A Gentleman in Moscow, 2024. Based on Amor Towles novel of the same name. Not having read the book, my principal aim from the series (over 8 hour long episodes ) was to spot my sister-in-law Louise who was an extra in the production. 8 hours later I didn't see Louise, (I bet she was great though) but I did watch a slow paced film, which captivated the emotions and made you connect and care about the central characters in the film. Ewan McGregor stars as the Count who is sentenced to a lifelong imprisonment in the Metropole Hotel in Moscow. Set during the purge of the upper classes by the Soviet military during the workers revolution. Taking place over 60 plus years Count Alexander discovers during his time there, life long-term friendships amongst the hotel and kitchen staff and eventually love and happiness.
It is a decent film, with an underlying sadness in its subject matter which does leave you feeling bereft of emotion.
However Its culturally diverse mix of black actors does seem somewhat implausible for the Soviet Union of the early 20th century. Perhaps the casting is a little too politically correct to reflect the times in which it is set and for that I will have to say that it spoils a great piece of television.
That said I was tearful towards the end at its conclusion, and importantly for not seeing Louise I will have to give it a disappointing and inaccurate 5/10.
It is a decent film, with an underlying sadness in its subject matter which does leave you feeling bereft of emotion.
However Its culturally diverse mix of black actors does seem somewhat implausible for the Soviet Union of the early 20th century. Perhaps the casting is a little too politically correct to reflect the times in which it is set and for that I will have to say that it spoils a great piece of television.
That said I was tearful towards the end at its conclusion, and importantly for not seeing Louise I will have to give it a disappointing and inaccurate 5/10.
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