverty. Direction by Ken Loach is matched with beautiful cinematography and excellent acting, however The Old Oak highlights the humanity of a community that works together regardless of origin, religion or skin colour. 

Review by Clotilde Chinnici

 

 

“The Old Oak”

Movie / Wine themes: 

 The Old Oak …and other trees  (most only apparent on the label)

Oakridge (Yarra Valley) Pinot Noir, various years

Tempus Two (NSW) Shiraz 2022

Sidewood (Adelaide Hills) Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Banrock Station (southeast) Pink Moscato 2024

 

 The challenge of bringing together locals and refugees, with the pub owner as middleman

The Blend, Balnaves of Coonawarra Blended Red, 2020

In the Middle (NSW) Chardonnay 2024

La Chimera (2023) Italy, Written and Directed by Alice Rohrwacher

 La Chimera (2023) Italy,

Written and Directed by Alice Rohrwacher

^{Thursday May 15}

^{Sir Robert Helman Theatre}

^{Doors Open: 6.30pm}

Story centers on Arthur, a renegade British Archeologist in 1980’s Tuscany.  Arthur (Josh O’Connor) is a young man in an old soul, adrift and disconnected from the world. Torn between his lost love and a gang of rowdy grave robbers.

“Josh O’Connor digs deep for one of his finest performances in Alice Rohrwackers glorious Italian language film.” The Guardian.

Arthur reluctantly inhabits the present but is drawn to the past, the distant past and the beauty of ancient artefacts that he hawks to collectors.  He is also enchanted by a more recent past and the memory of a lost love Beniamina.

“ In his ghostly off white suit, its grubby linen the colour of a recently disinterred shroud, Arthur looks like a fallen angel from a Caravaggio painting.”

Wendy Ide, The Guardian

 

Wine themes:

Raiding tombs for lost treasures from the past.

This month's wines are all treasures from the Reels Wine selections from previous months.

The Eight Mountains (2022) Italy, Directed by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch

Thursday April 17

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre

Doors Open :6.30pm

The Eight Mountains (2022) Italy

Based on the book by Paolo Cognetti.

Directed by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch

Set in the alps in Italy this movie focuses on the lifelong friendship of two men. Bruno (Alessandro Borghi) and Pietro (Lucca Marinelli) who spend their childhood together in the remote alpine village of Grana, Italy.

As adults the friends reunite after a family loss. A piece of land ties them to each other for another decade. This intimate story feels sweeping in scope thanks to spectacular cinematography which places the main characters against an awe-inspiring landscape.

This movie celebrates the ineffable relationship between those who know us best and the places in which we find ourselves.

The eight mountains refer to the eight highest peaks of Nepal: a symbol of worldly ambition and conquest.

(Reviews from IMDB)

Wine themes:

a) The mountains of Nepal and The Alps

b) Living away from civilisation

c) The sweet things in life

Whites

Nepenthe “Altitude” Adelaide Hills Pinot Gris 2024

“Beyond the Wilderness” Tas Sauvignon Blanc

Brown Brothers Moscato

and Moscato/Sauvignon Blanc

Reds

Longview “Vista” Adelaide Hills Shiraz Barbera 2022

Taylors “Well-Natured” Organic Shiraz 2022

“Pure” Trapiche, Argentina Pinot Noir 2023