Cinematic Era: 1997 Vintage

Taiwan movie

When the biological mother of adoptee Jenny Newhall is murdered, Jenny's adoptive father Greg immediately falls under suspicion. This tragic set of events rocks the small, tranquil town in which the Newhalls live to its foundations, ultimately laying bare a number of unpleasant and long-hidden secrets. Based on a novel by Patricia McDonald.

Pierre Richard directed, co-scripted and stars in this French comedy. Former top film comedian Romain (Richard) is on a downward spiral -- rehearsing a play directed by his sister while also dealing with his wife, mistress, taxes, low self-esteem, demands for attention from his two children, and a private detective attempting to snap incriminating photos. Producer Jean-Louis Levi appears in a cameo as a poverty-stricken bum.

A children's musical VHS about a magical girl and her family who move the Earth and encounter issues transitions to a life that isn't focused on magic.

The story of Robert Flanagan, a man who was born with cystic fibrosis and told he wouldn't live past 20, who through a unique odyssey of masochism, art and love found a way to live decades past his expiration date.

The story follows the main characters Rose, a comfortably lesbian woman, and Anthony, a decent progressive heterosexual man who serendipitously meet and then unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other. Rose has to navigate the reaction of her friends (they aren't thrilled) and her family (they are) while Anthony too has to deal with his friends who are equally nonplussed.

The winning of a tender to construct a 20-story building is celebrated by PT Graha Cipta Sarana. Sudharmanto (Abe Fawzie), the superior of young engineer Leo (Ibra Azhari), sets his sights on his subordinate’s wife. Without shame, Sudharmanto demands that Leo offer up his wife for a night in exchange for Leo being named project manager. With his wife's consent, Leo agrees. As it turns out, the position is given to someone else, and Leo commits suicide.

This drama is based on a novel and incomplete screenplay by the late Maria Luis Bemberg. In 1930s Argentina, wealthy Sebastian (Antonio Birabent) leaves his Buenos Aires home for the family estate on the pampas. His family, concerned for his physical and mental health, arranges for Sebastian's childhood friend Juan (Walter Quiroz) to check on Sebastian's situation. Juan finds the highly erratic Sebastian caught in a doomed relationship with the Danish daughter of religious sect members. Unfortunately, Juan also becomes obsessed with the young woman, and Sebastian's suspicions increase.

Three gay roommates must find a fourth to share their flat after blowing their rent on a stripper who won't strip. In walks tall, sexy Lucas, the answer to their current problem and more than one of their dreams. But when they return home one night to find Lucas dead, and each tells his own real or imagined story about his relationship with Lucas, and they discover that they all had reasons to do him in.

Famed outlaw Lotrando sends his son to a strict Catholic boarding school to learn manners, but the boy becomes too polite to lead the band. When they inadvertently arrive in a sultanate where the princess Zubeida lies gravely ill and are mistaken for physicians, father and son must overcome their inexperience and imposture to heal her and save the realm.

Trained thieves (Ivan Sergei, Sandrine Holt) investigate a hit man and a power struggle within their former crime family.

In this hilarious homage to 1970's Italian sexploitation films, Pucci and JJ sunbathe by a creek, bored, until they spot Gretchen and her delectable son, Kip. They all become quick friends and rub sun protection lotion on each other, when suddenly an alien named Suroh appears. This visitor offers a more potent sunscreen, SPF 2000, to be shared by the entire human race, in light of the earth's decreasing ozone layer. Suroh learns the sensual aspects of applying lotion to human bodies, starting with them.

Queen Silvia of Sweden tells a little about her life in an animation made of stamps.

Sixteen years after returning home, three disillusioned Australian Vietnam conscripts use their army skills to plan and execute the country's biggest bank robbery. And they get away with it. Seven years pass and a petty criminal convicted as the driver in the heist is released from gaol. When his body is fished out of the harbour the grim murder reignites the case.

