n-b-international2010 Reviews

Redwoods (2009)

Maturing of a film genre! Romanic and confrontational.

[9/10 · 14 April 2014]

This is a brilliant film for its budget limitations. It shows the growing up of this genre of film which focuses on same sex male relationships. But it is just a film, not a "gay film" because it is just about people dealing with life and possibilities and the unexpected. This could be a film with women or man and woman. It is not about coming out or the struggles to come to terms with sexuality and trying to find acceptance. It is just a good story.

I am sorry about one element of the end. Would have preferred if they had found a more constructive and intelligent way to deal with the conflicts of a relationship in trouble and a powerful new love plus the autistic child. Maybe too much in one story but then again it is life. Many things went unexplained and unexplored which would have needed a longer film. But as stated it needed a bigger budget.

However, I hail this film as a big step up. There are none of the usual clichés related to gay life. Bars, booze, drugs, smoking, hysteria, neuroses, prejudice, rejection, hatred, bigotry, drama queens. There is never the question or feeling that these people are anything but "normal" and accepted and supported by everyone. Possibly unrealistic for the present times but a better message.

It gives me hope for the future. I spent my life watching films about men and women, good films, some brilliant films but always a struggle and conflict because of identification models. In this type of film I feel in a world I fully know and am comfortable in. All the characters are kind, supportive and reasonable. Would have loved to have a brother like Shane.

I gave it a 9, maybe high but I think such a film needs support. Not a 10 due to its limitations. It could have been a 10 with a bigger budget and more complete and detailed script. The acting was competent and the emotions believable.

Cranford (2007–2009)

Splendid, best of the best

[10/10 · 30 June 2008]

This was Austen, Dickens and a bit of George Eliot all together and then some. The bad people not quite as cruel as Dickens. Class System naturally present but not as pronounced and little to none of who has how many thousand pounds and the need for dowries as in Jane Austen. And like (Mary Ann Evans) George Eliot's epochs, decisions and choices we make have consequences. There is laughter, joy, tragedy, misunderstanding, partings, reunions, love, gained, lost, unrequited. What makes this a tour de force is the Cast. Every performance exceptional beyond words, Jewels both from the women and the men. So many from the treasure chest of British thespians female and male. It is only amazing that Dame Maggie Smith or her stellar son Toby Stephens were absent in this Royal feast of actors. All somewhat overwhelming compared to the mediocrity of performance served up from Hollywood. Of Dame Judi Dench one could wax lyrical without end. However, Dame Eileen Atkins as always profound, who has now a career of nearly 50 years, as actress, writer, creator of television and theatre productions and is so extraordinary that adjectives do not suffice. To leave any name out is an injustice but in this space necessary. Francesca Annis' performance must be mentioned not only for its perfection but for her continued beauty and ethereal quality that mesmerises and haunts the spectator. More than 30 years I have rejoiced each time I have seen her. This production is among the finest of what BBC can do. It is rich beyond measure in its script, direction, decor and costume. Visually and Intellectually a Feast.

The Weekend (1999)

Bitter Sweet and Mesmerising

[9/10 · 4 February 2008]

This film will certainly be understood and appreciated more by people who have some true experience of life, relationships, film and those who have faced their own demons and unabashedly know themselves. For others it can be a view into a profound life event.

The dialogue and narrations are pregnant with a wealth of meaning at and below the surface of the words.

The acting is splendid. What can one say about Gena Rowlands that has not been said. She is a consummate thespian. All performances are striking, subtle and yet powerful and so very real.

Beautifully filmed. The musical score is appropriate and never distracting but actually enhances the moments. These are real people dealing with real life circumstances, present and past. It is truly a Motion Picture. A priceless painting in movement.