We know December can be a tricky time of year around what can be expected for Christmas. So we've assembled some free online viewing options that don't come with the cost of a trip out to the cinema, or the pressure of company.

Under the Open Sky

Available to watch as part of the Japan Foundation's online streaming platform JFF Theater, Under the Open Sky follows the story of a former Yakuza gangster, as he struggles to be accepted by society when trying to live an earnest life.

Released from prison after serving a 13-year sentence, Mikami is determined to find his footing in society and not return to his old ways, but lacks the money to do so, and his short temper continues to cause him problems.

Based on the novel 'Mibuncho' by Ryuzo Saki, and featuring prolific Japanese actors Koji Yakusho (Perfect Days, Cure, 13 Assassins) and Masami Nagasawa (Our Little Sister, Your Name), Under the Open Sky is a humanistic drama that poses the question of whether people can change themselves, whilst boldly depicting the stark realities of an intolerant contemporary society.

Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger

Presented by Martin Scorsese, this film is the definitive documentary telling the story of the influential writer-producer-director team of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger – one of the greatest creative partnerships in the history of cinema – and how their films came to influence generations of filmmakers.

Upon watching this story, you will no doubt want to explore some of their works, and handily their standout feature films The Red Shoes (1948) and A Matter of Life and Death (1946) are also available to watch for free on the BBC iPlayer.

Uzumaki

Based on the original graphic novel by acclaimed Japanese horror manga artist Junji Ito, Uzumaki follows Kirie as she tries to escape from her town where the residents become obsessed with spirals due to an unexplained curse.

If you are unfamiliar with the works of Ito, this will be unlike anything you have seen before... but it's certainly one to be appreciated by fans of the surreal and unexpected.

• Words by
• Joe Harris

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