At The Movies for Wednesday 27 October 2021

AT THE MOVIES #855    FRENCH CONNECTIONS

Simon Morris looks at three films that reflect the current enthusiasm for France.  There’s a period drama set in mediaeval France, a New Zealand film starring French resident Charlotte Rampling and a documentary about the woman who taught America the art of French cooking.

The Last Duel is the true story of the last “trial by combat”, where the truth depended on which combatant was victorious.  Stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who also wrote the script, and Jodie Comer (Killing Eve).  Produced and directed by Sir Ridley Scott (The Duellists).

Juniper sees a prickly grandmother and a hostile grandson try to get along in a remote farmhouse.   The first feature of New Zealander Matthew J Saville, it stars Charlotte Rampling (Dune), Marton Czokas (The Last Duel) and newcomer George Ferrier.

And Julia is the story of Julia Child, the middle-aged chef who became one of the biggest TV stars in the United States.  Produced by Ron Howard  (Apollo 13).