Film Reviews by MM

Dirk Bogarde personally championed this film. It was the firm film to tackle the subject of homophobia. It is eye opening to watch how much hatred there was for gay people and how was seen as disgusting, and how it was criminalised, leading to blackmail. People today have no idea of difficult it was to be gay. We have come a long way since the 60's. the accompanying documentary on the disc is really insightful and shows how important to Dirk Bogarde making this film was. It was hounded for many years, because of its making and I remember my mother telling me he was never accepted back in Holywood after making it. He should be remembered for being an early pioneer of gay rights. The film is interesting to watch as it shows how petty minded society was in Britain in the 60s. He is one of the cornerstones of a change in public opinion and for that this film commands respect and shows the power that films can have. A must see.

Everything about this film is exceptional - the cinematography, the story, the acting, the unique insight into a vanishing world. It's really worth watching the extras as they shed an interesting light on how this film was made. I only wish they had released this as a 4K blue ray as the additional resolution would have greatly added to the cinematic experience .

I am a great admirer of the works of the Sparks Brothers. this documentary covers their history and their recordings more or less in chronological order, almost as if it were a resume. It was a pleasure to relive these great recordings and a joy to watch. To be critical, what is lacking is story-telling and this might limit its appeal to those who are not already fans. There is little drama or scratching beneath the surface. I feel it is a poor biography. If you like Sparks then this is a real gem, otherwise you might find it overly long and too reverential.

Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci give outstanding performances of such nuance that i feel these are probably some of their best performances in a lifetime. It is a very moving film that handles the subject of dementia, right to die choices and grief with extraordinary sensitivity. It feels more like being in the same room as the characters rather than watching through a screen. It is a remarkable achievement.

On 4K HDR the cinematography is stunning with the format showing aerial footage sweeping over Mexico is stunning detail. It is as if the film was designed for this high definition.

I was impressed by this film. It does not follow the usual formulas and expectations of character development are quickly thwarted. Deep into the film, we discover the real central character is not Emily Blunt. She becomes another victim in the repercussions of a past episode of violence and how its waves ripple onwards. its bleak assessment of the role of the state to condone revenge as part of its own strategy on crime makes it very thought provoking. Its lack of morality is refreshing.