Film Reviews by CC

Particularly if you were not alive at this time (I was, so it was a painful reminder) this film will give an idea of how 2 communities were unable to live in peace, particularly with the extreme and entrenched views that were held on both sides, Protestant and Catholic, how the British Army became involved, and how living in the same city made things worse and more violent between the communities.

A small boy has to make sense of all this while civil war breaks out and his parents have to consider leaving for England but leaving his much loved and loving grandparents behind.

A powerful film documenting the past, but also giving understanding to the very real struggles at that time. Certainly helped me to understand the little 6 year old Belfast girl in 1972 who having come to London with her family, was in my class (I was at teacher in those days) and why it took her a whole school term to stop diving under a table every time there was a loud sound outside or someone slammed a door, in case it was the UDF, IRA or British Army come to grab someone.

Beautifully acted by all the characters.

If you grew up on Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear, you will love this film that fills in the background of the world of AA Milne and his relationship with his son as he grew up.

The setting of Milne's house in the Ashdown Forest, the glimpses of "posh" life in London, book promotion visits to the US, the kindly, sensible Nanny who was central in CR's life, the shallow minded mother, the school bullying and the shadow of WW1 and WW2 on the family. But most of all, Milne's inability to see the effects of his fame on his son struggling through his childhood.

The setting is rather too magical at times but also portrays bullying and the effects of war, but the characters are fascinating, my favourite being the Nanny who was central to CR's childhood.

AA Milne himself was a very complicated mixture sensitively acted by Dom Gleeson, and the Nanny played by Kelly MacDonald added depth. The film is obviously aimed at the market but nonetheless gives a glimpse of a world long gone and its effects on rich, literary people at the time

Great video.

The moving story of 2 childhood friends who kite together, within a mix of friendship, betrayal and loyalty, and become men against a background of brutality, struggle, marriage, happiness disaster, rescue, determination and redemption. The bullying in childhood and Taliban scenes later are hard to watch, but the story was also completely enmeshed in bravery, renewal and hope.

Beautiful cinematography, evocative scenery and understated acting move the story along and make the characters very real.

I had to buy the book - the mark of an excellent film and a thoughtful storyteller.

Apparently based on a true story, the film was riveting, but grim to watch 3 apparently decent men murderously disintegrate.

Well acted.

Excellent film if you're interested in the fight against slavery and American history.

Felt very authentic and the issues of the time were recorded and explored thoroughly and sensitively from all angles including references to the reasons for the civil war and the unforgiving brutality of slavery. The film underlined the humanity of the slaves.

Worth a watch.

I love this crime series. The writing and acting are superb, and it's a very good reminder that not all criminals are in Britain's cities.

A stark reminder of the racist and bigoted attitudes of some people in small town America years ago, and that can still be found today being enabled by the actions of some politicians. The injustice against black and LGBT people is infuriating to watch and the ignorance is stark and difficult to comprehend in the 21st century. Superbly acted and scripted to reflect American Social priorities in those days. Interesting as social commentary but not really enjoyable to watch.

Beautiful music. Naff script. Nice to see these oldies now and again and Chopin's music makes it all worthwhile, but the storyline bore little resemblance to his actual experiences and the script showed its age. Worth a look if you like Chopin and you can accept the movie for what it is, a dated, old fashioned Hollywood type version of history.

A beautifully scripted and acted study of an older couple grappling with the limitations of age and the familiarity of their surroundings when the two come into sharp focus. Incidentals in the script like the plight of a sick dog added poignancy and Morgan Freeman nails the kind, slightly grumpy but always decent character he plays. The minor characters add so much to the story but without taking over the action.

I rarely watch movies twice but would watch this again, no problem.

I enjoyed this movie. Good mix of action and psychological issues. Denzel Washington was great in the role.

Interesting study of social issues around the times of slavery. Good story and acting. Worth a look.

Filled in knowledge gaps and the acting was superb. Great production that concentrated on the fight against slavery rather than aspects of slavery itself.

Quirky little film brilliantly acted and showing heroism, humour and the relationships between the soldiers doing the actual fighting with the military staff behind the lines and giving the orders. A different viewpoint of WW1.

Great movie full of intrigue and twists to the story. Bill Nighy was excellent as always.

This is the third in a trilogy and I hadn't seen the second one. Would have been slightly easier to follow the plot if I had but didn't detract from the enjoyment of the film. I recommend seeing all the episodes in order.

1. Page Eight.

2. Turks and Caicos.

3. Salting the Battlefield.

The plot, characters and speed of the drama are so well written. Couple that with excellent acting from accomplished actors, breathtaking scenery, and I guarantee you can't stop watching this series.