Terrific in every way! Far superior to the new 2022 version. Find it and dwell in the real Austen for a while. True to plot, authentic emotion, fully fleshed characters, triumph of love over the oppressing 19th century female norms and lack of agency. And...outstanding musical score to boot. A real gem.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Persuasion
(I) (2022)
Weird
21 July 2022
Watching this is strong motivation to go watch both the Sally Hawkins and Amanda Root versions of Persuasion. Both are superior in every way. They capture the human emotion, overbearing absence of women's agency, character development, language nuance, restrained intensity, plot tension, and pure romantic satisfaction of the novel.
This current adaptation is a wonderment for all the wrong reasons. Although stylishly intriguing and well acted, the intentional juxtapositions of contemporary and period elements and language, plot alterations and racial casting are both unrealistic and jarring. They say much more about the writer/director than anything else. Everything is given away to the viewer too early. Lost is the slow burn of dramatic tension and the ultimate "reveal".
Persuasion is literary genius, a particular trip, a specific destination. This 202/ version takes it way off course.
This current adaptation is a wonderment for all the wrong reasons. Although stylishly intriguing and well acted, the intentional juxtapositions of contemporary and period elements and language, plot alterations and racial casting are both unrealistic and jarring. They say much more about the writer/director than anything else. Everything is given away to the viewer too early. Lost is the slow burn of dramatic tension and the ultimate "reveal".
Persuasion is literary genius, a particular trip, a specific destination. This 202/ version takes it way off course.
Is Paris Burning?
(1966)
Living History
25 October 2019
I had a older friend who said reality of WWII in Europe was far more dramatic, intense, exciting, dangerous, and stranger than could possibly be represented in film. Here's living proof.
Saw this first in Paris innFrench in '67 not long after release. Walked around after that night with a group, café hopping, going to all venues, seeing German bullet holes in buildings.
Not a perfect film, but a perfect story. Don't miss it.
Saw this first in Paris innFrench in '67 not long after release. Walked around after that night with a group, café hopping, going to all venues, seeing German bullet holes in buildings.
Not a perfect film, but a perfect story. Don't miss it.
Doors Open
(2012 TV Movie)
Underrated gem!
16 June 2019
Amazon ratings are much higher. Thoroughly entertaining, satisfying romp. It rises above the crime caper genre with a great cast, humor, a love story, engaging characters, Scottish locale, museum world interest, and an Ian Rankin novel screenplay adaptation.
The Love Letter
(1999)
Critics Had it Wrong!
14 January 2019
Don't know what kind of a mood the critics were in. This is an engaging, funny, nuanced, feel good, well acted, well directed, sophisticated but accessible, gem of a film. Especially enchanting Geraldine McCuen's Miss Scattergoods performance, and an offbeat, warm, funny Ellen Degeneres supporting role. Watch it. You'll be hooked.
Brothers
(I) (2009)
Don't Take Children to This!
2 December 2009
Wonderful film, fine directing, cinematography and acting. Slow pace as the story unfolds and an ending worth extended discussion. Beware: Several harrowing, frightening, disturbing, intense prisoner of war scenes which are inappropriate for children, teenagers under 17, and undoubtedly some adults.
Tobey Keith is absolutely superb, worthy of Oscar nomination...sensitive, realistic, frightening, heartfelt. The supporting cast is also terrific.
Says things about war, soldiers, capture, release and return to home life that present challenges for all of us in the US....the military, the government, relatives and friends of returning veterans, health care workers, and the general - and hopefully informed - public. The movie stays with you long after leaving the theater...maybe forever.
Tobey Keith is absolutely superb, worthy of Oscar nomination...sensitive, realistic, frightening, heartfelt. The supporting cast is also terrific.
Says things about war, soldiers, capture, release and return to home life that present challenges for all of us in the US....the military, the government, relatives and friends of returning veterans, health care workers, and the general - and hopefully informed - public. The movie stays with you long after leaving the theater...maybe forever.
Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid
(1948)
Loved this movie a teen!
16 May 2009
I watched this movie on TV in the 50s, always hoping it would come back again; back then you never knew when that might be. At that age it was romantic, fantastical, funny and sometimes touching. As an adult, I find it the same. So nice to find this little treasure again. Fully delightful performances by William Powell and Ann Blyth.
I now find it came out at the same time as Miranda, another mermaid movie. Different cast, British rather than American, but delightful none the less. However, for me, there was something more compelling, charming, magical, and funnier about Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. See which one you like best.
I now find it came out at the same time as Miranda, another mermaid movie. Different cast, British rather than American, but delightful none the less. However, for me, there was something more compelling, charming, magical, and funnier about Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid. See which one you like best.
