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Top 10 DIFF movies to watch this week

Published Saturday, December 08, 2007

By Bindu Rai

Co-stars George Clooney and Tilda Swinton at the 'Michael Clayton' premiere in New York (GETTY)

1. MICHAEL CLAYTON

The opening gala has George Clooney in one of his greyest roles yet. A fixer who does all the dirty work in a New York law firm, Michael Clayton is called in to “fix” the behaviour of an old friend, but ends up a target instead.

Why you must watch it: One of the year’s best movies with layers enough for a mille-feuille, it adds a new line to popular vocabulary: “I am not the enemy”.

When: Today, 8pm

Where: Madinat Arena

2. HEYA FAWDA (CHAOS)

DIFF honouree Youssef Chahine looks at social issues by way of the romantic triangle. Young Noor, the object of a sadistic policeman’s affections, is really interested in the honest district attorney, who is investigating the officer.

Why you must watch it: The best movie to come out of Egypt since the Yacoubian Building, it marks Chahine’s return to form.

When: Friday, 9.15pm

Where: Madinat Theatre

3. THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD

Andrew Dominik follows the complex relationship between Robert Ford and outlaw Jesse James. After desperate attempts to join the misfits, Ford becomes resentful of bandit head James (Brad Pitt).

Why you must watch it: Pitt in of his best yet; flashing his bare behind helps.

When: Thursday 8.15pm

Where: Madinat Theatre

4. LIONS OF PUNJAB PRESENTS

Manish Acharya’s refreshing debut feature is a rollercoaster laugh riot about seven strangers taking part in a Bollywood-styled singing contest. Actress and activist Shabana Azmi stars in one of her most fun roles yet.

Why you must watch it: The year’s sleeper hit, this movie is will change the way you see Bollywood – and Indians abroad.

When: Tomorrow, 7pm

Where: Madinat Arena

5. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE

A musical based on The Beatles songbook and set in 1960s England, America and Vietnam, it tells the love story of Lucy and Jude, and examines the impact of key historical events, such as the anti-war movement and protests.

Why you must watch it: For the 1960s backdrop, for the songs and for cameos by U2 singer Bono, Salma Hayek and Joe Cocker.

When: Saturday, 8pm

Where: Dubai Media City

6. WHATEVER LOLA WANTS

Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch’s effort stars Laura Ramsey as Lola, an irrepressible young dancer who seeks out a reclusive, ageing Egyptian dance teacher. Together, they overcome the pain of lost love and lost chances.

Why you must watch it: For its take on the teacher-student theme. And some classic belly dancing.

When: Tuesday, 8pm

Where: Madinat Arena

7. THE DARJEELING LIMITED

Three American brothers who have not spoken to each other in a year take a train across India to find themselves and bond with each other. But they find themselves stranded in the desert with 11 suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine.

Why you must watch it: Wes Anderson’s latest has achieved a cult following.

When: Friday, 8pm

Where: Madinat Arena

8. MICHOU D’AUBER

French director Thomas Gilou’s latest film stars Samy Saghir stars as Messaoud, a young Arab boy placed in foster care in rural France against the backdrop of revolutionary Algeria.

Why you must watch it: It is the next big French movie, following in the footsteps of box office hits La Vie En Rose and Paris Je T’aime.

When: Wednesday, 8.30pm

Where: Mall of the Emirates

9. BEFORE THE RAINS

Acclaimed director Santosh Sivan portrays the dilemma of a married British colonialist in 1930’s India, when he is caught having an affair with his beautiful housemaid.

Why you must watch it: Because Sivan, who was a cinematographer before he took to directing, really is a genius. And the look of this film will be awesome.

When: Wednesday, 8pm

Where: Dubai Media City

10. BEE MOVIE

Barry B Benson (voiced by Jerry Seinfeld) wants more from life than a career in honey. When he sees florist Vanessa (Renee Zellweger), he breaks one of the cardinal rules of beedom by talking to her and soon gets a crash course in matters of the human race.

Why you must watch it: A great family film and incredible animation.

When: Tomorrow, 6pm

Where: Madinat Arena

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The page was last updated on: 14 January 2016 10:21