features
There is a treasure right opposite from our beloved uni. The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts puts on great plays; if you haven’t seen one yet, go check it out and follow the first steps on stage of the next Joan Collins or Anthony Hopkins. By Dorina Marlen Heller
Books
“The Orange Trees of Baghdad” is Leilah Nadir’s first book, a haunting memoir of a Baghdad she never knew, but which filled her life through the stories her family told her. Set against the backdrop of the Iraq war, the book brings a different perspective on Baghdad’s fate.
features
Wes Anderson’s latest movie is a rollercoaster ride to sit through, but a highly enjoyable one. By Cristiana Moisescu The Phoenix Cinema is London’s oldest continuously running cinema. It opened in 1912 as the East Finchley Picturedome and although the name has changed several times, the building has
features
Expectations are high when going in to see a movie based on a well-loved book, so how does ‘The Book Thief’ hold up? By Dorina Marlen Heller One thing you probably should not do when one of your favourite books is turned into a movie is go and see it
Documentary
“Plot for Peace” is a cleverly-built documentary which focuses on the role an enigmatic French businessman, Jean-Yves Ollivier, played in bringing about the end of the Apartheid regime in South Africa and the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Replete with secret meetings, tense moments and a lot of backdoor
features
“Blue Is the Warmest Colour” stirred a few waters when it first came out (excuse the pun) at the Cannes Festival in 2013, where it won the much-coveted Palme d’Or. Critics loved it, and it’s also received nominations for this year’s Golden Globes and BAFTA awards. So
features
Spike Jonze’s new film about love between a man and a computer has the kind of plot that can either be an instant hit or go horribly bad. The SOAS Spirit went to find out which is the case. By Honor Bulmer Joaquin Phoenix is some kind of cinema
features
A look at the indie folk scene of 60’s New York might sound a bit on the dull side, but considering that the Coen brothers have signed this particular film and that it won the Grand Prix at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, we’ve decided that ‘Inside Llewyn
features
A new vampire movie is on the horizon, but does it fit the ‘Twilight’ trend? The SOAS Spirit takes a look and leaves mesmerized. By Cristiana Moisescu “Only Lovers Left Alive” is a deliciously macabre movie, complete with gothic overtones and psychedelic music. It is the story of two vampires,
features
The film adaptation of the WikiLeaks saga proves to be less thrilling than expected. By Peter Nygaard Christensen, BA Arabic and Politics There is potential for great films in the story of Julian Assange and his life’s work, WikiLeaks, but the continuing actuality of his work, as well as
features
The SOAS Spirit goes to see ten-time Oscar-nominee Gravity, and we’re doing it in style, at the Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton. By Paloma Rao, LLB Law Located in Brixton, the Ritzy offers the perfect day trip – a cosy atmosphere, great food and affordable prices. There are 5 screening rooms
features
‘The Butler’ is one of the most anticipated movies this year, with many hailing it as Oscar-worthy. It’s a story about race, identity and politics, one that the SOAS Spirit recommends. By Jagoda Sekular, MA in International Law Martin Luther King once said: “the ultimate measure of a man