We’ve officially made it through January, the driest month of film. February wasn’t much better in the past, but companies have begun to release more films earlier in the year. This weekend brings an action-heavy thriller, a war documentary, a foreign love story, and a celebrated anime drama. Whether you’re a lover or a fighter, there’s probably a film for you.
Miss Bala
Based on the 2011 film of the same name, “Miss Bala” is the latest action film to hit theaters. It follows Gloria, a make-up artist from Los Angeles. While on vacation in Mexico, Gloria’s life changes forever when she is kidnapped by the cartel and forced to smuggle laundering money for them. Now, stuck in Mexico, she must work with the cartel and the Drug Enforcement Administration at the same time if she wants to return home alive. “Miss Bala” is a step forward in filmmaking diversity, with 95% of the cast and crew being of Latino descent. With heartstopping action and international intrigue, this is a movie for thrillseekers.
They Shall Not Grow Old
Critically acclaimed director Peter Jackson brings a new World War I documentary to theaters across the world this weekend. “They Shall Not Grow Old” uses real film footage from the trenches of WWI, adding color and audio. The filmmakers hope to give modern viewers a new perspective on WWI — an era that typically is viewed only in black and white. The restored film footage is accompanied by interviews with veterans from WWI that were recorded in the 1960s and 1970s. While it had a limited two-day run in December, demand for the film was so high that it is finally getting a wide release. “They Shall Not Grow Old” is a must see for history buffs and documentary fans.
Cold War
Fans of art and foreign films will finally get a chance to see “Cold War” this weekend. Set in the ruins of post-World War II Poland, “Cold War” tells the story of the tragic love that forms between two musicians: Wiktor and Zula. As time goes on, their love is tested by politics, fate, and their own flaws. “Cold War” premiered at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered much acclaim and won the Palme d’Or — the highest honor at the festival — and the award for best director. The film opened a few months ago in a very small number of theaters, but it will finally make it to Knoxville this weekend.
A Silent Voice
One of the most critically acclaimed anime films of the past decade makes its way to Knoxville this weekend. “A Silent Voice” follows Shoya Ishida, a bully in the sixth grade, and Shoko Nishimiya, a girl with a hearing disability. When Shoko transfers into Shoya’s class, he bullies her endlessly because of her disability. When he takes the bullying too far, however, things quickly change for Shoya as he becomes an outcast. The film shows the consequences of bullying in a way that is rarely ever explored in film, let alone in animation. Fans of anime, animation, and drama will want to catch “A Silent Voice” in theaters this Thursday. Be warned: it’s a tear-jerker.
