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Reviews
Michael Collins (1996)
Dramatic but patchy account of Ireland's fight for freedom
Although I enjoyed watching "Michael Collins" purely as another angle on the uprising and civil war, it would take an awful lot longer than just over two hours to get the whole story across. There have been so many men and women involved in the fight for Ireland's freedom that it would be impossible to do them all justice, or even mention all of them in passing, in the one film. Because the history of the centuries old fight for independence is so complex and involved, this film manages to give no more than a sketchy outline of one brief but extremely bloody period of that history. The only facet of Collins' character that is focused on is his bravery when he was also a shrewd and highly intelligent member of the Irish Republican Army. Even then, his toughness (from what I've read, quite brutish at times) is mostly skimmed over. I honestly don't think that big Mick Collins was quite the romantic that this film made him out to be. Also, De Valera seems to be portrayed simply as a political figure and his bravery in the fight is all but ignored. Remember, he was in that post office in 1916 too. It's a credit to Alan Rickman's professionalism (I'm assuming he researched his character well) that De Valera doesn't come across as the total villain of the piece because the script gave him nothing to work with in trying to instil any sympathy in his character.
The major flaw in this film is that many of its viewers, unaware of the full picture, would come away with a pretty cock-eyed, patchy view of what went on in Ireland in the first few decades of the Twentieth century. There is plenty of scene setting to give us an exciting perspective of the fighting itself but it seems to me that the Dublin portrayed is a lot glossier that the real thing at that point in the city's history. Where are the tenement slums and the people in rags? An all too real reminder of Britain's cruel dominance of the country and the devastating famine of the previous century. Anyone who isn't in the know might come away believing that the good citizens of Ireland's capital were used to taking high tea in the afternoon and lived in spacious, well-maintained buildings. Also, what is the point of mentioning in passing "G-Men", "Black and Tans" and "The Twelve Apostles" if nothing is done to explain to the viewer exactly who these people are and what their significance is in the plot? I remember my grandmother relating first hand accounts of the Black and Tans and she did more to bring to life the horrific brutality of these British volunteers than Neil Jordan's film managed. He also managed to leave out the far more dangerous "Auxies" altogether. From this film, you might believe that the only soldiers that the British government sent over the deal with the "Irish Problem" were the Black and Tans but they were just the first lot. When those veterans of the First World War failed to quell the uprising, the far more brutal and professional Auxiliaries followed them, long before the treaty of 1922.
Like I say, it would take a lot more time than Neil Jordan had at his disposal to really do his subject (by which I also mean the other characters and their struggle) justice. However, "Michael Collins" has probably done a good deal to bring to people's attention just how vicious the British could be towards the Irish. Accounts of the continuing troubles can often be very biased, with the only villains portrayed being the IRA. This movie, with its scenes of brutal slayings of crowds of innocent people, at least lets millions of people know that the British have been capable of atrocities that are every bit as bad as the Mainland bombings of the modern IRA. I could never condone either but I'm glad Jordan has taken the opportunity to show that such violence isn't as one-sided as the British press would have us believe.
Finally, if you really want to know about the history of Ireland's struggle for freedom, I suggest you turn to the many books that have been written on this subject and the biographies of the people involved. But if all you want is to see an entertaining and dramatic movie then watch "Michael Collins". It's heavy going at times but I think you might enjoy it.
Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)
Even if you're not a fight fan, you'll love this film.
This is Paul Newman at his best. It's also Sal Mineo at his best (although pitifully under-used) and the rest of the supporting cast are on top form too. It's a beautifully shot movie, intense and moody but with sudden bursts of humour that catch you off guard. Although there is no doubt a certain schmaltz factor in the Hollywood re-telling of Graziano's true story, there's no attempt to put a gloss on the proceedings or over-play the undeniable bleakness of the New York slums in which the young Rocco Barbella was raised.
Those who are familiar with the ins and outs of boxing will appreciate this picture on so many levels but if, like me, you've always been a bit warey of the "noble" art of pugilism, please don't be put off by the violent subject matter. This is a story about a man who grew up with nothing and, like so many others before and since, had no other way of succeeding other than through the speed and ferocity he could put behind a right hook. It's about human emotions, a man's basic fragility but unbreakable spirit (and goodness knows, those in authority did everything possible to break Rocky's). It's also about the people who love him, his mother, wife, manager, even his brutal father, and the tough but waif-like street urchin Romolo.