This short film is based upon a book of tales "Exemplary Crimes" by Max Aub who, in his turn, was inspired by real testimonies that describe crimes straightforwardly. The Testimonies are individual confessions by different persons that have nothing in common but the fact that all committed murder.

A homeless little girl named Rosalie saves an abducted rich selfish brat Nikka. Rosalie gets shot when one of the goons opens a fire. To extend their gratitude for Rosalie’s bravery, Nikka’s mother adopts the lesser fortunate child. However, instead of being thankful Nikka treats Rosalie harshly which pushes the latter to go back and join her fellow street children.

Explores prejudice against working women.

FLAMES is former TV a teen-oriented drama series and becomes a movie that is divided into two separate episodes. Episode 1: Tameme Leslie is a rich highschool student, who longs for her absentee parents. She has a cynical perception of love thus when she learns of her classmate Butch’s feelings for her, she takes it negatively. Butch on the other hand, is a poor boy who is too nervous to handle his feelings for Leslie believing he does not have any chance of making her like him. Episode 2: Pangako Karina is a young breadwinner who raised her family when her mother Dona Amparo stopped taking care of them at the death of her husband. Joel is a young delivery boy who falls in love with Karina’s meekness. As their love blooms Karina’s responsibility as a sister and daughter will stand in their way.

Kishan Singh. a retired teacher from India, comes out to the US to visit his son Raj. Raj's American-bom wife Laura used to write poetry but 'Life gets in the way of art'. Kishan's presence and the problems raised from gender and cultural expectations cause tension. When Kishan decides to stay indefinitely, conflict erupts. A series of poignant episodes help Laura appreciate Kishan's zest for life and at the same time enable Raj and Laura to examine their lives in a new light.

An alternative version of the famous bandit's story (or maybe that's how it really was). Robin struggles with questions about the meaning of life, as well as with ugly rich people and intrusive poor people who want to build themselves a poor castle. The film is a parody of the fairy tale about the legendary robber Robin Hood, the times of feudalism, and the struggle for money. The narrator introduces the viewer to the world of medieval England, where feudalism reigned supreme. He tries to convey to the viewer an alternative, as natural and true as possible, story of the famous robber and his band - who robbed the rich to give to intrusive beggars for the construction of their own small, poor castles.

Paris, 1830. After the fall of Napoleon, Imperial Rule is restored by Charles X, younger brother of Louis XVI who was guillotined during the French Revolution. The aristocrats are somewhat fearful of the changing status quo, but nonetheless continue to live in luxury. In this social circle of truth and deception, much attention is gathered on one particular young noble, the Viscount Valmont. The Viscount family was ruined, but using his talent and charisma, he plans to make his house powerful once more.

Benjamin Ballon wants to be a filmmaker, and has devoted a large part of his life for the past few years to getting to the point of filming an independent movie. He has been encouraged by Carmen Maura (playing herself), an established star, who has agreed to appear in his first film, and it is her level-headedness, calmness, and general good sense that keeps the project moving along, despite Benjamin's inexperience and a very temperamental male lead. On one occasion when the male lead is hours late for a shoot, her calm is the only thing which keeps the crew from walking out. The title comes from Maura's habit of bringing homemade tortillas to meetings, and using them to get her way.

An incredible journey comes alive in this story of a ship's doctor whose far-flung voyage leads him into a world of adventure. Join Gulliver as he travels from a fabulous floating island to the mind-boggling land of Yahoos, where talking dogs are the masters - and humans are the leash-wearing pets! Then, arriving in the kingdom of the pint-sized Lilliputians, Gulliver must use his gigantic size and colossal strength to teach his quarrelsome little friends a big lesson in how to get along. Sparkling with original songs and spellbinding special effects, this larger-than-life adventure is sure to capture the imaginations of young and old alike!

