OPENING FRIDAY

‘The Birth of a Nation’ **1/2

Nate Parker wrote, directed and stars as literate slave and preacher Nat Turner, who led a bloody pre-Civil War uprising with the hope of freeing his people. With Armie Hammer, Mark Boone Jr., Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis, Dwight Henry. Story by Parker and Jean McGianni Celestin. (R, 2:00)

‘The Girl on the Train’ ***

Consumed by her recent divorce, a young woman fantasizes about a perfect couple during her daily commute until she witnesses something terrible, embroiling her in a mystery. With Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Allison Janney. Written by Erin Cressida Wilson, Tate Taylor, based on the novel by Paula Hawkins. Directed by Taylor. (R, 1:52)

‘Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life’

(Not reviewed)

An imaginative, discipline-averse adolescent sets out to break every rule in the book at his new school. With Griffin Gluck, Lauren Graham, Thomas Barbusca, Isabela Moner. Written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Kara Holden, based on the novel by James Patterson and Chris Tebbetts. Directed by Steve Carr. (PG, 1:32)

‘Voiceless’

(Not reviewed)

Christian pro-life film about a recently discharged soldier (Rusty Joiner) who tries to stop an abortion clinic from opening across the street from his church. (PG-13, 1:47) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18

NOW PLAYING

‘The Age of Shadows’

(Not reviewed)

A Korean police captain (Song Kang-ho) working in a Japanese police force is tasked with infiltrating an armed resistance group fighting for Korean independence, led by Kim Woo-Jin (Gong Yoo). Directed by Kim Jee-woon. In Korean with English subtitles. (NR, 2:20) At Pearlridge West

‘Barcelona: A Love Untold’

(Not reviewed)

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo star in a romantic drama about two people in Spain trying to escape their pasts. Directed by Olivia M. Lamasan. In Filipino with English subtitles. (NR, 2:10) At Kapolei 16 and Pearlridge West

‘Bridget Jones’s Baby’ ***

Renee Zellweger returns for her third outing as Britain’s most famous singleton, who finds herself alone, pregnant and unsure — of the father’s identity. With Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones and Emma Thompson. Written by Helen Fielding, Thompson and Dan Mazer, based on the characters and story created by Fielding. Directed by Sharon Maguire. (R, 2:02) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18

‘Deepwater Horizon’ ***

Mark Wahlberg stars in this dramatization of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico disaster and the men and women who acted heroically in its wake. With Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez and Kate Hudson. Written by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Matthew Sand; screen story by Sand; based on a New York Times article by David Barstow, David Rohde and Stephanie Saul. Directed by Peter Berg. Imax 2-D. (PG-13, 1:47)

‘The Dressmaker’ **

A woman (Kate Winslet) returns to Australia from Paris to face her mother (Judy Davis) and confront her past through fashion. With Liam Hemsworth and Hugo Weaving. Written by P.J. Hogan and Jocelyn Moorhouse, based on the novel by Rosalie Ham. Directed by Moorhouse. (R, 1:58) At Kahala 8

‘Hillsong: Let Hope Rise’

(Not reviewed)

A hugely popular Australian Christian band plays stadium shows and spreads the mission of its namesake church around the world in this documentary. Directed by Michael John Warren. (PG, 1:43) At Pearl Highlands Stadium 12

‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ ****

Animated Japanese fantasy about a boy, his magical instrument and the enchanted creatures who help him to heal a long-ago rift and reunite his family. Voices of Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron. Written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler. Directed by Travis Knight. (PG, 1:41) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18

‘L.O.R.D. — Legend of Ravaging Dynasties’

(Not reviewed)

Chinese motion-capture, action-fantasy-adventure film starring Fan Bing Bing, Kris Wu, Cheney Chen Xue Dong, William Chan, Amber Kuo, Lin Yun, Kevin Yan Kuan and Roy Wang. Based on the novel of the same name. (NR, 1:58) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18

‘The Magnificent Seven’ **1/2

Townsfolk hire a septet of outlaws to defend them against a malevolent industrialist in this revision of the 1960 classic Western, based on Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai.” With Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Haley Bennett and Peter Sarsgaard. Written by Nic Pizzolatto and Richard Wenk. Directed by Antoine Fuqua. Imax 2-D. (PG-13, 2:12)