A word or two on Romolo (and a possible minor spoiler). He's a kid who's never had the opportunity to be anything but be bad but in Sal Mineo's beautiful and sensitive portrayal you can't help but grow fond of him and care about what happens to him. He doesn't feature at all in a large chunk of the film and I found myself fretting about what had happened to him. It's a credit to Mineo's performance that I found myself smiling with relief when I spotted him in the closing scene.
If you're not familiar with Graziano's story then the brilliantly choreographed climactic fight scene will prove all the more exciting. If it was pure fiction you could be certain that Rocky would win against all the odds but as it's based on fact you can never be sure. I found myself willing him on, sitting on the edge of my seat, the fact that I was watching actors go through the motions of a fight completely lost on me.
This is a movie that everyone involved with can be thoroughly proud of, especially Paul Newman. Why he or the film were never even nominated for Oscars is beyond me. But at least Joseph Ruttenberg's Academy award for best cinematography is some consolation.
I haven't got "Somebody Up There Likes Me" on video yet but I'm hoping that, to quote Romolo, that's just a "temporary situation".
Stars and Bars (1988)
An astoundingly bad movie
Like a lot people unfortunate enough to see this film, I chose to watch it because Daniel Day Lewis was in it. I mean, I've seen this guy play Hamlet on stage; I know what he's capable of so what on earth possessed him to make such a breathtakingly terrible film? Come to think of it, what possessed Harry Dean Stanton, Joan Cusack and Laurie Metcalf? They're all good actors and I just can't understand why they had anything to do with such unadulterated tripe.
Thankfully I'd actually taped the film to watch later so I was able to stop and start and eventually just scan through it to see what the final outcome was. Needless to say, the conclusion to this truly lame movie was as bad as the rest of it.
If you're curious about "Stars and Bars" and are thinking that maybe you'll take a peek if you come across it just to see how bad it really is; do yourself a favour and don't bother. It's not even worth seeing for that reason.
As for Day Lewis, Dean Stanton, Cusack and Metcalf: hang your heads in shame people; you're all smart enough to know better.
Game-On (1995)
It was very funny... then Ben Chaplin left
I've been watching repeats of the first series of "Game On" and it soon reminded me why I stopped watching the second series. No offence to the other actors involved but without Ben Chaplin it's just another bland, middle-of-the-road sit-com.
If you want to see an incredibly well drawn and brilliantly portrayed agoraphobic loser, interacting wonderfully ineptly with his almost-as-sad flatmates, then watch the first series. After that all you'll get is three rather bland characters (funny how Martin and Mandy didn't seem so bland with Chaplin's Matthew around) wondering aimlessly through their empty lives and occasionally being vaguely amusing.
Come back Ben! We miss you!
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)
A beautiful and moving portrayal of human frailty
Having read Laurens Van der Post's "The Seed and the Sower" I have to admit that I was a little sceptical when I first heard about Nagisa Oshima's film adaptation. Although a fan of both Bowie and Sakamoto's music I had my doubts about their abilities to play the complex characters of Jack Celliers and Captain Yonoi. When I found out that the third of the four main characters, Sergeant Hara, was to be played by Takeshi, a Japanese comedian, I was dismayed. It seemed that the only "real" actors to be featured in this film were Jack Thompson and the brilliant Tom Conti. Nevertheless, I took myself off to the cinema the week the film opened and came out a couple of hours later quite speechless with admiration. I couldn't say it was better than the book (I've never seen a film that was) but it was certainly just as good.
Rather than try to convey the many and complicated issues of Van der Post's novel, Oshima wisely opted to concentrate on the relationships between the four main characters. Lawrence and Hara are relatively straight forward characters who, through their dialogue, introduce the viewer to the many problematic situations surrounding the interaction between the Japanese soldiers and their prisoners. Much of what the viewer might not understand about the clashes between two widely opposing cultures is cleverly integrated into the script and skillfully conveyed by the two actors.
But the main story belongs to Celliers and Yonoi, a subject that the book covers in great detail, deftly managing to get inside the heads of both characters. However, in the film, Bowie and, in particular, Sakamoto did not have the luxury of having the emotions of the two men explained for them and with limited dialogue they were faced with a difficult task. The extremely delicate, complicated and highly charged relationship between the two characters had to be effectively conveyed to the audience without the two men having much of an opportunity to actually speak to each other. However, with excellent direction from Oshima, the sensitive and subtle performances of both men saw them positively crackle with electricity and not a word was needed to make their situation clear for all to see. In particular, the scene in which Celliers kisses Yonoi left me breathless; the actors were magnificent, the camera work superb and the sudden crescendo in the exquisite accompanying music ensured that this one moment, more or less the crux of the film, was nothing less than perfect.
