What to watch in cinemas this week | Nov. 21–27
Wicked, Gladiator II, Conclave, and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
Each week I provide a somewhat-curated list of films to see in cinemas. Meant as more of a resource than weekly essay, you can refer to this series whenever you feel like going to the movies. Also, can check out previous weeks’ selections because those films might still be in theaters.
(Note: I’ll be heading back to the USA next week , which means I’ll be able to watch movies on a normal theatrical schedule without fearing for the language it’s in. Therefore, the next two or three In Cinemas might be meatier and timelier, not that this isn’t already…)
Recommendation of the week
is still No Other Land (at least for German audiences).
American releases
Wicked (Jon M. Chu)
is gaining an unbelievable amount of critical attention ahead of its already highly anticipated commercial release. A movie based on a play based on a book based on the world created by L. Frank Baum, Wicked is a 140-minute part-oner, which will anger many many people à la Dune. Plus, all the best songs are in the first part, so it’ll be interesting to see the two-movie rollout strategy.
Plot bio: Elphaba, an ostracized but defiant girl born with green skin, and Glinda, a privileged aristocrat born popular, become extremely unlikely friends in the magical Land of Oz. As the two girls struggle with their opposing personalities, their friendship is tested as both begin to fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and The Wicked Witch of the West.
With a wide-open Oscars race, this is the kind of post-election type of movie that could easily over-perform.
Gladiator II (Ridley Scott)
performed well at the opening weekend international box office and is certified fresh, for what that’s worth. Most screenings were packed or sold-out in Munich, which is why I didn’t see it yet. Wrote about it a little more last week.
German release
Conclave (Edward Berger)
is finally reaching Germany, home to its director. I wrote about this several weeks ago.
Special mention
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Isao Takahata)
is one of the non-Miyazaki Studio Ghibli movies; known for its minimal-watercolor designs and animations. Playing in theaters as part of the Studio Ghibli Fest 2024.
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