‘Masterminds’ **1/2

An armored truck driver is lured into an absurd robbery scheme by his work crush and is then set up to take the fall. With Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson and Kristen Wiig. Written by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer and Emily Spivey. Directed by Jared Hess. (PG-13, 1:34)

‘Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children’ **

A young boy discovers access to a fantastical place where the residents possess special powers and danger lurks deep. With Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O’Dowd, Allison Janney and Rupert Everett. Written by Jane Goldman, based on the novel written by Ransom Riggs. Directed by Tim Burton. (PG-13, 2:07)

‘Queen of Katwe’ ***

Chess transforms the world of a young Ugandan girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the slums when a missionary (David Oyelowo) teaches her the game and encourages her to follow her dreams. With Lupita Nyong’o. Written by William Wheeler. Directed by Mira Nair. (PG, 2:04) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Kahala 8

‘Sausage Party’ **1/2

A supermarket meat byproduct leads other foodstuffs on an existential quest in this R-rated animated comedy. Voices of Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig and Jonah Hill. Written by Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter and Ariel Shaffir; story by Rogen, Goldberg and Hill. Directed by Conrad Vernon and Greg Tiern. (R, 1:29)

‘Snowden’ **

Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars as Edward Snowden, the former CIA operative who was hailed as both a hero and traitor to the U.S. for leaking illegal surveillance activities by the National Security Agency. With Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto and Tom Wilkinson. Written by Kieran Fitzgerald and Oliver Stone. Directed by Stone. (R, 2:14) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Pearl Highlands Stadium 12

‘Storks’ **1/2

Animated adventure in which the long-legged birds deliver packages for an internet giant until one of them inadvertently activates the dormant Baby Making Machine. With the voices of Andy Samberg, Kelsey Grammer and Katie Crown. Written by Nicholas Stoller. Directed by Stoller and Doug Sweetland. (PG, 1:29)

‘Suicide Squad’*1/2

The best of the worst in villainy are recruited by the government to take on an unstoppable enemy. With Will Smith, Jared Leto and Margot Robbie. Written and directed by David Ayer. Based on characters from DC Comics. Imax 3-D. (PG-13, 2:10) At Dole Cannery Stadium 18 and Pearl Highlands Stadium 12

‘Sully’ ***1/2

Tom Hanks stars as Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, the US Airways pilot who safely landed a jet carrying 155 passengers on the Hudson River in 2009 but faced an investigation that questioned his judgment and threatened his career. With Aaron Eckhart and Laura Linney. Written by Todd Komarnicki, based on the book “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters,” by Sullenberger. Directed by Clint Eastwood. (PG-13, 1:36)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

College football

10 a.m. Saturday at Koko Marina and Ko‘olau Stadium 10, $12

The University of Hawaii Warriors take on the San Jose State Spartans at CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, Calif.

‘Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders’

7:30 and 10 p.m. Monday at Dole Cannery Stadium 18, $11-$13

Animated superhero film based on the 1960s Batman TV series has Joker, Penguin, Riddler and Catwoman joining forces to take down Gotham City. Directed by Rick Morales with voices by Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newman. (PG, 1:35)

National Theatre Live: ‘The Threepenny Opera’

7 p.m. Tuesday at Kahala 8, $20

Simon Stephens’ new adaptation of Brecht and Weill’s 1928 show stars Olivier Award-winner Rory Kinnear as Macheath, Haydn Gwynne as Mrs. Peachum and Rosalie Craig as Polly Peachum. (R, 1:53)

National Theatre Live: ‘The Deep Blue Sea’

2 p.m. Wednesday at Kahala 8, $20

Helen McCrory and Tom Burke star in this devastating masterpiece, the story of a free-spirited woman in a passionless marriage whose affair with a troubled former military pilot leads to emotional turmoil and despair. (NR, 2:10)

Harry Potter IMAX event

Thursday through Oct. 16 at Dole Cannery Stadium 18

Catch all eight Potter movies. Individual showings cost $6.28; day pass (four films will be shown each day) is $20.94; or event pass (entry to any film on the four days) is $31.41. For a complete list of films and times go to fandango.com.

