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The Sheffield culture guide written by in-the-know locals

Ran

Akira Kurosawa's Ran is one of the director's most ambitious and visually incredible projects. Regarded to be his last true epic – and widely-regarded as one of the greatest films of all time – taking inspiration from Shakespeare's King Lear, it was Japan's most expensive film at the time of release in 1985.

Not the first time Kurosawa took inspiration from the works of Shakespeare – 1957's Throne of Blood is a reworking of Macbeth, and 1960's The Bad Sleep Well inspired by Hamlet – Ran takes place in 16th century Japan, as an elderly warlord retires and divides his empire between his three sons.

However, he underestimates how power will corrupt them, and cause them to turn on each other... and him.

A breath-taking experience, see this film re-released back on the big screen for its 40th anniversary.

Read a retrospective feature from Reel Steel.

Book now:
The Light / Showroom

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Showroom

Converted from a 1930s art deco car showroom, the Showroom is one of the biggest independent cinemas in Europe – and we'd reckon one of the best. Between the screens and the bar, it's easy to while away whole days here.

The Village Screen

A pop-up cinema bringing modern classic films to incredible locations.

Bring Her Back

Mon. 14 July 2025 — Thu. 31 July 2025

A brother and sister find themselves at the centre of a terrifying ritual at their new foster mother's secluded home. A twisted nightmare around grief from the directors of the exceptional Talk To Me, with a standout performance from Sally Hawkins.

Sheffield Film Festival

Tue. 1 July 2025 — Mon. 1 September 2025

Showroom

Sheffield Film Festival is Showroom Cinema’s annual celebration of its rich film heritage and the thriving film culture of Sheffield and the surrounding region.