Film Reviews by BC

Enjoyable thriller with many twists and turns. A fine performance from Olivia de Havilland playing a set of identical twins, one of whom is a murderer.

I saw this film in the cinema, way back when it was released.Thoroughly enjoyed it then and great to watch it again. An effective thriller with an  A list cast who make the story plausible and chilling.

This film is quite extraordinary. Wonderful acting and dialogue. Laugh out loud funny in parts. In other parts touched with pathos. Memorable performances from the two main leads and such chemistry.All the the other parts are very well acted. It’s quite heartbreaking and yet so funny and life affirming. We care deeply about the two main characters, polar opposites in life, who carry the film with their wonderful acting, chemistry and sparkling dialogue. It really is a ‘must see’ film directed with such confidence and lightness of touch which seems the French do best. No problems with the subtitles at all, after a minute you are engrossed in the story. I loved this film. 

This film is an epic story of courage and endurance. The 12th man’, the only survivor from a Norwegian Resistance group, crosses the country  ( in winter), whist being hunted down by the Gestapo.It really is quite thrilling and based on a true story.The Lead actors are wonderfully played.Where were the Oscar nominations for these great actors? Jonathan Rhys Myers plays a Gestapo Commander with chilling conviction.Worth seeing this film for the 2 great Leads.

I gave up 20 mins into series 1.Utterly dark and depressing.No chemistry between the leads and not remotely funny ( in an ironic way). I gave up the battle.Horrible.

A most interesting and revealing biography of Leon Vitali, an actor who, after playing Lord Bullingdon in ‘ Barry Lyndon’ devoted the rest of his life in working alongside the renowned Director  Stanley Kubrick.In one fell swoop he switched from being the handsome, charismatic actor destined for great things to being the indispensable personal assistant to SK and learning the whole of film production in every aspect.He became not only the right hand man of SK but his arms and legs too, at great cost to his personal life and health.A fascinating portrait of an extraordinary man.Leon Vitali is such a likeable and charming man who missed out on an Oscar nomination for his wonderful performance in Barry Lyndon, a great shame.SK could be a tyrant at times pushing his staff over and far beyond their limits.Leon Vitali  endured this for decades but only speaks of SK with respect and admiration.This film tries to correct the balance.Leon Vitali was far more than PA to Stanley Kubrick.He was indispensable to his work and his name should be shouted from the roof tops and given his rightful place in film history. A very honest and touching portrait of this extraordinary man.

A Victorian Supernatural melodrama with a gripping storyline.Bit by bit as the story unfolds we are introduced to historical characters, some literary, but well known.The acting, sets, costumes and production are first class.It’s very unsettling but very watchable.Eva Green is sensational and the other actors play their roles with such conviction and authenticity that it is ultimately gripping to watch.I’ve watched Series 1. Really looking forward to seeing Series 2.

A Noble Prize winning writer, adored and lionised wherever he goes.An intelligent, loving and patient wife.Outwardly, a happily married couple who enjoy each other’s company, a house by the sea, a grandson due to be born.Life couldn’t get any better.The visit to Stockholm, to receive one of the greatest honours is where it starts to unravel in the most unexpected way.It’s like a sucker punch.A beautifully nuanced and sensitive performance by the wonderful Glenn Close. Jonathan Pryce is totally believable as the gifted author who craves the recognition and attention.The son, played by Max Irons, gives a heartbreaking performance of such depth and pathos.A remarkable film that gradually unfolds.

A terrific performance from Margot Robbie playing the title role as Tonya Harding, a gifted figure skater from the wrong side of the tracks, and then some.Based on true events, this film depicts her terrible childhood until she blossomed with a wise and supportive coach into a world class figure skater and Olympic contender.The events that led to her downfall and notoriety are the subject of this film.Wonderful casting and performances throughout.The film is gripping and never falters for a moment.The skating depicted is astonishing.Tonya’s strength of character and toughness in overcoming terrible events makes her a very sympathetic figure.Not an ounce of self pity in her.It makes you wonder how different things could have been for her Olympic hopes.

A beautifully film,I really enjoyed it.Perfect casting for the lead actors and a wonderful, sensitive performance from the actor who was the subject of this film., based on real events.

A bittersweet story of a Midwife ( Catherine Frot) who leads an exemplary life, well respected by her work colleagues and loved by the Mothers to whom she gives 100% of her skill and dedication.Her life has been one of putting others always first,at some detriment to her well being and happiness.Her late father's mistress ( Catherine Deneuve) enters her life, 30 years after walking out with no contact since.A terrible tragedy happened soon after.These 2 characters are polar opposites.One, conscientious to the point of self denial and repression.The other, a free spirit who has careered through life making bad decisions but cheerful and optimistic, living for the day.The film is about these 2 characters becoming reconciled to what happened and both examining their lives to the benefit of both.It's a very uplifting film and extremely funny in parts.Catherine Deneuve and Catherine Frot are at the top of their game.It's a sheer delight to watch them.