A selection of the very best work by a woman widely considered to be among the world's greatest living actresses, this strand mixes sweeping romances with challenging social issues films and, of course, some lighthearted fun. It's a great chance to catch some films now considered classics yet rarely seen on the big screen.
The Bridges Of Madison County
(Country: US; Year: 1995; Director: Clint Eastwood; Writer: Richard LaGravenese, based on the book by Robert James Waller; Stars: Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley)
A lonely housewife has a passionate four day long affair with a photographer whom she offers to show around the bridges where she lives.
A Cry In The Dark (Evil Angels)
(Country: Australia, US; Year: 1988; Director: Fred Schepisi; Writer: Robert Caswell, adapted from the book by John Bryson.; Stars: Meryl Streep, Sam Neill, Dale Reeves)
The true story of Lindy Chamberlain, who faced a murder trial after her baby disappeared, despite her protests that the girl had been snatched by a dingo.
The Devil Wears Prada
(Country: US; Year: 2006; Director: David Frankel; Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna, based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger; Stars: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Adrien Grenier, Tracie Thoms, Rich Sommer)
A young journalist struggles to survive in the cut-throat world of fashion.
The Deer Hunter
(Country: US; Year: 1978; Director: Michael Cimino; Writer: Michael Cimino, Deric Washburn; Stars: Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, Meryl Streep)
Three steelworkers leave their home town to fight in the Vietnam War, never anticipating the impact it will have on their lives.
The French Lieutenant's Woman
(Year: 1981; Director: Karel Reisz; Writer: Harold Pinter, based on the book by John Fowles.; Stars: Meryl Streep, Jeremy Irons, Hilton McRae)
Actors working on a film about a stigmatised woman and the man who finds himself drawn to her discover that their own lives are taking a similar turn.
Ironweed
(Country: US; Year: 1987; Director: Hector Babenco; Writer: William Kennedy, based on his own book.; Stars: Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Carroll Baker)
A schizophrenic, alcoholic former basketball player and a homeless woman struggling to cling to her dignity find inspiration in one another.
Kramer Vs Kramer (Kramer Versus Kramer)
(Country: US; Year: 1979; Director: Robert Benton; Writer: Robert Benton, based on the book by Avery Corman.; Stars: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry)
A bitter divorce sees two people fighting for custody of their son.
Out Of Africa
(Country: US; Year: 1985; Director: Sydney Pollack; Writer: Kurt Luedtke; Stars: Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer)
A Danish plantation owner and a big game hunter have a passionate affair in colonial Kenya.
Sophie's Choice
(Country: US; Year: 1982; Director: Alan J. Pakula; Writer: Alan J. Pakula, based on the book by William Styron.; Stars: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Peter MacNicol)
A concentration camp survivor finds romance with a young man obsessed by the Holocaust, but both have secrets and complex problems that threaten their uneasy peace.
