Hurst Village Cinema Top 10
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As you'll know if you've been to our screenings, we collect audience scores for each film we show... it is all very scientific - each audience member is given a slip of paper with 5 stars on it and, at the end of the film, they tear the slip across the star that denotes their personal score; these are handed in to us as they leave the cinema. When he gets home, Mike sits down with a cup of cocoa and his calculator, counts up all the scores and then uses complex maths to derive the score out of 10 for the film.
We use these scores to understand our audience - what you like and, importantly, what you really don't like (I'm looking at you Ash Is Purest White!); and this influences our film selections for future seasons. So using the scores across the history of Hurst Village Cinema, here is the Top 10 of our audience's most loved films...... |
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Finding Your Feet
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At Number 1, Finding Your Feet (2017) was a Sunday screening in 2019; it is a charming and life-affirming British comedy-drama that proves it’s never too late for a fresh start. Directed by Richard Loncraine, the film follows Sandra (Imelda Staunton), a well-to-do woman whose life is turned upside down when she discovers her husband’s affair. Forced to move in with her free-spirited sister Bif (Celia Imrie), she embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery, friendship, and joy.
Imelda Staunton delivers a wonderful performance, capturing Sandra’s transformation from uptight and heartbroken to vibrant and independent. Celia Imrie is a scene-stealer, bringing humor and warmth as the lively and carefree Bif. The supporting cast, including Timothy Spall, Joanna Lumley, and David Hayman, adds charm and depth, making every character feel authentic and lovable.
The film beautifully balances humor and heartfelt moments, tackling themes of aging, love, and second chances with sincerity. The dance club scenes, filled with laughter and energy, serve as a metaphor for embracing life despite its challenges. With its witty dialogue, touching performances, and uplifting message, Finding Your Feet is a feel-good gem that reminds us that happiness can be found at any stage of life. A truly delightful watch!
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Love & Mercy
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In 2016 we were treated to Love & Mercy (2014), a heartfelt, mesmerizing dive into the genius and turmoil of Beach Boys frontman Brian Wilson. Directed with sensitivity and vision by Bill Pohlad, this biographical drama breaks away from typical music biopics by offering an emotionally rich, dual-timeline portrayal of Wilson—played masterfully by both Paul Dano (1960s Brian) and John Cusack (1980s Brian).
The film pulses with the innovation of Wilson's music, especially during the creation of the legendary Pet Sounds, and pulls viewers deep into his internal struggles with mental illness and manipulation.Dano is utterly captivating, channeling the fragile brilliance of young Brian with astonishing nuance, while Cusack brings quiet dignity and vulnerability to a man lost in his own life. Elizabeth Banks shines as Melinda Ledbetter, whose love and strength help rescue Wilson from the grip of an overbearing therapist, chillingly portrayed by Paul Giamatti.
The sound design is sublime (making the most of our stunning sound system!), immersing us in the layered beauty of Wilson’s compositions, and Atticus Ross’s score is a perfect complement. Love & Mercy is more than a music film—it’s a tender tribute to resilience, creativity, and the power of human connection.
It left us humming harmonies and feeling hopeful long after the credits rolled.
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One Life
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Another Sunday afternoon screening in our Top 10, shown in December 2024, One Life (2023) is a deeply moving and beautifully acted film that tells the remarkable true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, the British man who quietly saved hundreds of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia on the eve of World War II. Anchored by a powerful performance from Anthony Hopkins as the older Winton, and Johnny Flynn as his younger counterpart, the film balances historical weight with emotional intimacy.
The story unfolds with a quiet dignity, avoiding melodrama and instead focusing on the moral courage and compassion that defined Winton’s actions. Hopkins brings a touching vulnerability to the role, portraying a man haunted by the past yet humble about his heroism. The supporting cast is equally strong, and the period detail is authentic without being overwhelming.
Director James Hawes handles the material with care and respect, creating a narrative that is both informative and profoundly human. The interweaving of past and present is seamless, allowing the audience to feel the weight of history while reflecting on the legacy of goodness that can ripple across generations.
