Film Reviews by BP

Here is something which came in from left field but left us surprised and interested and absorbed. We quickly saw it's not at all a predictable movie format and this left us shaking our heads and rather puzzled for a time. And then, suddenly came a key - the six women who 'came forward' with a warning - aha! The Greek chorus from classic tragedy. So does this film follow that structure? Or maybe a modern interpretation of grand opera? I would have liked someone familiar with the basic structure of greek tragedy and of grand opera to help me recognise the various format items. The themes of passionate, destructive love; jealousy; two men warring over the love of a woman; death; murder; a ghost; a child ... how many classic ingredients in this dish?

If you're expecting 'normal' movie entertainment this won't please you, but (I found) there is fine quality of music, acting, singing, costume and makeup; photography - the whole production indeed. And so, once you've recognised the code, it's challenging, very rewarding and enjoyable. The puppet child brought reminders of the beautiful Anthony Minghella production of Madama Butterfly and Annette's metamorphosis into a live child at the end was powerful, her performance remarkable.

I'll send for this one again in a few months, to enjoy again. This time I shall google Greek tragedy and grand opera first! Surely some aspects of a good piece of art is that it challenges you, makes you think, sends you off to do a bit of searching.

Each of these plays is performed with sharp focus by very fine actors. Is it harder to act, I wonder, when there's little but the sole talking head? No call and response from others on stage to help, and you'd have to bear the scrutiny single handed.

Or perhaps it's deeply satisfying to be the sole character.

These little jewels of plays are like the best of short stories which are so often overlooked in literature, yet are beautiful in their conciseness and manicured selection of words. Like poetry.

The Talking Heads ingredients include irony; philosophy; humour; the frail human condition ... and always a surprising final swirl of the piping-bag. Plus a cherry on the top too, sometimes!

Iceland is weirdly another place and in this film of another time. Danish priest (who does a lovely number in intense eyes)sets out to take the hard road, both physically and emotionally, to build a church for the Icelanders.

The photography of 'terrible and beautiful' Iceland is hugely satisfying. The shore landing reminded me of The Piano.

The script is uncomplicated but the meaning of the short conversations many-layered.

One to watch again I think. After it ends, on thinking it over, there is a good deal of information about Danish social attitudes and distain towards the rough and ready Icelanders.

(Its interesting to learn that the Icelanders have a language distinct from Danish. Hadn't thought of that before.)

PS: I love horses and went on a riding holiday to Iceland. The horses were lovely to see in the movie - don't agree with PD's comment "...isn't for you if ... you have a particular affection for horses."

Just looked at this for the third time since its creation forty years ago and still remained absorbed, informed and entertained by this excellent drama.

We would recommend it to anyone interested in the days of the British Raj, especially in the second World War years leading up to Independence. It's there in excellent detail of dress, manners and social mores. Presented in a balanced way, showing both the snobbery and the resistance to it , the understanding and guilt of setting up (for whatever good intentions) as invaders.

Now about to borrow Staying On!

A beautiful movie, with much close emotional observation and backed up with graceful and convincing acting. There were no laugh out loud moments, that's for sure and the whole thing was, to us, in a minor key. Some points made us smile a bit and it was a satisfying movie to watch.

I had thought this would sit alongside Three Billboards in this genre of real America, however it does not have that movie's occasional humour to leaven the grittiness or the satisfaction of a resounding resolution.

All the same it was very satisfying to watch: gentle and empathetic; exceedingly well-acted. With no apparent change, you can see Fern's grieving features gradually emerging from grey and riven to smoother and more peaceful.

"Not at all the American dream", commented my partner not long after the start, but this was a movie played beautifully in cello* tones, with atmospheric fireside scenes in the desert and true interview testimonials giving an authentic, almost documentary feel. Produced and directed with a light touch only occasionally seen from the other side of the Atlantic this was absolutely the other side of the coin from USA city glitter or boombangaction.

*(The music was actually mostly piano. Though I'm not a fan of Einaudu I wasn't too irritated)

Presently mining the Michael Caine seam, as I'm reading the second of his autobiographies. This beautiful film does full justice to the excellent Graham Green novel in every respect from interpretation, through casting and filming. The interview extras on the disc fill out background on the making.

In addition to the fully developed characters, lovely landscapes, real sense of threat, it also filled in a gap in my understanding as to how the USA became involved in Vietnam.

There was some sensitivity from that quarter when the film was released.

Quoting Michael Caine, "... it got a great critical reception and I was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor. I knew in my heart of hearts that there was no way that a film which implied even the slightest criticism of American foreign policy was going to have a good chance ..."

Hmm. Yes. Like poor old David Lean when Dr Zhivago was universally panned by the USA press!

Based on a true story, which gives more satisfying dramatic impact, this role reversal tale – a black classical musician and his white driver/bodyguard from the Bronx – is set on the road, touring cities in the USA, including several in the deep south. It is an  excellent evening’s entertainment which leaves you heartwarmed and smiling.

Beautifully acted and slowly developing romantic drama of a young girl leaving Ireland for New York. My husband and I both enjoyed it even though his taste is more action and explosions.

One of those few I would view again when my list gets low.

Great movie - just wish we could have had the subtitles and the sound clearer. Hard to make out the dialogue. No subtitles available in spite of what it says on the summary on your website. Ditto format. - this was an oldschool square presentation!

Went online and viewed the trailer - MUCH clearer dialogue! And proper size on the screen too.

Sorry to put this in a review. We thought the movie was very good. I couldn't make out how to contact you with this complaint and could do with some guidance as this is the third time we've had a less than great experience with the running of the dvds.

Am I right in supposing some fiendish person has nicked the proper disc and replaced with a quick home made recording? Of course you can't check by running every disc that comes back.

I really enjoyed the beautiful images. It was a superb piece of art - a selfless creation by a very large number of people in collaboration, technical, artistic and financial.

A good mystery story too!

Having seen Spartacus, then Trumbo, we were interested to follow up the film for its connection with the scriptwriter's political troubles during the McCarthy era.

We were rewarded with a thoroughly amusing piece of lighthearted entertainment which made us both feel happy. One we'd happily watch again sometime.

Long and a bit clunky but enjoyable, so long as the neat hairstyles don't irritate you.

More particularly, an extra ingredient is its significance from a 1940-60s USA political point of view - McCarthy etc, then black equal rights. Until I re-watched recently, then saw Trumbo, I hadn't realised what an important film it was, for its time. And still is, actually.

A useful antacid for the indigestion caused by the present USA political administration.

You'll have to devote an evening, as it is so long, but time does not drag and there's a useful half time to fetch the coffee and whisky!