Humanity Hallows Issue 4 Out Now!
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
By Charlie Jordin
Believe it or not, Christmas films are not everyone’s cup of tea. The plots are often cheesy and predictable and usually involve a rich, middle-class family with a beautifully decorated house who encounter a hitch which is conveniently solved in time for Christmas. The kids open their masses of presents under their huge, expertly decorated trees and it’s happy-ever-after. If you’re not in the mood for the predictable, or are simply looking for something different to watch, here’s a list of alternative Christmas films that might be worth looking out for this festive season.
Three homeless people – an alcoholic, a transwoman and a schoolgirl – find an abandoned baby in a dumpster on Christmas Eve. The motley crew set out to find the baby’s parents whilst confronting the reasons for their homelessness. This dark comedy challenges the concept of traditional family values and the issues in conservative Japanese society. From esteemed anime director Satoshi Kon, Tokyo Godfathers is a moving and unconventional look at the Christmas period and the importance of family.
Based on the infamous book by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho has received a cult status for its iconic scenes, black humour and wild plot. A satirical examination of masculinity and capitalism, the film stars Christian Bale as a New York playboy yuppie whose grip on sanity slips when he begins murdering people after finding his co-worker’s business cards are better than his. Set around the Christmas period, the film is perfect for horror and psychological thriller fans who are looking for something a bit different to get them into – or out of – the Christmas spirit.
Mads Mikkelsen stars as an ostracised school teacher in this gripping drama about a man wrongly accused of sexually abusing a young girl in his school. Set during the Christmas period, the film captures the Scandinavian beauty of snow-covered Denmark, cuttingly contrasting with the disturbing insight into mass hysteria. Directed by acclaimed director Thomas Vinterberg and with an outstanding performance from Mikkelsen, Jagten is a must-see.
An 80s classic, Die Hard is an action-filled alternative to traditional Christmas films. Set during a heist at a Christmas party in a New York skyscraper, the film stars Bruce Willis in his most famous role as John McClane, an off-duty police officer who has to save the hostages, one of which is his estranged wife.
The film takes place in a dystopian United Kingdom in which pollution and war is rife. The world has fallen apart and is heading towards extinction due to worldwide infertility, causing humanity to lose hope. However, protagonist Theo discovers a woman who is miraculously pregnant and is given the task of protecting her on a dangerous journey to the Human Project, a group of scientists seeking to cure infertility. Whilst the film is not inherently festive, the story in many ways mirrors the miracle birth of Christ and the arduous journey Mary and Joseph took to deliver him. Directed by highly acclaimed director Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También, Gravity) the visually captivating film has a star-studded cast and is a powerful examination of finding hope in despair.
Featured image and gallery: Truck Festival For almost thirty years, set within the rolling fields of Hill Farm in Steventon, Oxfordshire, Truck Festival has been a cornerstone of the British festival calendar. Dubbed the ‘godfather of the UK’s small festival scene’, the festival continues to live up to that title, with a line-up packed with…
Featured image: American Football – American Football album artwork The debut album has long been treated as a baptism of fire for artists – the deciding factor that determines whether a band will ‘make it’ or not. Some debuts set the tone for what follows: Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m…
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra come to the Palace Theatre in Manchester to celebrate the release of their new album, Night Blooms. Liverpool-based Brooke Combe opens the evening with a stripped-back set alongside her guitarist, her soulful vocals instantly captivating the crowd. Blending heartfelt performances with quick-witted…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Three decades after they first emerged in Manchester, Take That return home to the Etihad Stadium and deliver an unforgettable show, combining circus theatrics and crowd-pleasing hits from across their catalogue. Formed in 1990, the group have released multiple chart-topping albums and embarked on numerous world tours, including 2009’s…
Leave a reply