Sideways is one of those offbeat films that you either love or hate. It is a film that either makes you laugh, maybe even cry, at the absurdity of its characters, or makes you want to watch something else, as simple as that. I belong in the former group, on both counts. I love films that describe life and its oddities, those cinematic gems that look at everyday occurrences with just the right touch of philosophy and humor, and Sideways fits the bill perfectly.
Special mentions go to the screenplay and acting. The writing is funny, poignant and clever. The wine discussions provide a perfect line between melancholy and laughter, often providing insights into the characters' fears and doubts.
Impressive is the least of attributes to describe the cast, particularly Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church and Virginia Madsen. Giamatti's Miles is a depressed, lovelorn mess, who we do not cease to root for; Church's Jack is a child in a man's body, who, with all his fears and screw-ups, still manages to be sympathetic; and Madsen's Maya is a person who looks at the world through curious and observing eyes, enjoying every detail. Maya's monologue about wine is one of the most honest and lyrically beautiful monologues of recent years, delivered in a subtle and elegant manner by Madsen.
Sideways is a charming study of people, happiness and life in general. It lets us take a glimpse at its flawed protagonists and allows us to possibly recognize some of our own feelings in them, all through the wisdom of wine.
9/10
Special mentions go to the screenplay and acting. The writing is funny, poignant and clever. The wine discussions provide a perfect line between melancholy and laughter, often providing insights into the characters' fears and doubts.
Impressive is the least of attributes to describe the cast, particularly Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church and Virginia Madsen. Giamatti's Miles is a depressed, lovelorn mess, who we do not cease to root for; Church's Jack is a child in a man's body, who, with all his fears and screw-ups, still manages to be sympathetic; and Madsen's Maya is a person who looks at the world through curious and observing eyes, enjoying every detail. Maya's monologue about wine is one of the most honest and lyrically beautiful monologues of recent years, delivered in a subtle and elegant manner by Madsen.
Sideways is a charming study of people, happiness and life in general. It lets us take a glimpse at its flawed protagonists and allows us to possibly recognize some of our own feelings in them, all through the wisdom of wine.
9/10