November cinema releases include 'Wicked: For Good' and 'Nuremberg'

As the days grow shorter, cinemas up and down the country offer the perfect sanctuary for escapism and broadening horizons. We have selected the most relevant and exciting films suitable for young people that are coming out in November.

These new films explore topics including history, from Ancient Greece to last century's world wars. There is an early glimmer of festive magic in a contemporary, multicultural, and musical twist on a classic Dickens text, as well as the return of Elphaba and Glinda in the land of Oz. Powerful female figures are also at the heart of an inspiring politics documentary and a moving boxing biopic. And animals overcome prejudice in a wild animated sequel.

Many of the films on release this month will also be screening as part of this year's Into Film Festival, a free festival for educators and students all across the United Kingdom. Please follow this link for more information about availability and bookings.

The Marbles (12A) - in cinemas 7 November 

Who owns history? Even in their name, the Parthenon Sculptures stir up this debate, having long been referred to as the Elgin Marbles, after the aristocratic collector who took them from Greece and housed them in the British Museum for over 200 years. Many believe that these ancient artifacts were stolen and should be returned to Athens. This gripping documentary challenges audiences to consider heritage, identity, and post-colonial justice, revealing the legal, political, and emotional stakes behind the diplomatic efforts and fight for repatriation.

The Choral (12A) - in cinemas 7 November 

From author and screenwriter Alan Bennett comes a poignant World War One comedy drama about how art can unite communities in times of fear and uncertainty. In 1916, a village choral society in Yorkshire is left without its male singers, who have gone to war. Enter Dr. Henry Guthrie, a passionate and unconventional choirmaster recently returned from Germany, tasked with rebuilding the choir using local teenagers. As conscription looms, the young recruits find solace and strength in music, while Guthrie's outsider status challenges the village's views on patriotism, identity, and belonging.

Nuremberg (15) - in cinemas 14 November 

This powerful drama puts a spotlight on one of the most significant trials in history, taking place at the end of World War Two. On the 7th of May, 1945, Hermann Göring, second only to Adolf Hitler in the Nazi party, surrenders to the US Army. The Allies debate how to handle captured war criminals: some push for execution, but prosecutor Robert H. Jackson advocates for trials. Meanwhile, psychiatrist Douglas Kelley begins sessions with Göring to assess his fitness for trial and extract intelligence. As the war ends, the groundwork is laid for justice, with Jackson striving to establish legal precedent over vengeance in the face of Nazi atrocities.

Christmas Karma (PG) - in cinemas 14 November 

Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' has enjoyed several film adaptations already (discover some of these available to watch for free* on Into Film+) but beloved director Gurinder Chadha brings an all new, fresh interpretation with a contemporary British-Asian twist. The story follows Mr. Sood, a wealthy and perpetually grumpy businessman, who first arrived in the UK as an Indian refugee, having grown up in Uganda. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by three spirits who challenge him to confront his past, admit to his loneliness and meanness in the present, and finally to look upon the bleak future that awaits him unless he rediscovers empathy. Accompanied by a brilliant array of catchy songs, this joyful film celebrates Britain's diverse communities and the spirit of the season.

This film will also be playing as part of the Into Film Festival, alongside a Q&A with director Gurinder Chadha. 

Prime Minister (12A) - in cinemas 21 November 

This eye-opening documentary closely follows Dame Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, during her tenure in office. Taking up the position at the age of 37, she became the world's youngest female head of government. The documentary explores her commitment to tackling climate change, eradicating child poverty and protecting the country's most vulnerable people. As she guides her country through dynamic change and the Covid-19 pandemic, she also becomes a mother. This is a fascinating look at those at the top of global politics and the sacrifices that are made for both family and country.

This film will also be playing as part of the Into Film Festival, alongside a Q&A with Dame Jacinda Ardern.

Wicked: For Good (PG) - in cinemas 21 November 

This colourful, song-filled sequel based on characters who appeared in the film The Wizard of Oz (available on Into Film+) finds Elphaba, now known as the Wicked Witch of the West, exiled and in hiding within the depths of the Ozian forest where she continues her fight for animal rights. Glinda, meanwhile, sees her popularity soaring, leaving her to reap the rewards of fame in the Emerald City. With an angry mob forming, and a mysterious girl named Dorothy on her way to the city from Kansas, Elphaba and Glinda must find a way to reunite and bring people together.

Catch screenings of Wicked and Wicked: For Good at this year's Into Film Festival.

Zootropolis 2 (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 28 November 

The hugely popular animation Zootropolis (available on Into Film+) gets a long-awaited sequel, using dynamic animal characters to defy stereotype. Detectives Judy Hopps, an optimistic bunny, and Nick Wilde, a former con-artist fox, are police partners in a mammal metropolis where prey and predators live in harmony. The reptile population, on the other hand, have long been shunned. The detective duo now find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious viper called Gary De'Snake, and must go undercover in a new part of town.

This film will be screening as a preview at this year's Into Film Festival.

Christy (15) - in cinemas 28 November 

Christy Martin is credited as being the woman who put female boxing on the map. A coal miner's daughter from West Virginia, she rose to international fame throughout the 1990s and 2000s presenting a fierce public image, but fear presided over her private life. This raw and moving biopic follows Christy's journey of survival and self-discovery, and her abusive relationships with her trainer-turned-husband Jim. Exploring topics including sporting events, domestic violence, and LGBTQ+ identities, the film sheds light on the personal cost of breaking barriers and the courage it takes to reclaim one's life.

• Find out where these films are playing near you with tickets.co.uk

Please note: Film is a powerful tool for learning, helping to develop critical thinking, empathy, and an understanding of different perspectives. Our films have been selected with consideration to age-appropriateness, safeguarding, the curriculum and statutory and non-statutory guidance to schools. Some of our films and resources include sensitive content which is highlighted in the guidance that Into Film provides with each film. Educators should carefully watch or read all elements of any content and must ensure they are following their own school's policies and guidelines prior to using films and resources in the classroom or in after-school clubs. The final decision to use any film or resource sits with teachers, who should decide what is appropriate for their students using their professional judgement and their knowledge of their students, their school context and their community. Teachers must follow their school's safeguarding protocol if a student is distressed or makes a disclosure as a result of the use of any film or other content.

* Screenings for an entertainment or extra-curricular purpose require a PVS (Public Video Screening) Licence from Filmbankmedia. State-funded schools in England are covered by the PVS Licence.

The core Into Film programme is free for UK state schools, colleges and other youth settings, thanks to support from the BFI, awarding National Lottery good cause funding, and through other key funders including Cinema First and Northern Ireland Screen.