Film recommendations week 23

Where: Trondheim Kino

Ten-year-old Chihiro is moving to a new city with her parents. On the way to their new home, her father takes a shortcut—with dramatic consequences. They arrive at what appears to be an abandoned amusement park, but it is actually a bathhouse for weary spirits, controlled by the powerful witch Yubaba.

As punishment for entering the spirits’ realm and eating their food, Yubaba transforms Chihiro’s parents into pigs. With the help of the mysterious boy Haku, Chihiro finds work in the bathhouse, where she encounters a host of strange creatures—some kind, some dangerous. Together with her new allies, she takes on Yubaba in an effort to save both herself and her parents.

Spirited Away is a magical animated masterpiece created by Hayao Miyazaki. The film has enchanted audiences around the world and was a tremendous box-office success in both Japan and the United States. It became the first animated feature to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim.

© Arthaus

Where: Cinemateket Trondheim

There is only one week left until Kate and Geoff’s wedding anniversary, and preparations are well underway. Then Geoff receives a letter. His first love, Katya, who died while they were hiking together in the Swiss Alps nearly 50 years earlier, has been found deep inside a glacier. The discovery uncovers a long-buried secret from the past and has profound consequences for both their marriage and the upcoming celebration. By the time the anniversary party arrives, it is no longer certain that they have anything to celebrate.

45 Years is a beautiful portrait of Geoff and Kate, whose relationship is put to the test just before they are due to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay deliver outstanding performances in this quiet and nuanced relationship drama. Both actors received the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival for their work. 45 Years is a film about the power of what remains unspoken—and how something from the past can reshape a relationship.

© Arthaus

Where: Streaming

Nine-year-old Nelly is helping her parents clear out the house of her grandmother, who has recently passed away. In the forest surrounding the house, she meets Marion, a girl her own age. Marion invites Nelly to help build a treehouse and takes her home when they are caught in a sudden downpour. As Nelly gets to know her, she begins to notice more and more strange and remarkable things about Marion. Who is this unfamiliar yet welcoming and thoughtful girl, really?

Petite Maman is a gentle and imaginative story that blends childhood wonder with themes of family, memory, and loss, creating a moving and quietly magical experience.

© Arthaus