6 films to watch this week…that are not Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Hands up if you don’t get the hype surrounding Star Wars—it’s all right, you’re not alone. Instead, you can catch some of the more unknown but nonetheless worthy films to watch. Check them out: 

Tamasha (Dec 16)

In this latest Bollywood blockbuster, Ved and Tara meet on a French island, but decide not to tell each other who they really are and promise never to meet again. Romance ensues, and then ends. But when they meet by chance back in India, they discover they are not who they seemed to be on vacation. Can their love survive? Golden Village Vivocity or City Square, various timings from 6:20pm

Macbeth (Dec 18-20, 23)

The droolworthy Michael Fassbender plays Macbeth in the newest adaptation of this Shakespeare play. Lit nerds, watch as how this Thane becomes so obsessed with becoming king that he becomes cruel and ruthless. Look out for Marion Cotillard,  who plays Lady Macbeth in this one. The Projector, various timings from 9pm

Taxi Tehran (Dec 18, 20, 22)

The newest hyper-real film by Jafar Panahi (banned by the Iranian government from making films) won the Golden Bear at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival. Panahi plays a version of himself, a filmmaker who now drives a taxi, listening to the people of Tehran as they sit in his backseat. Expect to hear lots of social commentary from all walks of life. The Projector, various timings from 7pm

Entre Les Bas (Dec 19)

This documentary follows Michel Bras who runs a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Aubrac. The chef hands over the reins of this place to his son, who has to take over without remaining in his father’s shadow. The film shows three generations of chefs and how knowledge is passed to keep the trade alive. Alliance Francaise, 7pm

Edward Scissorhands (Dec 19, 25, 26, 30)

It’s a good time to catch Tim Burton’s cult classic. A mad scientist dies and leaves behind his creation, who is the titular character of the movie, played by a young Johnny Depp. At first accepted by the suburban community he stumbles into, Edward Scissorhands is gradually shunned. Wax nostalgic about the then “it couple,” Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder in this one. The Screening Room, various timings from 6pm

The Assassin (Dec 20)

Set in 9th century China, Yang Nieyang (Shu Qi) is sent back to the land of her birth to kill the man she was betrothed to. It’s all about choosing between love and duty, with some cool martial arts moves in this one. The film’s director, Hou Hsiao-Hsien bagged the Best Director award at this year’s Cannes, too. The Projector, 2:30pm