Grave of the Fireflies / Persepolis12A

Day two of our AniMAYtion weekender will look at themes of war and conflict through the lens of two incredibly moving animated dramas, one looking at the human cost of the Second World War and the other being a girls-eye-view of the Islamic Revolution during the 1970s and 1980s.

3.45pm GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES
Dir. Isao Takahata. Japan,1988. 1h 29m. Japanese/subs.
In the final months of World War Two, an orphaned brother and sister roam the streets of Kobe after their home is destroyed by an American air raid. After a falling out with their aunt, they move into an abandoned bomb shelter where they rely on each other to stay together and stay alive. A heartbreaking meditation on the human cost of war that is revered as one of Studio Ghibli’s most profoundly beautiful and unforgettably haunting animations.

5.45pm PERSEPOLIS
Dir. Marjane Satrapi & Vincent Paronnaud. France/Iran, 2007. 1h 36m. French/subs.
In 1970s Iran, a smart and rebellious young girl experiences the turmoil of adolescence during the tyrannical Iranian Revolution. As the regime becomes increasingly repressive and members of her family begin to disappear, she flees to Europe in search of a new life. A stylish, politically charged, and staunchly feminist animation adapted from Marjane Satrapi’s award-winning autobiographical graphic novel. Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2008 Academy Awards.

One ticket grants you admission to both screenings. Tickets cost £20 with a ‘Pay Less’ option of £15 (for those whose budget can’t currently stretch to pay standard prices) and a ‘Pay More’ option of £25 (for those who can afford to pay a little more). There are no ads or trailers before each screening. Seating is unallocated. We have scheduled a 30min break between both films.

Tickets for the whole weekend can be purchased by clicking here.

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed Grave of the Fireflies / Persepolis between May 28, 2023 and May 28, 2023.

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What else is on?

Today (Wednesday 30th July)

15:00

Harakiri 15
2h 14m | Japanese w/ English subtitles
A samurai’s plea for ritual suicide hides a quiet rebellion. As his past unfolds, a brutal hypocrisy is laid bare. Harakiri is a masterwork of honour, vengeance, and emotional power. An essential entry in the canon of Japanese cinema.

Book here

17:45

Elio PG
Deaf/HOH Subtitles
1h 38m
Pixar’s newest hero is a lonely boy catapulted into the cosmic spotlight. Mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, Elio must charm aliens, conquer fears, and find himself in a galaxy of wonders. A vibrant, heartfelt tale of belonging across the stars.

Book here

20:00

The Other Way Around 12A
1h 54m | Spanish w/ English subtitles
Breaking up has never looked so charming or complicated. A film-loving Spanish couple’s plan for a graceful split dissolves into emotional chaos in Jonás Trueba’s witty, bittersweet spin on the romantic comedy.

Book here


Tomorrow (Thursday 31st July)

15:45

Elio PG
1h 38m
Pixar’s newest hero is a lonely boy catapulted into the cosmic spotlight. Mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, Elio must charm aliens, conquer fears, and find himself in a galaxy of wonders. A vibrant, heartfelt tale of belonging across the stars.

Book here

18:15

Metropolitan 15
+ Director Q&A
1h 38m
In Whit Stillman’s acclaimed debut, upper-class friends debate politics in a Manhattan apartment until a sharp outsider disrupts their bubble. Celebrated for its satire, the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Director Q&A follows this screening.

Book here

21:00

Metropolitan 15
+ Director Intro
1h 38m
In Whit Stillman’s acclaimed debut, upper-class friends debate politics in a Manhattan apartment until a sharp outsider disrupts their bubble. Celebrated for its satire, the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. Director Q&A follows this screening.

Book here


Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road. We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We don’t show adverts, just a couple of trailers, so don't be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!