This luscious movie, is so stylish and elegant , and at the same time , down to earth. It deals with issues we can all relate to, and also some we may wonder at. The beauty of the roses and the poignancy of the story, touch the heart. Tissues may be required. Quite an eclectic mix of characters , makes for a quirky journey with some unexpected twists, with unpredictable characters. How far will we go to achieve our dreams? I notice there is a lot of restraint in the characters, which adds interest and keeps you engaged. The needs of the young touch the hearts of the mature. The wisdom of the mature gives hope to the aimless . Some laughs, some tears, some surprises. Another entertaining whimsical movie from our French movie makers.
Reviews
8 Reviews
Killers of the Flower Moon
(2023)
Gobsmacked
18 March 2024
Such an incredible, incredible story. I saw it a while back and am still affected by it. Certainly mind blowing because it happened. The fact that such brazen criminal activity could continue for so many years without letup or interference by the authorities is hard to accept. Hard to believe. To be honest I have never seen anything like this story. The premeditated evil coming from greed and utter disregard for life. On the other hand, the solid perseverance and calm courageous spirit of the victims is a mind blowing contrast that pervades the whole movie. The gap between the two was so huge that I started to feel I needed to suspend belief . Scorsese. So exquisite in how he gets to us. Impeccable acting by everyone. The script. The music. The way this shocking story is told. Amazing talent. So many strong emotions as I processed this tragic and shameful part of history . A global theme.
Napoleon
(2023)
Good not Great
18 March 2024
I was expecting great. And it wasn't . I enjoyed it though, so what was missing? Ridley Scott after all. So it seems we're getting some insight into the man. But we get the battles as well. Napoleon's personal story told well and in more detail would be fascinating I'm sure. But it's folded in between his rise to power which happened quickly and the demise which was also rapid. It felt like a lot got left out. Gaps. So lots of action and fragmented insights. Perhaps more flashbacks to his childhood would have helped? Two big stories in one movie. We know the conquering history but not so much the family history. That may have been more interesting , with a summary of the reign and decline . Joaquin did a great job. A bit unusual. Expected . Refreshing . Should have been more of this. The splendours of the French Court and the devastation of war, clearly and well depicted. Has the epic appeal but a bit muddled.
Oppenheimer
(I) (2023)
Complicated Man
18 March 2024
Such an important historical event. So many characters influencing the outcome of World War Two, as well as influencing Oppenheimer's life. As often happens , it's a bit spider web like . Don't get caught . Keep up! One minute it's about Oppenheimer!s internal experiences and personal life, the next we're thrown in the deep end of the snakes and ladders of politics, focusing on the characters complicated relationships with each other as well as their ambitions and personal views of good and evil. A difficult story to tell. Each character we see is crucial to understanding the whole story. And they are all great in their roles. Yes intense. Especially Cillian Murphy's blue eyes. Oppenheimer had brown eyes. But Nolan uses this feature as well as his extreme thinness and repetitive dress code , (that hat!), to try to explain him through an intense visual representation of him. An extra layer to focus on Oppenheimer. Nolan doesn't do this with the other characters. Some of the scenes showing Oppenheimer's internal experience are incredible. I watched it twice and am glad I did. We have all been affected one way or another by this part of history.
Anatomy of a Fall
(2023)
A Different Courtroom Drama Experience
18 March 2024
A very modern courtroom drama French style. I've seen many British and American courtroom dramas. One of my favourite genres. But not many French courtrooms. I really liked the different setup. Quite a different feel. A new experience. The depth of the cross examinations and the procedure , quite unorthodox compared to the British system. They go deep! I liked the balance between the in court and outside court scenes. It's more interesting to get the lead up and the current outside goings on as well as how it impacts on the trial. It's complicated but not overwhelming. The script had a richness missing from American movies without having to worry too much about subtitles. An interesting and clever idea. Really helpful when there's alot of dialogue. All actors understated and excellent. A couple of performances were quite compelling. Many unusual features to add interest. It's not fast moving but well paced. A little dry at times with details . Perhaps to add to the suspense. I didn't know exactly what to expect and it did surprise me.
The Audrey Hepburn Story
(2000 TV Movie)
Surprised
6 December 2023
I didn't have high hopes. However, I enjoyed this movie. It surprised me, because I got insights into Audrey Hepburn which made me appreciate her more. She really struggled and stayed focused. She had more to deal with than you would think, only seeing her as an ultra glamour through the generations. Still a fashion icon today. So much was taken from her , but she continued to show unusual courage and determination on her own. This story of her life , more than the actual production makes it worth watching . She carried her emotional struggles with her, and even though this is sad, as it is for all of us, it gave her the ability to show compassion and to be vulnerable. Real assets for an actor. The facts of her life are shown side by side with the making of her movies, so we can see a little of what made her the person she was.
The Colour Room
(2021)
Style and Entertainment
18 October 2023
A movie I love and will watch again. A story well told with style and attention to detail. You can actually relax with this one. I like historical and based in fact. The story is inspiring and motivating, showing the positive side of human nature even though still imperfect. The title is a little mysterious and a lovely surprise in the movie. The battles fought and won are played out with realistic script. Not overdone. Great acting and beautiful interior design, also showing the reality of the working class and the contrast with the more privileged. You could watch this movie with your whole family .
The Ideal Palace
(2018)
Not For This World
16 December 2022
Cheval said he was not for this world. But the world he lived in, his own world, energised by his love and awe of nature, moved him to share what was inside him. He affected everyone he met. He was authentic. He didn't waste words or energy. He was focused and wouldn't be told he couldn't do something he really wanted to do. Some couldn't understand how an uneducated man could have such deep knowledge of architecture and building techniques. But those who were close to him, accepted him as he was. Shy, humble and brilliant. What a wonderful example he is for us all. Motivated by love, giving something of himself, as a beautiful legacy for many years to come. Cheval inspires the idea that we can all do the same. Share something beautiful and unique. He said he had to be stubborn. I'd rather call it patience. One of my all time favourites.
Tell Your Friends