Platform’s team of film fans share their recommendations for what to watch while on lockdown…
It’s a difficult time not only for students but for the whole world as we spend all day stuck indoors, self-isolating. Perhaps more so than ever, we’re all in need of a good film to keep the worries and boredom at bay, and Netflix boasts a vast library for just that – but where to start?
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Director: Emile Ardolino
A true classic available on Netflix is Dirty Dancing: the 1987 phenomenon that captured everyone’s hearts, starring the beloved Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle and Jennifer Grey as Baby Houseman.
Dirty Dancing tells the story of 17-year-old Baby on a family holiday to Kellerman’s. All is normal until Baby lays her eyes on heart-throb dance teacher Johnny. The two experience a whirlwind romance, as well as a whirlwind dance journey. This masterpiece is guaranteed to get you up on your feet dancing and singing, having the time of your life – no pun intended. Katie Green
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
Whisper of the Heart is a Studio Ghibli film that is overlooked by its more mythical titles. The film follows two young teens who bond over their devotion to their dreams, and they push each other to be the best version of themselves.
Everyone can relate to having dreams and wishing they had the bravery to follow their heart. Whisper of the Heart shows this whilst highlighting that it’s okay to fail at times as long as you try. It has gorgeous animation; the characters are charming – especially the glimpse into the Baron – and the music is incredible as always. Charlie Vogelsang
Hitch (2005)
Director: Andy Tennant
So you’re in isolation, nothing to do and the day’s dragging on longer than your high school Geography lessons. You need a break, something to make you smile – well look no further than Will Smith and Kevin James in the wonderfully heartfelt and funny Hitch.
It doesn’t reinvent the rom-com wheel, sure, but it tells a wonderful tale of friendship and love from every point of view. The romantic and the cynic, the guarded and the open, all find something in this tale of love that reveals being yourself is the most important thing. Chris King
Les Miserables (2012)
Director: Tom Hooper
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 French novel of the same name, Tom Hooper’s adaptation of the historical epic features an ensemble cast led by the charming Hugh Jackman. Starting shortly after the French Revolution and helmed by a strong costume and production design, this is a remake worth watching.
After being in development hell for several years but eventually receiving praise at its Leicester Square premiere, Anne Hathaway’s performance as Fatine is sweetly superb and surely one you will not want to miss and will give you a chance to belt out I Dreamed A Dream. Zach Omitowoju
The Raid (2011)
Director: Gareth Evans
Fans of action movies have what seems like an endless selection on Netflix; but if you were to pick one based on its fight choreography and set pieces alone, then The Raid might just be a storey above the rest. The film has a simple premise: twenty cops must climb thirty floors to seize a wanted crime kingpin.
There’s not exactly much in the way of plot beyond that, but nonetheless Evans and the crew of superb stuntmen succeed in providing two hours of thrilling and innovative showdowns. The tension rises and more allies fall with each flight of stairs, making for an enthralling watch that doesn’t loosen its grip until the very last shot. Jamie Morris