Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet drama has positive messages on community and teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Save the Cinema
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SAVE THE CINEMA takes place in a small town in South West Wales, at the beginning of the 1990s. The local mayor (Adeel Akhtar) has agreed to knock down a local youth theater -- but it won't be as easy an undertaking as he imagined. This is thanks to local resident Liz Evans (Samantha Morton), who isn't ready to go down without a fight, even seeking to bring Hollywood director Steven Spielberg into the mix.
Is It Any Good?
This feel-good movie plays out just as you'd expect it to, but in a comforting and familiar way. Perhaps lacking a little in originality, Save the Cinema makes up for that with a great deal of heart, as the sort of film you'd happily put on for all the family on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The ensemble cast is impressive. Morton is great, as always, in the leading role, while there are strong supporting turns from the likes of Akhtar, Jonathan Pryce, and Susan Wokoma.
There's something endearingly Welsh about it all too, with an infectious community spirit. And of course, in the true spirit of the Welsh, there is singing, which is hugely emotional. The character's resilience is also inspiring, specifically that of the women that make up this tale. This is a movie that manages to be empowering without striving to be anything of the sort, just telling a honest tale in a pleasing, gentle manner -- and the results are gratifying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Save the Cinema portrays teamwork. How did the community come together to help protect the local cinema? Why is teamwork such an important character strength? Can you think of a time when you've displayed good teamwork?
Discuss the women characters in the movie. Would you describe any as positive role models? If so, who and why? Why media role models matter.
Gentrification is a leading theme in the movie. What are the positives of gentrification and what are the negatives? Have you seen any examples of gentrification where you live?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How was drinking and smoking portrayed in the movie? Was it glamorized? Were there consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 14, 2022
- Cast : Samantha Morton , Tom Felton , Adeel Akhtar
- Director : Sara Sugarman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sky Cinema
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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