Oscar-season is truly in full force with the release of Rob Marshall’s (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) new film Nine, an adaptation of the Tony award-winning musical based on Federico Fellini’s 8½.

Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) is an ageing director feeling both the ravages of writer’s block as he tries to prepare for his next movie, and the impending threat of his wife (Cotillard) leaving him. As such they travel to Italy in order to try and reignite their marriage, when they are tracked down. Guido is haunted by the various women in his life – be they mother, mistress or muse.

With a cast list that any director would happily chew his own arm off for, including Daniel Day- Lewis, Penélope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench, comes one of the most heavily-tipped films of the award season. With fantastic performances all round, special praise should be given for both Marion Cotillard and Cruz for their roles as the central figure’s two conflicting love-interests; this is probably the best film that Rob Marshall has ever been associated with. It’s a rare musical treat that really must not be missed in this term’s schedule. So come along and don’t forget... be Italian!