On the subject of music, I cannot imagine this film would have succeeded on so many levels without the input of Ryuichi Sakamoto. Not only was his portrayal of Captain Yonoi a revelation but his soundtrack was incredibly beautiful and wonderfully evocative. Every note was perfectly placed and his subtlety, sensitivity and imagination as a composer were employed to their very best advantage.
What more can I say? This is an amazing film and the talent and commitment of all those involved is exceptional. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? If you have but haven't read the book, get on-line and find a copy (it's out of print); I promise you won't regret it.
Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story (2000)
They should have left "Anne" well alone
I'm sorry to have to say this, especially considering the wonderful actors who were involved, but this film is a travesty. First of all, the characters have clearly aged (the sequel was made in 1987) so are we supposed to believe that Anne and Gilbert have been engaged for at least ten years? It is also quite clear that characters such as Rachel Lynde, Josie Pye and Moody Spurgeon were dragged out just for the sake of it. Oh, and Josie married to Moody? Please! Never in a million years!
Ironically, one character who was seemingly indispensable was Fred Wright but he was the only one not played by the same actor. Either Bruce McCulloch had the good sense to stay away from this project or his subsequent work ("The Kids in the Hall") made him an unsuitable actor for such a wholesome film.
If you've never seen the other films and you've never read the books then you may deem this movie a pleasant little war drama that's a little on the sentimental side. However, you will also find yourself getting a bit lost at time as characters and situation crop up that mean nothing to you and aren't explained to the uninitiated. For those of you who know and love the previous films and books you may well, like me, be horrified. I foolishly bought the video but took it back to the shop the very next day and got my money back.
I have to echo the sentiments of a previous reviewer: why did Follows, Crombie and Grant agree to make this sorry excuse for a "continuing story"? Lucy Maude Montgomery would be spinning in her grave.
The Royle Family (1998)
It really grows on you
I wasn't sure what to make of "The Royle Family" when I first saw it. It tends to meander a lot and if you're looking for action and excitement - forget it. But I stuck with it and after the first couple of episodes I was hooked. I've never seen such brilliantly observed characters on the small screen. They have been superbly created by the writers and brought to startlingly real life by a wonderful cast of actors.
Anyone who thinks this show is boring is really missing the subtlety of it. If you live in working class England, be it Newcastle, Liverpool, London, Manchester or just about any of the big cities, you'll know these people. You may even find elements of yourself or your friends in there. This is real English life; you might not want to believe me but it's true - I've seen it, I've grown up with it.
The closest American TV has come to depicting working class characters in a humorous way is with "Roseanne", "Grace Under Fire" and "Married with Children". While they all have their place in the lexicon of blue collar comedy, none of them could come close to matching "The Royle Family" because the humour is too obvious to be realistic. With this wonderful show you can find yourself laughing at an exchange between the mother and future son-in-law that involves nothing more sophisticated than him telling her what he had for his tea. But it works! It really is funny and if you can't see that then it's a real shame because you're missing out on something very special.
A classic - simple as that.
Deliverance (1972)
Rather slow and not as disturbing as I'd been led to believe.
The acting is good. The cinematography is good. The scenery is spectacular and the script passes muster. But "Deliverance" is not the classic that I had been expecting. It seems to me that only the surface of all the various emotions were dealt with and scenes such as the aftermath of the rape and the argument about what to do with the body were glossed over incredibly quickly. As for the actual rape scene itself... well, I reckon that the main reason so many people find this so disturbing is because they're not used to such scenes involving a man. Society seems to have become horribly de-sensitised to the idea of women being raped because it happens, and is portrayed in the media, so often. When it happens to a man everyone throws back their heads and howls in horror, as if it were somehow worse than female rape.
I'd say by all means watch this film, it is certainly worth one viewing at least. But if you want to see a good example of the sickening horror of what inbreeding can do (not that I'm saying this was the main theme of "Deliverance) then watch the episode of "The X-Files" that deals with the subject. Now that really is truly, horrifically disturbing.