One Life is a testament to the power of empathy and quiet heroism. It’s a film that inspires reflection, evokes emotion, and leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
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Rose
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Also from Season 14, Rose is a tender and deeply affecting road-movie drama that beautifully captures the delicate balance between love, stigma, and the longing for normality. Centred on Inger, a woman living with schizophrenia, and her sister Ellen—who embarks with her and Ellen’s husband Vagn on a coach tour to Paris—the story unfolds with quiet grace and emotional authenticity.
Sofie Gråbøl’s performance as Inger is nothing short of remarkable—nuanced, deeply physical, and heartbreakingly real. She embodies a woman both fragile and full of unexpected vitality, capable of moments that are achingly vulnerable and others surprisingly joyful. The cast around her—including Lene Maria Christensen and Anders W. Berthelsen—similarly breathe life into characters whose gentle care and imperfect patience ground the film in warmth.
Oplev’s direction, drawn from personal experience, lends Rose an authenticity and empathy that transcend clichés; the portrayal of mental illness is handled with sensitivity, refusing melodrama while still honouring its weight. Moments of awkward humour, poignant vulnerability, and compassionate connection merge to create a film that is as moving as it is human. Rose is a gentle but powerful reminder that love and understanding can shine through even the most challenging circumstances... our Hurst audience certainly loved it.
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Lawrence of Arabia
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A Sunday afternoon in March 2024 saw our audience come armed with cushions for the 3 hour epic that is Lawrence of Arabia - one of the greatest films ever made—a breathtaking, epic masterpiece that stands the test of time. Directed by David Lean, this 1962 classic is a stunning visual and narrative achievement, telling the extraordinary true story of T.E. Lawrence, a British officer who played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt during World War I.
Peter O’Toole delivers a career-defining performance as Lawrence, capturing the complexity of a man torn between duty, identity, and ambition. His charisma and intensity make the character endlessly compelling. He is supported by an outstanding cast, including Alec Guinness, Omar Sharif, and Anthony Quinn, each adding depth and gravitas to the film.
Freddie Young’s cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, with vast desert landscapes that are both beautiful and haunting. Maurice Jarre’s majestic score further enhances the film’s grandeur, making every scene feel iconic.
Beyond its technical brilliance, Lawrence of Arabia is a thought-provoking exploration of heroism, politics, and cultural identity. It is a film that demands to be experienced on the biggest screen possible, a true testament to the power of cinema. Even decades later, it remains an awe-inspiring triumph of filmmaking.
Our audience thanked Mike profusely for including an intermission - a chance to stock up on cake and refreshments!
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Mustang
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Screened as part of Season 12 in April 2023, Mustang bursted on onto our screen with the fierce, untamed energy its title promises—anchored by a remarkable debut from co-writer and director Deniz Gamze Ergüven. Set in a remote Turkish village, the film follows five spirited orphaned sisters whose innocent games on a beach unleash a cascade of repressive backlash from their narrow-minded guardians. Instead of school, they’re confined; their freedom stripped; their futures rearranged with the trappings of a “wife factory” emerging within their own home. Yet, beneath that volcanic oppression, a shared sisterhood burns bright.
Ergüven’s visual storytelling is both delicate and urgent—each transported moment of freedom resonates with longing, each act of defiance hums with hope. The non-professional actresses deliver such compelling, authentic performances that the characters feel vividly alive.
Critics have lauded Mustang’s power: it holds a stunning 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its “bracing—and thoroughly timely—message” and its ensemble cast, while Metacritic’s 83/100 reflects the near-universal acclaim.
Ultimately, Mustang stands as a radiant testament to youthful resilience—where love, defiance, and sisterhood blaze brightest in the face of the darkest cultural constraints.
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Journey's End
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Another top film from Season 8, Journey’s End is a powerful and deeply moving adaptation of R.C. Sherriff’s classic World War I play. Set in the trenches of northern France in 1918, the film captures both the claustrophobic tension of waiting for battle and the profound humanity of the men caught in its grip. The direction is subtle yet gripping, allowing the audience to feel the weight of silence, dread, and fleeting moments of camaraderie that define life on the front line.
The performances are outstanding. Sam Claflin delivers a haunting portrayal of Captain Stanhope, a man tormented by duty, fear, and his own vulnerability. Asa Butterfield brings innocence and optimism as Raleigh, whose arrival highlights the tragic gap between youthful enthusiasm and grim reality. Paul Bettany’s gentle, poignant turn as Osborne adds warmth and depth, providing a much-needed anchor of compassion.
