Tea, coffee, and light refreshments
A chance to meet neighbours and have a chat after film
third Thursdays each month 6:30 PM
Free entry - just bring yourself (and maybe a friend!)
Join us for a special showing of Strawberry and Chocolate, a warm, witty and deeply humane Cuban classic.
BBFC rating: 15
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Run time: 108 minutes
Language: Spanish (with subtitles)
Directors: Tomás Gutiérrez Alea & Juan Carlos Tabío
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian praises this Havana-set story as a “thoroughly delightful, engaging and deeply humane film,” blending sharp humour with thoughtful exploration of friendship, politics and identity. The film follows David, an earnest young student, and Diego, a charismatic, free-thinking artist, whose unlikely friendship grows through lively, intelligent conversation about art, literature and life. What begins with suspicion and ideological tension develops into a nuanced, affecting bond that challenges assumptions on both sides.
Notable for being the first Cuban film to feature an openly gay central character, its themes of tolerance, individuality and human connection remain fresh and relevant. With its relaxed, conversational style and richly sympathetic characters, Strawberry and Chocolate offers a thoughtful, sensual pleasure that lingers long after the credits roll.
At a time when Cuba faces renewed hardship, the evening also stands in solidarity with the island’s people and culture. The US embargo—first imposed in 1962 and now lasting over six decades—remains one of the longest in modern history . Recent tightening of measures has created an acute fuel crisis, contributing to blackouts and severe disruption to daily life . Hospitals and schools have been directly affected, with shortages forcing closures, interrupting healthcare, and limiting education . This screening will be an opportunity not only to enjoy a landmark of Cuban cinema, but also to learn about and support the work of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, including its Cuba Vive initiative providing vital medical aid and relief.
Citation‑grounded list of all the films shown at Uxbridge Quakers Neighbourhood Movie Night including year of release, IMDb genres, directors, and short summaries.
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Friendly Persuasion (1956)
Director: William Wyler
Genres (IMDb): Drama, Family, Romance, War, Western
Summary: “The pacifist attitude of a Quaker family is tested as a result of the American Civil War.”
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Heavens Above! (1963)
Directors: John Boulting, Roy Boulting
Genres (IMDb): Satire, Comedy
Summary: “A naive prison vicar is accidentally appointed to a snobbish parish… leading to dire consequences on the town's economy.”
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Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
Director: Terry Jones
Genres (IMDb): Dark Comedy, Parody, Satire, Comedy
Summary: “Born on the original Christmas day in the stable next door to Jesus Christ, Brian… spends his life being mistaken for the messiah.”
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V for Vendetta (2005)
Director: James McTeigue
Genres (IMDb): Action, Epic, Dystopian, Sci‑Fi, Political Drama, Political Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Superhero, Action Drama
Summary: “A young woman living in a dystopian society meets a shadowy freedom fighter who is plotting to overthrow their tyrannical government.”
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The Twelve Chairs / 12 Chairs (1971)
Director: Leonid Gaidai
Genres (IMDb): Period Drama, Adventure, Comedy, Crime
Summary: “Two gentlemen of fortune… are looking for an uncountable treasure at the dawn of the Soviet Union age.”
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Shenandoah (1965)
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Genres (IMDb): Drama, War, Western
Summary: “A Virginia farmer who has vowed to remain neutral during the Civil War is spurred into action when his youngest son is taken by Union soldiers.”
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Whale Rider (2002)
Director: Niki Caro
Genres (IMDb): Drama, Family
Summary: “A young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.”
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Boxing Day (2012)
Director: Bernard Rose
Genres (IMDb): Drama
Summary: “Basil, a businessman, and chauffeur Nick drive into the heart of the Rocky Mountains… when the journey becomes potentially fatal.”
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Pleasantville (1998)
Director: Gary Ross
Genres (IMDb): Fairy Tale, High‑Concept Comedy, Period Drama, Satire, Teen Comedy, Teen Drama, Teen Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Summary: “Two 1990s teenage siblings find themselves transported to a 1950s sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that colorless, complacent world.”
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Einstein and Eddington (2008)
Director: Philip Martin
Genres (IMDb): Docudrama, Biography, Drama, History
Summary: “Drama about the development of Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity, and Einstein's relationship with British scientist Sir Arthur Eddington.”
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The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964)
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini
Genres (IMDb): Biography, Drama, History
Summary: “The life of Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew.”
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Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Genres (IMDb): Dark Comedy, Farce, Political Drama, Psychological Drama, Quirky Comedy, Satire, Tragedy, Comedy, War
Summary: “A mentally unstable American general orders a hydrogen bomb attack on the Soviet Union, triggering a path to global nuclear holocaust.”
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