ARTHOUSE

DORIS DUKE THEATRE

Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania St. (532-8768, honolulumuseum.org); $10, $8 members

‘Samurai I: Musashi Miyamoto’

1 p.m. Friday through Sunday

In the first part of the epic “Samurai” trilogy, Toshiro Mifune is a romantic dreamer who envisions achieving military glory during a time of civil war in the 17th-century countryside. Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1954, Japan, 1:33)

‘Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple’

7:30 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Tuesday

In the second chapter of the “Samurai” trilogy, swordsman Musashi Miyamoto extends his path to spiritual enlightenment while growing distant from the two women who love him. The climax of the story features one of Japanese cinema’s “most rousingly choreographed conflicts,” filled with stimulating cinematography and a reverberating score. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1955, Japan, 1:43)

‘Samurai III: Duel at Ganryu Island’

7:30 p.m. Saturday and Tuesday

In the trilogy’s final installment, Musashi Miyamoto shuns the samurai life and becomes a farmer in a remote village while his nemesis works for the shogun. An intense battle sequence ensues after circumstances bring them back together for one final showdown. (1956, Japan, 1:44)

‘Ran’

1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

Inspired by Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” legendary director Akira Kurosawa’s film is about an aging lord who entrusts his kingdom to his three sons. A power struggle ensues when he is betrayed by his two eldest sons with the help of the scheming Lady Kaede. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1985, Japan, 2:42)

MOVIE MUSEUM

3566 Harding Ave. (735-8771); $5, $4 members

‘Ugetsu’

Noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Friday; 1:45, 5:15 and 8:45 p.m. Monday

In war-torn 16th-century Japan, a potter risks his life selling his works to both sides, while a farmer with no skills or armor sets off to become a samurai. Blinded by greed, the ambitious men leave behind their wives, only to pursue a journey that leads them astray. For ages 12 and older. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1953, Japan, 1:36)

‘Hunt for the Wilderpeople’

1:45, 5:15 and 8:45 p.m. Friday

Rebellious 13-year-old Ricky is sent to live with his new foster aunt and uncle in the New Zealand wilderness. When Ricky and his uncle get lost in the forest, Ricky’s nemesis from Child Welfare Services sends an army to “rescue” them, turning the duo into notorious outlaws. Rated PG-13. (2016, New Zealand, 1:41)

‘Swiss Army Man’

Noon, 1:45, 3:30, 5:15, 7 and 8:45 p.m. Saturday

In this off-the-rocker comedy, a suicidal castaway is saved by a flatulent dead man played by Daniel Radcliffe. Rated R. (2016, 1:37)

‘Off Season’ (‘Hors Saison’)

Noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Sunday

As Valentin walks through the ballrooms and corridors of a formerly grand hotel his family once owned, childhood memories come alive one last time before the hotel is set to be torn down. For ages 12 and older. In German and French with English subtitles. (1992, France/Switzerland/Germany, 1:35)

‘Ghosts’

1:45, 5:15 and 8:45 p.m. Sunday

A young Chinese woman pays $25,000 to be smuggled into the United Kingdom in search of work in order to support her infant son, only to be forced into mediocre agricultural jobs while her family back home is threatened by moneylenders. Based on a true story. For ages 12 and older. In Mandarin and English with English subtitles. (2006, U.K., 1:36)

‘Shiro Amakusa, The Christian Rebel’ (‘Amakusa Shiro Tokisada’)

Noon, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Monday

In 1637 a Christian revolt in Shimabara led to a peasant community of Japanese Catholics rebelling against their samurai overlords, who starved and tortured them into recanting their faith. For ages 15 and older. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1962, Japan, 1:41)

‘Lady Kasuga’ (‘Jotei: Kasuga no tsubone’)

12:15, 4:30 and 8:45 p.m. Thursday

Prior to being given the title of Lady Kasuga in 1629, Ofuku was known as the wet nurse to the future third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and for establishing the Ooku (Edo Castle’s women’s quarters) in 1607, but was she more than just his wet nurse? For ages 15 and older. In Japanese with English subtitles. (1990, Japan, 1:54)

‘Memories of Tomorrow’ (‘Ashita no kioku’)

2:15 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday

A well-liked ad executive who constantly forgets his clients’ names, meetings and routes receives bad news when he is diagnosed with early-onset dementia. For ages 12 and older. In Japanese with English subtitles. (2006, Japan, 2:02)