20th Century Flicks, Bristol

On Thursday, January 15th, 2009, the world witnessed the "Miracle on the Hudson" when Captain Chesley Sullenberger, nicknamed "Sully", glided his disabled plane onto the frigid waters of the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 aboard. However, even as Sully was being heralded by the public and the media for his unprecedented feat of aviation skill, an investigation w find out more...

A CIVIL ACTION (1998)

Certification15 Our Rating

An unusually low-key legal thriller, based on a real-life case of toxic dumping, which avoids the usual cliched courtroom confrontation. John Travolta is excellent as the ambulance-chasing attorney who initially turns down the case of eight kids stricken with leukaemia by corporate contamination, but who ultimately can't resist taking on the big boys. Robert Duvall adds an interesting diversion as Travolta's court adversary who's neither corrupt nor an ogre, but simply ultra-efficient. find out more...

A CRY IN THE DARK (1988)

Certification15 Our Rating

A film version of the notorious events surrounding the demonization and media witchhunt of the religiously nutty mother of a baby who was gobbled by dingoes near Ayers Rock..... the famous 'dingo baby case'. Just shows that the Aussie press, owned by you know who, is as criminally irresponsible, ie full of lies, as the Pommie press, owned by you know who. find out more...

A FEW GOOD MEN (1992)

Certification15 Our Rating

Powerhouse courtroom drama with Cruise as the slick young navy lawyer whose bravado founders on the case of a young soldier who dies at the hands of fellow Marines. Nicholson excels as the steely colonel, decorous to the last, and director Reiner keeps the mood tense and razor-edged. Superb! find out more...

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH (1946)

CertificationU Our Rating

As a young pilot returns home in May 1945, a relationship is formed as he desperately contacts a radio operator before bailing out of the sky. He lives, evading his celestial escort, meets the aforementioned operator and falls in love. But he must face a heavenly court to decide if he should live or die. Amazing.

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A TIME TO KILL (1996)

Certification15 Our Rating

Brilliant adaptation of the John Grisham novel. When two rednecks rape a 10-year-old old black girl, but look set to walk free, her distraught father shoots them dead. But this is the Deep South, and retribution will not be tolerated from a "negro". Powerful, thought-provoking courtroom thriller.

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ABSENCE OF MALICE (1981)

CertificationPG Our Rating

A successful businessman wakes up to find himself splashed over the papers as the prime suspect in a murder case. With his life threatening to collapse before him he confronts the investigating journalist responsible and together they attempt to get to the bottom of the matter. find out more...

ALMOST CHRISTMAS (2013)

Certification15 Our Rating

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AMISTAD (1998)

Certification15 Our Rating

A group of abducted Africans break free from their shackles aboard a Spanish slave ship, the Amistad, so setting the scene for a lengthy courtroom drama played out against a backdrop of 19th Century slavery. Matthew McConaughy is the noble young lawyer fighting for the slaves' freedom, while Anthony Hopkins is mesmerising as decrepit former President John Quincy Adams. Superb sets and an authentic atmosphere, and it's pretty gruesome at times too. Typically Spielberg-esque epic. find out more...

ANATOMY OF A MURDER (1959)

Certification15 Our Rating

Controversial (on release) for using words such as 'semen' and 'panties' in order to aid its realism, and perhaps for it's very ambivalent position on the role of the law in achieving justice. Stewart plays a lawyer hired to defend Gazzara from the charge of murdering the man who allegedly raped his wife. Stylish, cool and brilliant! find out more...