Inspired by Slavomir Rawicz’s acclaimed novel, “The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom” as well as other real life accounts, six-time Oscar nominated director Peter Weir’s (“Witness”, “Master And Commander”, and “Dead Poet’s Society”) The Way Back is a remarkable adventure story chronicling the escape of a small group of multi-national prisoners from a Siberian gulag in 1940 and their epic life affirming journey over thousands of miles across five hostile countries. The Way Back stars Ed Harris, Colin Farrell, Jim Sturgess, Saoirse Ronan and Mark Strong. The film is produced by Joni Levin, Peter Weir, Duncan Henderson and Nigel Sinclair from a screenplay by Peter Weir and Keith Clarke.

You will have seen Jim Sturgess most recently in the Peter Weir’s epic tale of survival in The Way Back (in selected cinemas now) alongside Colin Farrell and Ed Harris. This year you will see him in a love fantasy story about two opposing gravitational worlds with Kirsten Dunst called ‘Upside Down’ and the film ‘One Day’ based on the bestselling book by David Nicholls where Jim plays Dexter alongside Anne Hathaway. Many of you probably know Jim Strugess from Across The Universe and 21. He is currently working on Tragic Toys, a musical project with his girlfriend Mickey O’Brien who also plays keys and backing vocals in La Roux.  Here’s Jim’s City Guide to “The Way Back”… to London.

1.  Dennis Severs House – Dennis Severs decided to recreate the 18th and 19th centuries by decorating this amazing Georgian terraced house in Spitafields. When you visit, you have to imagine yourself in another time with the help of your surroundings. www.dennissevershouse.co.uk

2. Dans Le Nior – Dine in the pitch dark with waiters who are blind helping you on your way. Talking points afterwards are what you think the people next to you look like. www.danslenoir.com

3. Whanda Fish Pedicure – There is not too much exotic about London, but close your eyes and you could be swimming in the warm oceans off the Maldives. Either that or you have fallen asleep with your toes in the fish tank again. www.wahanda.com/treatment/fish-pedicure/

4. The Last Tuesday Society – Hackney’s very own Little Shop Of Horrors. You can buy all sorts of things here from two headed lambs to vintage surgical equipment to phrenology heads to great taxidermy. There are also puppet shows, talks, exhibitions on occasion. Be sure to stop at The Cat and Mutton (Broadway Market) after for some supper. www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org

5. Garlic and Shots – 101 different vodka shots and garlic EVERYWHERE – probably not the best for a first date or before a first date. www.garlicandshots.com

6. The Bath House Avenue – Have dinner here or just drink and be merry but you are guaranteed a decadent turn back in time to a hedonistic London. Saturdays and Sunday evenings recommended for burlesque night. www.thebathhousevenue.com

7. Hampstead Heath Park – Go for a walk on Hampstead Heath. All year round it is lovely – wide open space in the centre of London for absolutely any outdoor activity. Lots of lovely cosy pubs nearby when finishing your outdoor adventures.

8. Portobello Road – Its good on Saturdays for the antiques that line Portobello road. Buy and old bassoon or football, some cool old compasses, decanters and pictures. But always finish with a red velvet cupcake at Hummingbird Bakery.

9. Camden’s Brick Lane – On a Sunday walk from Liverpool Street, round Spitafields and through to Brick Lane. Enter into the market and Search for lots of amazing food from all around the world – great vintage furniture, clothes, records and jewelry.

10. The Slaughtered Lamb – The Slaughtered Lamb is a Lovely pub for good roasts with classy vintage wall fans and nice lighting. Upstairs can get crowded, but venture downstairs for acoustic music. www.electroacousticclub.com – By: Jim Sturgess

When I had learned that Lily, 13 years old, was asked to write an essay on a person who inspires her I was pleasantly surprised and overly flattered when she had chosen me. The words Lily wrote have touched my heart. I just adore her and am thrilled to be a part of her life and get the opportunity to watch her grow up. After recently reading this I had to share her words with my readers. – Taryn Cox for THE WIFE.

What can I say about the lovely, talented and amazing Taryn Lindsey Cox? When I first met Taryn she was wearing a blue, Marc Jacobs dress, her hair in a ponytail and black flats. What a perfect role model? Taryn is all about style, her manners and of course her love of the 1950’s. But, this is about 50% of Taryn’s interests. The other 50% is about one word-Wife. Taryn’s life, you could say, is all planned out. A big, white wedding, 4 kids, a husband and 2 dogs. Perfect.

Taryn is so fun. She is the one who knows how to have a good time. For Halloween we carved pumpkins and made caramel apples but, my favorite thing to do with Taryn on a cloudy day, is go out to lunch and see a movie. We love the same types movies. When were in the theater and a trailer comes on, we look at each other and say “I wanna see that.”

Taryn is like my big sister or second mom.  But, more like me. When Taryn comes to take care of me and my brother when my parents are away, the one thing I say is. “But, you have to pick out my out fit tomorrow.” The number one thing Taryn always has, is style. Lets just say she never leaves the house with out it. It’s funny because she’ll wear something and I’ll say it looks weird…one year later…Taryn can you get me… That thing! I’m crazy but Taryn always knows.

Taryn is the best cook, like ever. I love when she cooks for us. She always puts on fun music to cook to and its so funny because she sings and dances around the kitchen, like Cinderella. Over all Taryn is a sweet, caring, motherly, fashionable, accomplished women I dream of being when I grow up. She is the best role model a girl can have, and I feel so lucky to even know here, let alone her being like the big sister I’ve always dreamed of.

– by: Lily Rosenthal

Black Swan is a 2010 American film directed by Darren Aronofsky and starring Natalie Portman,Vincent Cassel, and Mila Kunis. Described as a psychological thriller or a psychological horror  film, its plot revolves around a production of  Swan Lake by a prestigious New York City  ballet company. As is usual with all productions of the ballet, the production requires a ballerina to play both the innocent White Swan and the sensual Black Swan. One dancer, Nina (Portman), is a perfect fit for the White Swan, while Lily (Kunis) has a personality that matches the Black Swan. When the two compete for the parts, Nina finds a dark side to herself. In Theaters Now!