The production design is impeccable, with the mud, dim candlelight, and narrow dugouts creating an atmosphere that is both authentic and suffocating. The restrained use of music enhances the emotional impact without overwhelming the story.
Ultimately, Journey’s End is not just a war film, but a testament to courage, friendship, and sacrifice. It lingers long after the credits roll—a quietly devastating and unforgettable experience.
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The Lunchbox
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At number 8 in our all-time Top 10, The Lunchbox (2013) is a beautifully crafted film that captures the magic of human connection in the most unexpected ways. Directed by Ritesh Batra, this charming Indian drama tells the story of a mistaken lunchbox delivery in Mumbai that sparks an unlikely correspondence between two lonely souls.
Irrfan Khan delivers a quiet yet deeply moving performance as Saajan, a widowed office worker nearing retirement. His portrayal is filled with warmth, subtle humor, and a quiet longing that makes his character instantly relatable. Nimrat Kaur is equally outstanding as Ila, a neglected housewife who pours her emotions into the meals she prepares. Their growing bond, conveyed through handwritten notes tucked inside the lunchbox, is tender, bittersweet, and incredibly moving. Nawazuddin Siddiqui adds a delightful touch of humor and charm as Saajan’s eager trainee, lightening the film’s more melancholic moments.
Batra’s direction is delicate and nuanced, allowing the story to unfold naturally without forced drama. The film beautifully captures Mumbai’s bustling energy while maintaining an intimate, introspective tone. The Lunchbox is a poetic, heartfelt film about love, loneliness, and second chances, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of warmth and hope. A must-watch for lovers of subtle, meaningful storytelling.
The Lunchbox was our third film of Season 4, screened in the winter of 2014.
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To Be Or Not To Be
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A classic came to Hurst Village Cinema in the winter of Season 3 - all the way back in 2013. Ernst Lubitsch’s To Be or Not to Be (1942) is a masterful blend of comedy, satire, and suspense, proving that humor can be a powerful tool even in the darkest of times. Set during World War II, the film follows a troupe of Polish actors who become embroiled in espionage and resistance efforts against the Nazis. Despite its serious backdrop, the film delivers razor-sharp wit, impeccable timing, and an irresistible charm that makes it an enduring classic.
Jack Benny shines as the egotistical yet lovable actor Joseph Tura, bringing both comedic brilliance and surprising heroism to the role. Carole Lombard, in her final performance, is radiant as Maria Tura, effortlessly balancing sophistication, humor, and intrigue. Their chemistry is delightful, making every scene they share a joy to watch.
Lubitsch’s direction is flawless, ensuring the humor remains clever and biting without undermining the film’s deeper themes of resistance and courage. The screenplay is packed with witty dialogue, memorable one-liners, and satirical jabs at authoritarianism, making it as relevant today as it was in 1942.
Bold, intelligent, and laugh-out-loud funny, To Be or Not to Be is a cinematic triumph that proves satire can be both hilarious and profoundly meaningful.
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The Great Escaper
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The final film in the Hurst Village Cinema All Time Top 10 is another Sunday afternoon screening - The Great Escaper is a heartfelt and inspiring film that beautifully balances warmth, humor, and poignancy. Based on the true story of Bernard Jordan, who famously “escaped” from his care home to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, the film captures both the spirit of adventure and the deep emotional resonance of remembrance.
Michael Caine delivers a wonderful performance as Bernard, portraying him with charm, determination, and quiet vulnerability. His ability to show both resilience and fragility makes the character instantly endearing. Glenda Jackson, in her final screen role, is equally remarkable as Irene, Bernard’s devoted wife. Their chemistry is touching and authentic, grounding the film in a moving portrait of enduring love and companionship.
The film succeeds in blending light-hearted moments with profound reflection. While Bernard’s journey is uplifting and often amusing, the story never shies away from the lasting scars of war or the cost of sacrifice. The scenes in Normandy, filled with remembrance and respect, are deeply affecting without ever feeling forced.
Gentle, compassionate, and uplifting, The Great Escaper is a celebration of courage, memory, and the human spirit. It left our audience with a smile, a tear, and a renewed appreciation for the heroes of the past.
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