THIS CHRISTMAS, YOU will be spending a prolonged period of time with your immediate family. As such, you will need some films to while the hours away.
Here are some we recommend watching with your lovely mam.
1. The Help
Delightful adaptation of the bestselling novel about racism, friendship and the strength of women.
2. Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
A group of British pensioners meet while staying in an Indian hotel and find themselves in the process. Think of it as The Breakfast Club for middle-aged people.
3. Pride
Set against the backdrop of the 1984 miners’ strike, Pride tells the story of the founding of the Lesbians and Gays Support The Miners campaign. Starring a murderer’s row of veteran British actors, it’s impossible not be charmed by it.
4. It’s Complicated
Sweet and raunchy, It’s Complicated tells the story of a divorced couple who rekindle their relationship. Impossibly beautiful houses? Check. Genuine chemistry between leads? Check. Meryl Streep and Steve Martin getting high? Check.
5. Saving Mr. Banks
Saving Mr. Banks tracks the journey of Mary Poppins from novel to screen and features its author, PL Travers, feuding with Walt Disney over the direction of the children’s classic.
Ideal Christmas fare.
6. Silver Linings Playbook
Quickfire banter, romance, gambling, ballroom dancing – Silver Linings Playbook pretty much has it all and ought to satisfy all members of your family, but particularly your mam. (Note: the mam in Silver Linings Playbook is the dotiest mam of all.)
7. Anna Karenina
Sumptuous period piece that is both surprisingly entertaining and gorgeous to look at. Also features Irishman Domhnall Gleeson doing some of his finest work to date.
8. Julie & Julia
A blogger attempts every single one of Julia Child’s recipes and what ensues is a warm-hearted culinary feast of a film with Meryl Streep at her Streepiest. (Basically has “mam” written all over it.)
9. Last Chance Harvey
If your mam is of the sappy variety, allow us to introduce you to Last Chance Harvey, a sweet middle-aged romance starring Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman. Need we say more?
10. His & Hers
Award-winning documentary featuring Irish women speak lovingly and frankly about the men in their lives.
11. Philomena
Most Irish women of a certain age have probably seen Philomena by now. If your mam hasn’t, it might be one to stick on this Christmas.
Inspired by this question posed on Twitter by Louise McSharry
