April 27, 2016 - "Mongolian Ping Pong" (2005)

Mongolian Ping Pong, 2005

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Forney Hall, B124, 480 Stadium Mall Drive

Director: Hao Ning
Origin: China
Language: Mongolian
Running time: 102 min

After the arrival of an ordinary ping-pong ball in a small Mongolian village, Bilike and his friends attempt to decipher the mysterious origin of the object, traveling to distant lands in search of the ball's source. Their journey eventually leads them to Beijing, China, a far cry from their remote homeland. Director Hao Ning's charming comedy -- filled with wonder and discovery -- transports viewers to the eternal landscape of the endless steppe. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $71,223
Watch the trailer.

April 20, 2016 - "Tu dors Nicole" (2015)

Tu dors Nicole, 20157 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Stanley Coulter Hall, Room 239

Director: Stéphane Lafleur
Origin: Canada
Language: French
Running time: 93 min

After her parents leave her at home while they embark on a summer holiday, 22-year-old Nicole is enjoying a peaceful and aimless life when her rocker brother, Remi, and his mates arrive with plans to turn the house into a recording studio. (from Netflix.com)

Watch the trailer on YouTube.

April 13, 2016 - "The Assassin" (2015)

The Assassin, 2015
7 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Stanley Coulter Hall, Room 239

Director: Hsiao-hsien Hou
Origin: Taiwan | China | Hong Kong | France
Language: Mandarin
Running time: 105 min

In this action epic set in 9th-century China, Nie Yinniang is abducted at age 10 and trained to become an assassin who uses her skills to get rid of corrupt public officials -- until she's ordered to kill her beloved cousin. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $613,556
Watch the trailer on YouTube.

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Review of last week's film ("Udaan", 3 stars)
Steven says: The best part of the film is its look at life in an industrial Indian city. We learn a lot about the country that is not seen in traditional American media. It also reminds us that many struggles we face are universal.

April 6, 2016 - "Udaan" (2010)

Udaan, 2010
7 p.m., Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Forney Hall, Room B124

Director: Vikramaditya Motwane
Origin: India
Languages: Hindi | English
Running time: 134 min

After spending eight years in a boarding school, Rohan returns to his hometown, where he must decide whether to follow his dreams or acquiesce to his father's plans for his future. As he ponders becoming a writer, Rohan bonds with his half-brother. (from Netflix.com)

U.S. box office: $7,461
Watch the trailer.