7 h. ago I was warned my children would be ripped in half when we divorced. But I had no idea just how brutal custody cases can be

My experience of court was eye-opening. And when I sat in on other cases, I realised how often mothers are vilifiedIt’s 1836 and the French writer George Sand is swimming in the River Indre with her clothes on, weighed down by layers of ankle-length fabric. To anyone passing by, she must look mad or worse – driven by a death wish. But for her there is the relief of cool water sluicing hot skin, after walking for hours in 30C heat. She’s been moving all day because if she stops she’ll remember how frightened she is: she’s about to go to court to fight for her children against a husband driven by punitive anger.Custodire. To care. To look after. To guard. To restrain. Maternal care is, we are constantly told, the most natural of functions. But for century after century, women who transgress the expected norms of what a mother should be have battled for their children and been found wanting. Maternal care comes at a price when the law is involved. And all too often custody can be more ...

Events

6 d. ago ‘A celebration of the carefree’: why Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is my feelgood movie

The latest in our series of writers celebrating their favourite comfort watches is an ode to John Hughes’s 1980s classicIt’s hard to ignore a film’s message when the main character is addressing you directly down the barrel of the camera. Granted, the first time I watched the 1986 teen comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, I was the impressionable age of 11 and “Look people in the eyes when they’re talking to you” was on constant rotation in my household. So my green eyes met Ferris’s brown ones and I took it all in.Centred around Matthew Broderick’s playful turn as Ferris Bueller, a high school senior faking illness to skip school, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is certainly a celebration of the carefree, though the story is by no means languid. Made frantic by doing the thing you’re not supposed to do with the aid of a red Ferrari, the day speeds by in comparison to the fictional days of other American teen films, such as American Graffiti and Dazed & Confused – which, to be fair, featur...

Culture

8 d. ago Protesters sue ICE to stop ‘unconstitutional’ Minnesota actions after Renee Good’s killing

Minneapolis residents say ICE fired pepper spray into moving cars and threatened to break windows the same day of her death

Events

2 w. ago Theatre reviews: Oor Wee Mammie McGoose | It's a Wonderful Life | The Burns Project

This year’s Kirkcaldy panto is a heartwarming gem, writes Joyce McMillan, while Oran Mor rolls out a thought-provoking stage version of classic Christmas film It’s A Wonderful Life

Events

3 w. ago Harrowing reason Jim Carrey needed a TORTURE expert to endure playing The Grinch

Jim, 63, played the iconic green-furred Christmas-hating character in 2000 film How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Politics

3 w. ago So how well do you know your festive films? Take our Christmas quiz and find out

From festive favourites to stars' real names, test your film trivia knowledge with the Daily Mail's Christmas movie quiz.

Politics

3 w. ago Love Actually's Sam is all grown up and people won't believe who he's married to

Thomas Brodie-Sangster played Sam in the hit 2003 Christmas film Love Actually and now he's gone on to have a successful acting career and is married to a famous actress who has a controversial ex

Politics

3 w. ago Daily Star's controversial Christmas film opinions that will make your blood boil

EXCLUSIVE: Christmas is a time of joy, cheer and happiness for all to hear - if you're interested in spoiling all that and ruining your day, then by all means read on...

Events

3 w. ago Home Alone fans stunned to learn the movie wasn't filmed in THAT famous house

It's the film that is on everyone's screens over the Christmas period.

Society

3 w. ago Think you know The Holiday? Test your knowledge of the cosy Christmas film

It's quiz time - how well do you know the 2006 hit starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet?

Politics

3 w. ago Where are the cast of Nativity now? From a popular child star changing their name and shunning the spotlight to a European champion dancer 

It's the fan-favourite film that comes around every year at Christmas.

Culture

3 w. ago People just learn why Sally in Nightmare Before Christmas has a familiar voice

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a hugely popular festive film – but despite this, many people are only just discovering who voiced the iconic character of Sally

Politics

3 w. ago Little girl from The Holiday is now a mother but still gets 'gross' DMs from old men

Miffy Englefield played Jude Law's daughter Sophie in the Christmas film favourite, The Holiday. The 26-year-old is now a mum herself, but still receives inappropriate messages from older fans

Politics

3 w. ago The Muppet Christmas Carol director explains personal reason behind missing characters

Michael Caine starred in the 1992 children’s film alongside a cast of puppets

Events

3 w. ago Film 4 Christmas Day movie 'should be blue print for all rom

The 1999 romantic comedy is available to watch on Film 4 this evening

Culture

3 w. ago Harry Potter fans settle debate on whether Philosopher's Stone is a Christmas film

The Harry Potter films are a festive watch for many people but they are not technically Christmas movies.

Politics

3 w. ago 'I watched Home Alone this Christmas and spotted some major issues with it'

Many people love watching Home Alone at Christmas time, however one dad has pointed out the 'major issues' with it that viewers seem to ignore each festive season

Politics

3 w. ago Elf actress explains why she won't watch iconic Christmas film with her kids

The actress said that the movie was a bit 'scary' for her kids

Culture

3 w. ago Home Alone quiz: How well do you know the classic Christmas film?

Test your knowledge on this festive film with these 20 questions

Politics

3 w. ago What's on TV today? Here are 7 Christmas Eve TV highlights including Home Alone and Two Doors Down

If you’re wondering what’s on TV this Christmas Eve, here are a few highlights.

Politics