mcdt

Detectorists is about two friends, played by Toby Jones and Mackenzie Cook, who are, as the title suggests, metal detectorists in their spare time, of which it seems they have quite a lot of. The show focuses on friendship and rivalry in a small English country town. It is humorous, but don't expect a laugh-out-loud joke every few seconds. It's subtle and slow-moving, and more about the atmosphere and people relations than a suspenseful plot, though there is always some sort of mystery or quest at heart. Diana Rigg, in one of her last roles, plays her real-life daughter's mother from Season 2 onwards, and is a delightful addition to the cast. Be sure to catch the Season 2 Christmas special as well.

A Very Secret Service (Au service de la France) is a French satirical comedy about a young secret service agent, André Merlaux. It is very funny and enjoyable, but it will help to have some basic background knowledge of France and Europe in the 1960s, though not much more than knowing who De Gaulle was, the existence of the Resistance during WW2, France's relationship with Algeria, what the Cold War was about and that colonised African countries started to demand independence during this time. The humour is delicate and subtly pokes fun at France's politics and ideologies during a fast-changing world, as well as at bureaucracy and sexism.

This is my favourite Studio Ghibli film, although maybe not their best work (though it's hard to choose!). It's definitely more for adults, but that doesn't mean a younger audience will not enjoy it. I recommend watching it with subtitles. Personally I think Studio Ghibli films, despite being animation, are best watched in their original language, unless you are watching with children, or visually struggle to read subtitles.

Only Yesterday is the story of Taeko, a young woman who works in an office in Tokyo, but longs for a simpler life in the countryside. As she goes on a working holiday, she reflects on her life as a 10-year old in the 1960s. It is directed by Isao Takahata, who also wrote the screenplay, based on the original manga by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone. As a woman, I find it impressive that a man could be so insightful of and sensitive to a girl's childhood! Even though I come from a different culture and era, I could very much identify with Taeko, both as a girl and a young woman. Make sure to watch the credits sequence - a lot is happening and will bring the film to a satisfactory conclusion.