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Save the Cinema

Play trailer Poster for Save the Cinema 2022 2h 0m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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73% Tomatometer 11 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In 1993, a hairdresser in Carmarthen, Wales, begins a campaign to save the Lyric theater from closure. Alongside the mayor, they enlist the help of filmmaker Steven Spielberg to host a special premier at the theater.

Critics Reviews

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Mark Kermode Kermode & Mayo's Film Review 01/19/2022
I was charmed...you wrap it around yourself and just settle down. If you like cheese, you'll love this. Go to Full Review
Wendy Ide Observer (UK) 01/18/2022
2/5
Based on a true story, Save the Cinema is the kind of plucky underdog feelgood slop that the British film industry churns out on a regular basis, largely to the indifference of audiences. Go to Full Review
Kevin Maher The Times (UK) 01/14/2022
2/5
Sweeter than a bucket of honey-coated Welsh cakes, and just as indigestible, this real-life "feelgood" drama about the fight to save a Carmarthenshire cinema is so sentimental it's inauthentic. Go to Full Review
Cory Woodroof 615 Film 08/30/2022
Such a lovely reminder about the power of arts in any community, and the shared love we all have for movies and the theatrical experience. Go to Full Review
Rich Cline Shadows on the Wall 01/20/2022
3.5/5
With a heartwarming tone, this Welsh comedy-drama recounts a true story about a woman taking on a corrupt system. Go to Full Review
Stefan Pape Common Sense Media 01/18/2022
3/5
Perhaps lacking a little in originality, Save the Cinema makes up for that with a great deal of heart, as the sort of film you'd happily put on for all the family on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Tim H 01/22/2023 This is a really nice movie, Based on a true story. It's nice that the real life son of the lady that saved the cinema stars in the movie as well. Also rod Gilbert stars . Is a lovely feel good movie. A real see. See more r 9 07/14/2022 A pretty cool true story, but the film itself? Rather poor. 'Save the Cinema' is simply too on the nose for my liking, it's cringey in a fair few bits and even pretentious in others. It does have a good cast, though that aside it struggles to get away from the fact that it feels like a made-for-television Christmas-esque movie - literally so with the plot. Samantha Morton, Jonathan Pryce and Tom Felton are as solid as you'd expect, though the Welsh accents kept taking me out of it - Pryce was born in Wales admittedly, yet even his accent sounded off... might just be me though. I didn't overly like any of that trio's, or their co-star's tbh, performances though, I just like Morton/Pryce/Felton from others things more than anything. I wouldn't say this is a bad film, it's just a really lousy one in my opinion. I could see it finding an audience though. See more 06/16/2022 A feel good movie with heart. The politics stuff is irritating as that's not how local elections work in Wales. Town mayors are not directly elected and planning decisions are the responsibility of the lead council, the County (Carmarthenshire). Apart from that the story is sweet and based on real events and people. The cast are likeable and play the individuals well, especially Samantha Morton as the lead who manages a Welsh accent well. See more 06/09/2022 This is a great feel good movie It great that it really happened. This is a must see true story film how one woman can take on and win the war ! Check it out its really good family viewing See more 01/21/2022 What a fabulous feel good film. Cast were superb at retelling the tale. Warm, funny and Welsh! A true delight See more 01/21/2022 The main character is not Welsh and tries a bit too hard. The accent is cliched and forced. The only two people of colour are both on the negative end of the spectrum. The mayor is out and of evil and supporting actress Ms. Wokoma's character is portrayed as miserly and deceitful (the characters dislike of paying her way is alluded to at least twice) bother these characteristics have been used traditionally to denigrate Welsh people. Only have it one star because otherwise it wouldn't let me leave comments. See more Read all reviews
Save the Cinema

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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1993, a hairdresser in Carmarthen, Wales, begins a campaign to save the Lyric theater from closure. Alongside the mayor, they enlist the help of filmmaker Steven Spielberg to host a special premier at the theater.
Director
Sara Sugarman
Producer
Matt Williams, Piers Tempest, Karl Hall
Screenwriter
Piers Ashworth, Piers Ashworth
Production Co
Head Gear Films, Future Artists Entertainment, Kreo Films FZ
Genre
Drama
Original Language
British English
Runtime
2h 0m