The Paper
(1994)
A 90s Sleeper: intelligent humor, A-list cast, don't miss it
28 April 2009
I loved this movie...a real 90s sleeper. It's hard to determine why some films don't get the attention they deserve. The Paper is delightfully acted by an A-list ensemble in their prime. It's hilariously funny, with great timing and pace, and some poignant overtones on commitment, loyalty, family, friendship, work and the workplace, and big city journalism.
Feel-good and sardonic at the same time, I did NOT find it completely predictable. The screenplay is terrific, with thoughtful, intelligent, brisk dialog. Not a dull moment; completely entertaining. A film for "grown-ups". More kudos to Ron Howard.
Renting it just to watch the superb Glen Close's character, especially in the "stop the presses" scene, is worth the time/money alone. A charming Marisa Tomei perfectly cast. Robert Duvall, Jason Alexander, Jason Robards, and of course Michael Keaton...what's not to like? One of those films that can be watched many times by men and women alike. Highly recommended.
Feel-good and sardonic at the same time, I did NOT find it completely predictable. The screenplay is terrific, with thoughtful, intelligent, brisk dialog. Not a dull moment; completely entertaining. A film for "grown-ups". More kudos to Ron Howard.
Renting it just to watch the superb Glen Close's character, especially in the "stop the presses" scene, is worth the time/money alone. A charming Marisa Tomei perfectly cast. Robert Duvall, Jason Alexander, Jason Robards, and of course Michael Keaton...what's not to like? One of those films that can be watched many times by men and women alike. Highly recommended.
A Good Year
(2006)
A Way Under-rated Delight!
19 January 2008
This is a charmer for everyone except hard core cynics. Great characters, sharp dialog, some VERY funny bits throughout, intoxicating Provencal ambiance, intelligent and thoughtful direction. Some delightful plot turns, if somewhat predictable. Wonderful acting for a "light" film. Crowe is likable and complex, Finney a finely-aged charmer, Hollander funny without being stupid, Cotillard...well gorgeous and spot-on French, with a small cadre of fine character actors.
It would have gotten more critical attention if it were darker and/or violent. That it wasn't, was a welcome change in itself. Critics don't generally like "feel good" movies.
Makes you want to watch all over again...or buy a plane ticket. Enjoy!
It would have gotten more critical attention if it were darker and/or violent. That it wasn't, was a welcome change in itself. Critics don't generally like "feel good" movies.
Makes you want to watch all over again...or buy a plane ticket. Enjoy!
People Will Talk
(1951)
Cary Grant Conducts Brahms' Gaudeamus Igitur
13 January 2007
The musical theme of People Will Talk is taken from the Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80, written by Johannes Brahms, composed during in 1880 as a musical "thank you" to the University of Breslau, which had awarded him an honorary doctorate the previous year.
Brahms, who was known to be somewhat of a joker, included a " boisterous potpourri of student drinking songs". In the memorable and triumphant finale, "Gaudeamus Igitur", Brahms quoted De Brevitate Vitae (on the Shortness of Life), a Latin song that is still a popular anthem at university commencement ceremonies. The melody is inspired by a medieval hymn by Strada, bishop of Bologna in 1267.
Brahms conducted the premiere at a special convocation, to the chagrin and delight of many attending academics. Due to its lyrical warmth, as well as its excitement and humor, the work has remained a staple of concert-hall repertoire. Of course, no one can match Cary Grant's charmingly "conducted" rendition, which contributes so much to the film's ambiance and sentiment.
Brahms, who was known to be somewhat of a joker, included a " boisterous potpourri of student drinking songs". In the memorable and triumphant finale, "Gaudeamus Igitur", Brahms quoted De Brevitate Vitae (on the Shortness of Life), a Latin song that is still a popular anthem at university commencement ceremonies. The melody is inspired by a medieval hymn by Strada, bishop of Bologna in 1267.
Brahms conducted the premiere at a special convocation, to the chagrin and delight of many attending academics. Due to its lyrical warmth, as well as its excitement and humor, the work has remained a staple of concert-hall repertoire. Of course, no one can match Cary Grant's charmingly "conducted" rendition, which contributes so much to the film's ambiance and sentiment.
Notorious
(1946)
In My Top Ten!
30 December 2006
As a young woman, back in the "olden days" days before video, DVD and TCM, I was always fascinated by this film, though it came and went on more obscure T.V. channels, with no clue of when it would return. Notorious has everything...inimitable Hitchcock moments, mystery, suspense, personal drama, high romance, passion, great character development, international espionage, nuanced acting, a visually stunning foreign locale, post-war period mystique, patriotism, fine supporting cast, a charmingly evil Claude Rains, a most sinister Mme. Konstantin, Grant at his most enigmatic and romantic, and Bergman her most alluring and luminous. As in all great films, it is a spot-on rendering of its own unique story in the ambiance of its own time, but timeless in its portrayal of human character and emotion. Like a handful of others, it is as satisfying a movie experience now as it was 40 years ago...probably more so...whether on first viewing or 40th.
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