The old-age pensioners of a South Wales town are up in arms. They must fight to save their municipal hall from developers and corrupt councilors. Unexpectedly they are joined by their teenage neighbors whose life of unemployment makes them ready to flight for their valley and their heritage. Together they plan to mobilize public opinion by seeking sponsors, running bazaars and offering super prizes at the local bingo hall. But one suggestion beats everything: 'I propose that Tom Jones comes here to sing.'

A law student is seduced by a beautiful woman he doesn't know, and after a one night stand with her, his roommate warns him to be careful because he suspects she may have other motives. Years later, she returns and hires him as her lawyer to defend against a charge of murdering her husband. A web of intrigue ensues as the lawyer begins his hunt to find the killer and also confront the demons of his past.

Clearly inspired by the then-mayor of Naples Antonio Bassolino, with references to the problems of the city and its hopes of a renaissance, the works of Francesca Spada, the crow of Pasolini's The Hawks and the Sparrows. Segment of "I vesuviani" (1997).

Wyler and associates take on the case of an admitted serial killer.

Dane Corvin (Chamberlain) returns to Raven Island where 20 years before he and Helen Raven (Allen) had fallen in love. She vowed never to see him again because he had arrested her brother, who he had been investigating. Dane is now determined to win her back and slowly re-enters her daily life. But Helen has a secret, and unless Dane can forgive her and understand the powerful feelings that motivated her to keep it from him, their fragile relationship will not survive.

Violet, a feisty 15 year-old who prefers the nickname "Scooter" , decides to run away from her boring life in a small town and goes to visit with the father she has never seen. She believes he lives in the city with his new wife, but in fact he is in a gay relationship with his long-time lover. This inevitably leads to changes and readjustments all round as dad gets to know, reluctantly, the daughter he never wanted.

Arliss goes to a coffee house to meet Jasmine on a blind date, but she's not quite what she seems.

Underworld boss Bernie 'Tenderness' Mellick is certainly paying a heavy price for maiming Ivor Wright in a firebombing. For Wright's men have now kidnapped his eleven-year-old son Graham. Senior Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Harpur and his brilliant, amoral superior ACC Desmond Iles must rescue the boy from the kidnappers before Tenderness takes his revenge in this adaptation of Bill James' novel Protection.

A group of people must fight for their lives when a bizarre epidemic starts a zombie invasion.

Dimitri, a Soviet cosmonaut of Soyouz 27 likes majorettes. Catherine and Laurent like making love. Jean-Paul II loves airports. Vincent loves boys.

Tom lives alone and works for the council, reporting empty apartments. One day, he ignores the rules and enters a supposedly empty apartment. His life takes a drastic turn when Sally, a stripper, suddenly turns up. Tom takes her home with him. But Sally has a dark past and is on the run from the police.

A modern young man takes a virtual reality trip back to 17th-century England where men were men and women were readily available.

Teo is a Somali boy living in Rome, where his mother works in service to a wealthy family. Friendly and outgoing, the young man immediately befriends Mimma when she moves with her family to the neighborhood. Years pass and Mimma begins to suffer the violent attentions of her stepfather. She tired that decided to run away together with Teo. But the two teenagers are tracked down and Teo is accused of the violence. Only with the help of his friends will he succeed in proving his innocence.

Musicians, producers, family, colleagues and the artist himself look back on the making of Stevie Wonders's classic album "Song In the Key of Life".

Almost everyone who worked with director Franklin J. Schaeffer on the film is interviewed here, including George C. Scott (this piece was done before he died in 1999) and they all seem to unanimously agree that he was a complete and total gentleman to work with. Oliver Stone shows up here to give us his thoughts on the film and accuse it for being in some part responsible for the bombing of Cambodia, which is an interesting theory if perhaps a little misguided (he claims that Nixon was so influenced by Patton that it resulted in his decision to launch that first attack which in turn resulted in the bombing). Other interviewees in this piece include Richard Zanuck, Jerry Goldsmith, Fred Koenekamp, Franklin J. Schaeffer himself, and the film's producer, Frank McCarthy. The interviews are nicely complimented by some behind the scenes clips as well as a small assortment of camera tests.

