Over the course of a given year, only a handful of elite films are released. Hollywood has diluted most of the major genres and most works are shallow copies of something that succeeded previously. The King’s Speech is a shining example of the contrary: a film that balances drama and comedy, features a stellar cast that honours their craft with skilled performances, and a plot that is relevant and informative. The topic – the speech impediment of King George VI and how it is threatening his ability to lead the United Kingdom following the abdication of his brother Edward VIII …
Ridley Scott Releases a Robin Hood Prequel
Robin Hood combines strong action sequences with memorable performances from the lead actors. It is probably more of a medieval action film than a tribute to the folktale because the plot covers how Robin Longstride became a legend. There is not much devoted to the mythical feats such as splitting an apple with an arrow or steal from the rich to give to the poor. However, the film is successful because it provides motivation for Robin’s actions. Returning to England after the death of Richard the Lionheart in France, Robin evolves from a brave archer to a man of conscious …
Bright Star
An account of a brief love affair in the brief life of Romantic poet John Keats, Bright Star tells its story deliberately. Director Jane Campion highlights the dialogue by featuring a minimalist soundtrack; there is sparse music between bouts of extensive silence. Costumes and locations suit the film perfectly. The love affair is subtle but the passion between John Keats and Fanny Brawne is evident. The film sets out to deliver a moving love story and succeeds. The question remains as to whether this type of patient film can remain relevant amid countless Hollywood blockbusters which boast higher budgets, bigger …
An Education
Jenny is a bright schoolgirl who is capable of excellent with pen and paper or with her cello. Her parents want her to study at Oxford – as if the university admission would provide symbolic approval of their parenting skills – but she wants more in life. She seeks to broaden her horizons and is frustrated by the strict boundaries at school and at home. An Education is set in 1961 London and based on the autobiography of journalist Lynn Barber; it seems Jenny may follow her intellectual spirit and become a member of the feminist movement in the 1960s. A chance encounter …
The Damned United
First, a Serious Warning: This is a highly subjective biographical film. The publishers of the book on which the film is based were successfully sued for defamation by a player mentioned in the work and others would have similarly filed suit except they were deceased and estates cannot sue for slander or libel. This is not an autobiography; it is a drama based on a real person. Now, the Review: The Damned United is about relationships. Relationships between coaches and players, coaches and management, coaches and the media, and coaches and their peers. Brian Clough experienced a great deal of …