rcelestpowell Reviews

The Nightingale (I) (2018)

No redeeming value of revenge tale

[4/10 · 30 June 2023]

I don't know why Hollywood is intent on making these sadistic movies that have no meaning whatsoever other than torturing the audience. There is nothing in this story that is artistic and it doesn't even qualify as a Myth of intrinsic human nature.

One can enjoy the scenery of the forest without having to endure the misery of these characters cruelty towards each other.

Who wants to see rape, infanticide, ruthless violent homicide by these soulless men??? Why do directors make such trash and write such awful stories.

Don't waste your money nor your time on this movie.

Isn't the daily news full of tragic tales of reality??

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Friendship broken beyond repair

[8/10 · 30 November 2022]

1923, in a small village on an imaginary island off the coast of Ireland. Colm ends his lifelong friendship with Padric abruptly and with little explanation. Padric is heartbroken and makes multiple attempts to reconcile with Colm. Colm fears his own death, his aging and his existential despair. Padric unaware of his loneliness, his jealousy and his anger, accelerates the conflict beyond repair. Stunning green countryside, shear rock sea cliffs, humble thatch roof houses and austere island vistas. There is no transformation of these characters but only a tragic ending of revenge. McDough could have been more imaginative.

The Split (2018–2022)

Superb excavation of family divorce

[10/10 · 3 August 2022]

Raw, powerful performances by the whole cast, depicting a complex, three generation family of strong women and vulnerable men negotiating the divorce between the central couple. Realistic and profound depictions of feelings and thoughts of all characters who were navigating sorrow, loss and new possibilities in their interwoven lives. Truly worth your time and reflection.

Yosi, the Regretful Spy (2022–2023)

Undercover spy regrets his actions

[6/10 · 5 May 2022]

Yosi is a sympathetic character despite being naive about the context of his world which is his undoing. The flashbacks and forward scenes around a pivotal event make it difficult to follow the storyline of a secret surveillance operation of the Jewish community in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Well developed characters and suspense keep you involved despite the fractured timeline. Best to read about the historical facts before watching the film.

Jo (2013)

FAst moving police in Paris, France

[7/10 · 21 February 2022]

Crusty old French detective, recovering alcoholic, widower trying to do his police work and protect his dtr. To make matters worse the dtr's boyfriend is a drug dealer. To top off his troubles, he's a poker pal of the criminals he's supposed to be chasing! Great pictures of Paris.

The Valhalla Murders (2019–2020)

Slow moving murder mystery

[8/10 · 15 December 2021]

Multiple layers of unsolved Child abuse and murders which unwinds with glacial speed amidst the Icelandic landscape. The hard-boiled police detective and forensic expert are equally as imperfect as the suspects pursued.

Sanditon (2019–2023)

No auspicious Austen ending

[5/10 · 5 December 2021]

Julian should be flogged for writing this tragic ending- not an Austen resolution to a lovely period production!! Great performances by these actors, costumes and sets were well done.

Hightown (2020–2024)

Alcoholic, drug addict, sex addict, murder

[2/10 · 31 October 2021]

Starting with a senseless murder of a drug addict by a dealer, and the lead character is a promiscuous drug addict, alcoholic and sex addict. It's a slow moving slog through an underworld of dysfunctional people. Not an uplifting tale without redemption or transformation.

Dark River (2017)

Incest victim returns home, abused more

[5/10 · 23 August 2021]

This is a very depressing story with a tragic ending- a story that does not heal the audience. Pure garbage.

Capitani (2019–2022)

Slow moving murder in Luxembourg

[5/10 · 16 August 2021]

Complicated murder plot in a small town full of secrets. The subplot of the personal life of the detective is the most intriguing. Each episode is 30minutes long, which makes it tedious skipping from one to another. Seeing the Luxembourg country is the best part.

Rebecca (1997)

Rich period English Drama with love

[8/10 · 27 December 2020]

Old story with excellent seasoned British actors telling a mysterious love story. Diana Rigg gives a superb performance as the loyal companion of the beloved deceased wife. Emilia Fox is the innocent new wife terrified and overwhelmed by her milieu. Charles Dance a complicated and conflicted husband with secrets of his own. Beautiful costumes and stead mansion.