In 1997, for it's fiftieth anniversary, the Cannes Film Festival asked Leos Carax for a short film, a kind of postcard addressed to the festival, in which the director would give news of himself and of his film project "Pola X."

An anthromorphic tale, humans representing canines, of compulsive traits and raging desires. A gang of neutered men; fat, subdued and lazy, look out for their younger 'pup'- Rusty (Noah Taylor) who is always active and mischievous.

The film is a journey through a fantastic country in which the erotic images of the films of the great Federico Fellini came to life, and Tonino Guerra himself acted as a guide. The heroes of the maestro’s paintings are sailing on a ship to the Enchanted Island. There everyone goes ashore except two - Federico Fellini and Juliet Mazina. Their wanderings continue.

An engineer and his 5-year old son Rasmus are kidnapped by a group who wants to get their hands on the engineer's latest invention. Three kids become witnesses to the kidnapping and decide to follow the kidnappers to an island and attempt to make a rescue.

Copywriter Lorenz is gay and has a relationship with his boss Adrian. The two are happy together until Lorenz meets secretary Nina one day. Nina has just been abandoned by her husband Kai, who is now with a man. Lorenz also suddenly develops new, unknown feelings. He falls in love with Nina, a woman. Of course, he does everything he can to keep that from Adrian. But that does not hide Lorenz's emotional chaos.

Jamie is a makeup artist for a local bikini contest on the beautiful South Beach of Miami. Her life appears to be falling apart when her boyfriend leaves her in a jealous rage. Her wild and gorgeous friends, Dev and Bink, convince her to be a contestant in the contest while her ex-boyfriend's bumbling private detective hilariously tries to track her. In a transformation of innocence to high-profile model, Jamie heats up Miami at South Beach.

A musical event from Wembley Stadium in London featuring the greatest pop hits from the past 40 years performed by today's top recording artists on 16 August 1997. Songs are introduced with images of the year of the song including news footage and visual icons from the worlds of fashion, pop culture and movies. The event also includes a special tribute to Elvis Presley on the 20th anniversary of his death. Featuring performances from varied artists such as Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Seal, KD Lang, Mary J Blige, Toni Braxton, Steve Winwood, Robert Palmer, Chaka Khan. Some artists perform alone, some as duets with other artists.

Fred (Vincent Lindon) is a former crane driver who was a victim of the closure of his factory. He takes care of the little boy of his girlfriend (Clotilde Courau), does the housework and sometimes goes to the job center but boredom is inescapable. One day, because he accepted to drive a truck for a friend to a warehouse, he's caught up in a vicious spiral that goes beyond him. It's all the more serious as shady men want to eliminate him an the police is on his back.

A true story about tragic love of the couple who found themselves at the different sides of the border in 1948.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the most magical place on earth!

An original video featuring four short horror stories, aimed at children.

After the last concert of a long tour, Dr. Kurt Ostbahn retires to his favorite café to relax. He is suddenly dragged into a bizarre criminal case. His vacation then fills with vice, perversion and murder. Of course, this is not just a story; Dr. Kurt Ostbahn experienced everything himself! The characters are not inventions; they are personal acquaintances of Dr. Ostbahn. Only the names and details have been changed so as to make them barely recognizable. And the story is more exciting than real life.

Documentary about the Wu-Tang Clan.

Two boys grow up being influenced by each other's respective fathers. While one becomes a singer, the other becomes a local goon. Incidentally, both love the same girl in college.

In the 1960s, Mangamma flees her small village during the Presidential rule and marries Nair. Years later, her life is thrown into further disarray when the Emergency is imposed.

A priceless statuette "Dancing God" is transfered from Africa to France. Scoundrels of all stripes are dreaming of steeling it. The most clever of them are trying to replace the original with the copy. Chases, adventures, breathtaking stunts, shootouts - life is not worth a penny, when the priceless treasure is on stake.