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Search: Directed by David Lean

  • The Bridge On The River Kwai (1957)
    Review preview for The Bridge On The River Kwai

    Lean's bridge-building drama doesn't grip as much as its reputation promises.

    Stephen Carty · 3 out of 5
    An exhausted group of prisoners of war are forced to build a bridge, yet keep their spirits high.
  • Doctor Zhivago (1965)
    Review preview for Doctor Zhivago

    Every image drives the story on, or highlights the characters’ tragedy.

    Jeff Robson · 4.5 out of 5
    Restored version of the Lean classic sees an idealistic poet/physician and the fiancée of a political activist meet and fall in love against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution.
  • Great Expectations (1946)
    Review preview for Great Expectations

    One of the finest book to film adaptations of all time.

    Scott Macdonald · 4.5 out of 5
    Classic adaptation of Dickens' novel about a orphan who finds a mystery inheritance propels him into high society.
  • Hobson's Choice (1954)
    Review preview for Hobson's Choice

    Above all, it is the narrative’s clear feminist leanings that remain a breath of fresh air, prescient then and still hugely relevant to the modern world.

    Neil Mitchell · 5 out of 5
    Trouble at t'shop when eldest daughter of tyranical Lancashire bootmaker in 1890 decides to marry his timid, downtrodden employee.
  • In Which We Serve (1942)
    Propagandist "story of a ship", the men who sailed on her and the women they left behind.
  • Lawrence Of Arabia (1962)
    Review preview for Lawrence Of Arabia

    What remains true now, as it was then, is the scale and scope of the thing.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 5 out of 5
    A biopic of TE Lawrence focused on role in the Arab/Turkish conflict during the First World War.
  • The Passionate Friends (1949)
    Review preview for The Passionate Friends

    Every performance in this film is spot on.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    A tragic love triangle spanning two decades.
  • The Sound Barrier (1952)
    Review preview for The Sound Barrier

    With a slightly-too-long runtime and an unsatisfactory ending, this is more a curio than a classic, but one that can boast impressive technical feats and good production values, as well as wonderful performances from its seasoned cast.

    Daniel Hooper · 3.5 out of 5
    Troubled attempts at breaking the sound barrier and the turmoil caused for the wife of the test pilot.

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Festival coverage

Festivals
Cannes festival coverage, 2026

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the Cheltenham International Film Festival, the Leeds International Film Festival, the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and Tallinn Black Nights.



We're looking forward to the French Film Festival and DOC NYC.



We've recently brought you coverage of the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival, Newfest, the London Film Festival, the New York Film Festival and Grimmfest.



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