45 Arrests, 33 years in congress
There are few who can rival Georgia Congressman John Lewis and his 60 plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health care reform and immigration. The new film, John Lewis: Good Trouble, opens nationally (and in our virtual cinema) on July 3rd. It tells the story of this national treasure so that generations to come can continue to learn from Mr. Lewis’ remarkable story.
Through present day interviews as well as archival footage director Dawn Porter explores Lewis’ childhood, his inspiring family, and his fateful meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in 1957. Lewis was arrested more than 45 times, severely beaten and nearly killed while fighting for equality in the segregated deep South. His experiences and lessons regarding non-violent protest continue to shape his career today. The film also highlights Lewis’ many speeches and achievements, along with interviews from political leaders and Congressional colleagues who figure prominently in his life, all combined to illuminate his continuing influence on American culture.
Wait! There’s more. There are lots of other good films playing this week including …
We are featuring two delicious murder mysteries this week: one from Italy and one from France. Both feature characters accused of murder and under house arrest, an apt metaphor for our lives in the summer of 2020.
THE INVISIBLE WITNESS: (opens June 26) A young, successful entrepreneur wakes up in a hotel room locked from the inside next to his dead lover. He becomes the chief suspect, While awaiting trial under house arrest, he enlists the aid of a defense attorney who has never lost a case. Largely told in flashback, this noirish thriller from director Stefano Mordini recreates the days of intrigue that lead up to that fateful night. Characters’ motivations begin to blur until no one is quite who they seem to be, leading to a pulse-pounding conclusion that will leave you guessing until the final shot. (in Italian with subtitles; 102 minutes; 2020)
THE GIRL WITH A BRACELET: Lise is 18 years old and is accused of murdering her best friend two years earlier. She’s been under house arrest, wearing an ankle bracelet to monitor her whereabouts, hence the film’s title. As her trial starts, her parents stand by her side. But once her secret life is revealed in court, her innocence is far from certain and her parents’ faith begins to unravel. Directed by Stéphane Demoustier (in French with subtitles; 96 minutes; 2020)
Family Entertainment on a Holiday Weekend! Here’s a film for the young and the young-at-heart
Marona’s Fantastic Tale: Marona is a mixed-breed Labrador whose life leaves deep traces among the humans she encounters. After an accident, she reflects on all the homes and different experiences she’s had. As Marona’s memory journeys into the past, her unfailing empathy and love brings lightness and innocence into each of her owners’ lives, in this beautiful and deeply emotional story of an average dog and her extraordinary life. (92 min / in Romaian and French with subtitles)
Critic’s Pick! Buoyant! A beautiful and original animated film. – The New York Times
Check out TheRyder.com for more films.
Do you have a comment or a suggestion for a film? Maybe you’d like to write something for our magazine. Send an email to editor@theryder.com. We can be talked into almost anything.
Look for the July issue of The Ryder magazine tomorrow. In the meantime, It’s never too late to read the June issue; here’s a link.