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peterjluff
Reviews
That Day We Sang (2014)
A little gem
OK, it's not great cinema and it has a deeply predictable (a sometimes rather awkward) plot, but it is unpretentious, charming, optimistic and uplifting. Sink into its warm embrace and enjoy it for what it is - a small but well-crafted film that will bring a smile to all but the most cynical of viewers. Imelda Staunton shows once again what a fine all-round performer she is, but it goes to Ian lavender, in a lovely cameo, to provide the one surprising moment of real emotional impact. The idea that love will find a way is a well-worn theme which is reworked here to really pleasing effect. Yes there are cliches of both writing and direction, but they are cliches because film makers have found they work. A hugely enjoyable 85 minutes.
All the Light We Cannot See (2023)
So much better than the newspaper reviews
This is a film that blends history and myth - the whole premise of a cursed diamond is, of course, incredible - so it is only reasonable for the characters to be sharply drawn in the manner of a fairy story or morality play. It is a novel take on the personal catastrophes that come with war and if it is a bit stilted and the acting a bit mannered, if the coincidences that drive the story are a little too contrived, then that all sits very comfortably with what I felt was the spirit of the story telling. Taken together with the high production values, this was four hours of gripping drama, perhaps melodrama, that I enjoyed hugely.
I Care a Lot (2020)
More melodrama than thriller it is vastly entertaining
It takes a while to recognise this film for what it is - a tongue-in-cheek modern morality tale that entertains and warns. World-weary judges, venal care home directors, gangsters straight from central casting and two rampantly glorious performances from the stars combine to create a romp through many cinematic cliches (rigged courts, Bond-style escapes, implausible abductions etc) to a gratifyingly welcome twist-in-the-tail. It's not a great film - it never set out to be one - so it can't have ten stars, but it is a very good one indeed and hugely entertaining for every one of its 119 minutes.