Actor Dominic West (1969)

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) serves as a continuation of its predecessor, the 2019 film. Written by Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of the eponymous television series, and directed by Simon Curtis, the story follows Tom Branson, the widowed son-in-law of Earl of Grantham. He marries Lucy Smith, illegitimate daughter and sole heir to Lady Maud Bagshaw – Queen Mary’s lady-in-waiting. The family is taken aback when Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, surprises them with news that she was gifted a villa in Southern France years ago by now-deceased ...

Stateless (2020), an Australian television drama series, premiered on ABC TV on 1 March 2020. Its six episodes were later made available on Netflix starting 8 July 2020. The show draws inspiration from the true account of Cornelia Rau, an Australian citizen who was wrongfully held under the government’s mandatory detention initiative. The show revolves around four individuals at an immigration detention centre in the Australian desert: a flight attendant evading a suburban cult, an Afghan refugee seeking refuge from persecution, a young Australian father escaping a mundane job, and a bureaucrat involved in a national scandal. ...

Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 French historical novel, Les Misérables (2019) is a British television series that tells the story of Jean Valjean’s struggles to escape Inspector Javert. The series, directed by Tom Shankland and adapted by Andrew Davies, features a talented cast including Dominic West, David Oyelowo, and Lily Collins. Produced by the BBC and supported by ...

Tomb Raider (2018), the action-adventure film directed by Roar Uthaug, features a screenplay by Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Alastair Siddons from a story written by Evan Daugherty and Robertson-Dworet. This American and British co-production is based on the 2013 video game of the same name, as well as incorporating aspects from its rebooted sequel by Crystal Dynamics. It is also the third installment in the Tomb Raider ...

Finding Dory (2016) is a humorous and heartwarming animated film from Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures. The story follows Dory, a regal blue tang who was separated from her parents, Jenny and Charlie, as a child due to her short-term memory loss. She soon meets Marlin, a clownfish searching for his son Nemo, and they become close friends. Now living as neighbors in the reef with Marlin and Nemo, one day Dory suddenly remembers her parents and their home in the “Jewel of Morro Bay, California”. Determined to find them again, she sets out on a journey with Marlin and Nemo by her side. Along the way, they meet Crush, a helpful sea turtle who ...

Money Monster (2016), an American thriller directed by Jodie Foster and written by Jamie Linden, Alan Di Fiore, and Jim Kouf from a story by Di Fiore and Kouf, features Lee Gates, an ostentatious financial expert who hosts the show Money Monster. The day before the show, IBIS Clear Capital’s stock suddenly plummeted, causing investors to lose $800 million due to a trading ...

The Crown (2016–2023), a historical drama series following Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, was created and principally written by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix. Critics have praised its acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production values, while some have noted its historical inaccuracies. The show has achieved multiple awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series and two Golden Globes for Best Television Series – Drama. It chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s life from the 1940s to the present day, starting with her ascension ...

A movie John Carter (2012) tells the story of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ uncle who passed away unexpectedly. The film was directed and written by Andrew Stanton, Mark Andrews, and Michael Chabon respectively, and is based on the Barsoom novel series. At the time of his uncle’s death in 1881, Burroughs learned that John had requested to be buried in a tomb that only he could open from inside. He was also given John’s personal journal to read by his lawyer. The plot then rewinds back to 1868 when Carter ...

Johnny English Reborn (2011) is a spy action comedy movie helmed by Oliver Parker and penned by Hamish McColl based on a story by William Davies. Following an unsuccessful mission to protect the newly elected president of Mozambique that resulted in him losing his knighthood, Johnny English spent the last eight years training at a monastery in Tibet. However, when MI7’s new director Pamela ‘Pegasus’ Thornton calls him back into service, he must investigate an assassination plot targeting the Chinese ...

Hannibal Rising (2007) is a chilling psychological thriller that serves as the fifth installment in the Hannibal Lecter franchise. Serving as a prequel to Red Dragon, Hannibal, and The Silence of the Lambs, this film brings to life Thomas Harris’ eponymous 2006 novel. It delves into the origins of Lecter’s descent from a vengeful Nazi hunter to a monstrous cannibalistic serial killer. Set in 1944 Lithuania during World War II, we see an eight-year-old Hannibal and his family take refuge in their hunting lodge to escape the advancing German troops. However, after three long years, ...

300 (2006), an American epic historical war action film, is based on the 1998 comic book series of the same name by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley. Set in 480 B.C., it tells the story of Leonidas I, from his childhood to kingship, according to Spartan doctrine. The plot begins when a Persian herald arrives at Sparta, demanding ‘earth and water’ as a token of submission to King Xerxes. After being insulted by the herald, Queen Gorgo urges Leonidas to submit. However, he instead throws them both into a bottomless pit. Next, Leonidas visits the Ephors and presents ...

Mona Lisa Smile (2003), an American drama directed by Mike Newell and written by Lawrence Konner and Mark Rosenthal, follows the story of Katherine Ann Watson. Upon accepting a teaching position at Wellesley College in 1953, Katherine realizes her students have already mastered the textbook and syllabus. Determined to push boundaries, she introduces modern art and encourages open discussions on the definition of quality artwork. Despite facing opposition from traditionalist student Betty Warren, Katherine remains steadfast ...

A film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s comedic play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999), was written, produced, and directed by Michael Hoffman. Set in the 1890s in Monte Athena, a fictional Italian kingdom, the story follows the preparations for Duke Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding banquet. During this time, Egeus, father of young Hermia, approaches the Duke to request his support in forcing his daughter to marry Demetrius. Egeus threatens that Hermia will die if she does not comply. In response, Theseus offers Hermia four days to decide between ...