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Henrylloyd49
Reviews
Suite Française (2014)
A beautiful love story
A beautiful film capturing the lives of ordinary folk living in German-occupied France during the Second World War. A captivating story centering around Lucille, a warm-hearted young bride whose husband is serving away whilst she resides at home with her controlling mother-in-law. The women arn't particularly close, however they tolerate one another. The wealthiest persons in the village, they collect rent from tenants residing in their properties. Lucille befriends them which becomes ever-more significant as the plot unfolds.
German officers soon descend on the village and reside in their homes imposing themselves on the lives of these quaint folk. Having the best home in the village results in Lucille and her mother-in-law accommodating a German officer at their home. Reluctant at first to befriend the enemy, Lucille and the young officer gradually bond due to their love of the piano. Having discovered her husband's infidelity, Lucille no longer feels the constraints a married woman would normally experience whilst falling for another. Before long, the sensitive German soldier falls in love with her, the feelings reciprocated. All is relatively well, until the mayor's wife sets in motion a series of events, resulting in devasting consequences for her dutiful husband and the entire town.
Enemy of the Heart (2021)
Enemy Aliens living on the British Homefront in WW2
HOW refreshing to glimpse the city of Liverpool so beautifully in its most intricate form. The splendor of the Central Library and Museum's 19th century facade, provides the exterior landscape encompassing the iconic Royal Liver Buildings overlooking the infamous River Mersey. Rather apt, considering a majority of Liverpool's architectural monuments derive from the neo classics of ancient Rome and Greece.
Inspired by the internment of 'Enemy Aliens' during Wartime Britain, Enemy of the Heart provides a slice of Liverpool's maritime history and heritage. The narrative, journeys towards the departure of the former passenger cruise ship, The Arandora Star, which embarked on its final voyage in July 1940. More than 1,600 internees of Italian and German heritage were onboard destined for Canada.
Anglo-Italian family, The Ciprianis, provide the pivotal focus alongside their extended family, The O'Connors. A nod to Liverpool's Irish history brought to life in the form of matriarch Maise O'Connor. The stellar cast portray heartfelt characters throughout, enduring newfound complexities fuelled by wartime politics. The Cipriani family residing in Liverpool whilst their country is at war with Britain, encounter a flurry of escalating conflicts as the narrative approaches its torrential conclusion.
Generational and cultural implications are intricately explored, particularly with young Luca and Maria Cipriani, torn between cultures; that of their Italian father and their country of birth. Brother Tomas fighting for the British cause in Dunkirk, fuels discontent with neighbour Celia Romano whose cousins are serving in the Italian forces. Furthermore, a tempestuous mob embark on a prolific rampage, targeting Italian businesses. Thurs enhancing the ramifications of enemy nationality residing in Britain during this time.
Meanwhile, junior police officer Patrick O'Connor, is perpetually tormented by the knowledge of Uncle Gio's impending fate. "Duty bound" by the force, whilst at the detriment of having to withold crucial information from family, despite sister Elsie's persistence to unveil the truth. Patrick's climatic monologue in the presence of Aunt Maisie, is particularly moving as the enormity of Uncle Gio's inevitable predicament becomes ever-more unbearable.
Long-standing friend and neighbour Walter Collins provides the wisdom only a gent of advanced years can offer, delivering the comfort and guidance young Luca so desperately craves. The vertical alignment of the woodland composition in an almost military stature, beautifully illustrates their entrapment. Walter, too elderly to serve "King and Country" whilst young Luca is the recipient of infantile ridicule due to his Italian heritage.
Amidst the tribulation, a sprinkle of light-relief arrives in the form of Welsh WI Chair, Mable Jones, striving to maintain equilibrium amongst the women of the village during a heated debate between Elsie O'Connor and her acquaintances. Mable's disposition and closing statement, timed to perfection.
It would be a disservice to proceed with further analysis, as there is so much more for audiences to discover. An intricate narrative, this is an impressive composition for a debut screenwriter. Meticulously researched with acute accuracy and so beautifully infused with pure realism by a cast who embody their characters with emotional integrity. As such, I await with much anticipation for what will become of these creatives. Certainly, a few to watch out for in the future.