jane-hare Reviews

Snow Cake (2006)

PLEASE go and see SNOW CAKE if you like GOOD films!

[10/10 · 8 September 2006]

Snow Cake this afternoon and immediately wanted to see it again as I thought that it was a wonderful film. Given the subject matter it could have been beyond mawkish; instead it was a perfect blend of tragedy and comedy.

The principal characters were as diverse as they were interesting and the audience immediately cared what happened to them - always a sign of a good film. Alan Rickman was just perfect as Alex - the role needed someone who could carry the weight of his past while dealing with this latest hand thrown to him by fate. I loved the way he came to care for Linda by the end of the film. I think that this is definitely one of Mr Rickman's best roles since AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE

Sigourney Weaver was amazing - she played her part in such a way that her Autism bothered everyone else a lot more than it did her. (Is this a common feature of Autism - I am sorry to say that I have no idea). The fact that she is unable to outwardly show her grief for her daughter serves to underline how vulnerable she is and this, coupled with her childlike enjoyment of life, warms the heart of the audience.

The setting too is magnificent. Especially the setting sun scene at the lake.

I would urge anyone who likes something as different as it could be from the Hollywood blockbuster to go and see this classy film.

Joyeux Noel (2005)

Christmas won't be Christmas...

[10/10 · 27 June 2006]

I saw this film the day before Christmas Eve last year and I have to say that it was the highlight of my Christmas. No, I did not have a rubbish holiday - the film just made me realise what Christmas must be like for the people who do not enjoy the relative peace we take for granted.

I cannot think of a single bad thing to say about the film. And this from someone who usually avoids foreign language films like the plague because it annoys me when the words are out of time with the movement of the lips.

I thought that using actors from each of the countries involved in the conflict was a master-stroke and made it all so much more believable. I shed a tear at the end, though I could see why the men needed to be moved from the front having made friends with 'the enemy.' I know that this is going to be a must see film for me every Christmas and I am eagerly awaiting the release of the DVD.