Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (12a) Dir: Peter Jackson

Another third, but this time somewhat more ravished by critics, the final piece of this celluloid jigsaw incorporates spectacular battle scenes and a wonderful summing up of previous story strands. Showing: Conquest Theatre, Bromyard

The Last Samurai (15) Dir: Edward Zwick

Tom Cruise is back, slashing heart strings as he leads an historical epic that follows his personal journey from disillusioned cavalry man to glorious battle. Romance included.

Showing: Hereford Odeon, Ludlow Assembly Rooms

Cold Mountain (15) Dir: Anthony Minghella

Oscar-nominated Jude Law is separated from sweetheart Nicole Kidman by the traumas of the American Civil War, and it takes them a lot of celluloid minutes to find each other again. Based on the novel by Charles Frazier, it'll prompt endless dinner party conversation over which is the better. Showing: Wyeside Builth Wells

Chicago (12a) Dir: Rob Marshall

First performed as a stage show in 1975, this film version, starring Richard Gere, Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zita Jones, has been winning hearts and Oscars ever since it was released in 2002. Showing: Presteigne Film Society - fund raiser (Feb 7 only).

Girl with a Pearl Earring (12) Dir: Peter Webber

Based on Tracy Chevalier's novel, this drama unfolds the story of a peasant girl, forced to work as a maid in the home of painter, Johannes Vermeer, eventually becoming the model for what became one of his most famous works. Showing: Malvern Theatres.

Touching The Void (15) Dir: Kevin MacDonald

Inspirational story of the two British mountaineers who tried to climb one of the highest mountains in Peru with almost disastrous results. Eye-popping documentary from the Oscar-winning director of One Day In September.

Showing: Hereford Courtyard.