The Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland provides some thoughtful, fun and always-interesting films as a break to the summer heat.
The Summer Film Series runs from Friday, July 19, through Friday, Sept. 13, with a total of six films covering subject matter ranging from a folk music concert to a literary classic.
"The Tango Lesson" tells the story of a film director's involvement with a great tango dancer, two people who think they are destined for each other, but clearly are not. Filmed in black and white with bursts of color, this film is a treat for the eyes, and includes great dance sequences. "The Tango Lesson" runs Friday-Thursday, July 19-25, with showings at 7 and 9 p.m. It is rated PG, and is in English, French and Spanish with subtitles.
"Baran" comes from master director Majid Majidi ("The Color of Paradise"), and explores the difficult life of illegal Afghan immigrants in Iran, where they toil in the worst of jobs. It is a fable that dramatizes the pain of unrequited love, and discovered secrets. "Baran" runs Monday, July 29, through Thursday, Aug. 8, with showings at 7 and 9 p.m. It is rated PG, and is in Farsi and Dari with subtitles.
"Down From the Mountain" picks up where the hit film "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" left off. The film documents a live performance of folk music legends such as Gillain Welch, Emmy Lou Harris, John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, Allison Krauss and more. The film also allows the personalities of some of the performers to come out as well. "Down From the Mountain" runs Friday-Thursday, Aug. 9-15, with showings at 7 and 9 p.m., and is rated G.
"Beijing Bicycle" explores identity, independence and the clashing tradition with contemporary culture. Quiet, serious Guei is earning his bicycle as a deliveryman, only to have it stolen. He later finds it in the possession of Jian. For both, the bicycle is not only a means of transportation, but a symbol of mobility, status and freedom, and Guei is as stubborn in his effort to reclaim it was Jian is to keep it. "Beijing Bicycle" runs Friday-Thursday, Aug. 16-22, with showings at 7 and 9 p.m. It is rated PG, and is in Mandarin with English subtitles.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" brings Oscar Wilde's classic to the screen with an outstanding cast, including Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon, Frances O'Connor and Judy Densch. Wilde's great wit shows through in this story of romance, mistaken identities, manners and verbal warfare. "The Importance of Being Earnest" runs Monday, Aug. 26, through Thursday, Sept. 5, with showings at 7 and 9 p.m., and is rated PG.
"Bread and Tulips" is an Italian film set against the beauty of Venice, and tells a light and uncomplicated story of a woman who, left behind by a tour bus and her indifferent family, decides to hitchhike home. "Bread and Tulips" runs Friday-Friday, Sept. 6-13, with showings at 7 and 9 p.m. It is rated PG-13, and is in Italian with subtitles.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located at 86 E. 8th Street in downtown Holland. Updated information about films and other events at the theatre may be obtained by calling the Knickerbocker Theatre Information Line at (616) 395- 7403. Tickets for the film series are $4 for students and seniors, and $5 for regular adult admission, and are available at the door.