The Bigger The Beard, The Better The Movie

IT ALL STARTS TODAY

The inspirational-teacher-trapped-in-an-unforgiving-system trope may have been wrung dry by now, but this 1999 French film manages to squeeze out something a little different. Teacher Daniel struggles to make a difference in the lives of his students while facing his own problems at home. It’s a story told in small, standalone moments of victory and defeat, all from Daniel’s perspective. He just can’t win against the faceless, endless obstacles against him. It’s strange that the film never tries to explore the other sides of the story, but that deliberate exclusion is also what gives the film its spark. (Unrated) Plays at noon, 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 26 and noon and 8:15 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Movie Museum

PRIDE

Based on the unlikely-but-true story of gay and lesbian activists from London advocating for striking miners in Wales in 1984, this movie hits all the clichés and feel-good moments you would expect from such a socially progressive premise. Margaret Thatcher is vilified, the narrow-minded learn to be a little more open, and even if everything isn’t all sunshine and cotton candy at the end, steps have been taken toward a better future. Luckily, the film buoys itself above convention on its dry British comedic roots and strong performances from Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton. (R)

Plays at noon, 2:15, 4:30 and 6:45 p.m. Dec. 28 at the Movie Museum

UNBROKEN

Angelina Jolie’s much-hyped directorial debut is beautiful, sweeping and, well, kind of bland. Based on the remarkable life of Louis Zamperini, a track star at the 1936 Berlin Olympics who went on to suffer as a Japanese POW in World War II, the film dutifully drags itself through a series of Zamperini’s significant life milestones. His life was amazing (and excellently portrayed by Jack O’Connell here), but Jolie’s film does little to explain to audiences why Zamperini was any more unbreakable than his fellow soldiers. All the pieces for a great film are here — except a soul. (PG-13)

Opens Dec. 25 at Kahala Theatre