Broken (2012)

Bleak, disturbing and brilliant drama about the inhabitants of a cul-de-sac in north London. 

It’s presented from the perspective of Emily "Skunk" Cunningham (Eloise Laurence), a diabetic girl who witnesses a violent act committed by one neighbour on another. 

Various threads relating to three families – all “broken” in various ways – are expertly woven together. It becomes increasingly harrowing to the point that it’s almost unbearable to watch. In a way it’s like a particularly well-constructed episode of Brookside. 

Rory Kinnear is superb as a desperate, angry father with psychopathic episodes. Tim Roth is fully convincing as Skunk's solicitor father Archie. And Cillian Murphy is believable as the well-meaning teacher Mike. 

By the end you feel quite shaken.

Local Hero (1983)

Directed by Bill Forsyth, this is one of the best films ever – a subtle, heartwarming comedy with great performances and a genuinely touching theme about protecting small communities and the environment.

“Mac” MacIntyre (Peter Riegert) is sent from Knox Oil and Gas in Houston, Texas, to the Scottish village of Ferness to acquire land on which to build an oil refinery. His possibly deranged boss (Burt Lancaster) is obsessed with astronomy and asks Mac to report back on activities in the sky. But when Mac begins to get to know locals such as hotel owner/accountant Gordon (Denis Lawson) and his wife Stella (Jennifer Black), his priorities start to change. 

The Highlands scenery looks beautiful and there are many hilarious moments. They work because the characters are drawn so well. There’s a richness that means you can watch it again and again. And like Danny (Peter Capaldi), it’s difficult not to fall in love with the mermaid-like marine researcher Marina (Jenny Seagrove).