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Reviews
The Forsyte Saga (2002)
The Clarity of Roles & Stations of Life
The story is a work of pure clarity in the social status of a family of property. Soames gives a remarkable performance. I afraid that his wife is a somewhat too rigid. She dose however, depicts an attitude of sexual repression that is unbecoming of a person who married for wealth.
The cast is well selected. The settings are excellently appointed. The business of being a good wife is lost in some temporary sense of love and lust. Soames maintains his integrity and control of a rather awkward position of managing ones business and personal affairs with much balance.
Why is it that Irene appears so beautiful during Soames courtship, yet so stiff once married? Why does she allow herself to betray her only friend in the family to pursue her lust?
The future of the Forsyte Family is at risk as one sees a more popular view of class systems in the new world. The saga deals with the timelines particularly well given the advancements in technology. Soames carries the weight of loving too much for the wrong reasons.
Perhaps she is one of her class. The story is a great topic for discussion on sexual roles and class restrictions. I love this saga.
Talk of Angels (1998)
Great Film yet Questionable Story
The Talk of Angels missed its title by a country mile so to speak. The expectations of the film deemed to be rather disappointing at best. Sure the cinematography was excellent. The settings were beyond belief. The actors were prepared to deliver, however the message was weak.
The main character Mary, was indeed lovely in every way. She was indeed beautiful. The love scenes were poorly developed. The father was outstanding in terms of his role within the family. The son was good as well. Perhaps the story was too careful not to offend the two cultures involved in the story.
The entertainment value was lost in its own sexual repression. The civil war dominance in the film apposed to the relationships on an intimate level. We needed more information on how love changes. We needed more closure on the question of love and angels to hear their voices, as do the times. I hope this story could be re=told in a more aggressive modern point of view.
The Sun Also Rises (1957)
Love, Waste and Life
I am so moved by both this film and book that it makes me rethink the meaning of life. Tyrone Powell plays a rather reserved Jake Barnes. He does indeed Lady Brent to the point in which he has accepted her wayward life-style. Errol Flynn and Eddie Albert also add flavor and humor to a rather sad way of life.
The film leaves out key scenes in the book.The poor love sick Robert addresses the issue of people who simply trying to hang-on regardless of the pain and suffering as does all the cast for one reason or another in life. Drinks does not lead to joy.
Jake and Lady Ashley have a love that will go beyond the sexual desires of a wanton soul. Only Hemingway can take a masculine approach to Bullfighting and Love. We must always fight a good fight and always be ready to fight. Jake stated that he would indeed return next season for the fighting of the bulls.
The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)
Great Movie and Storyline
I have viewed this movie countless times. Gregory Peck, Uncle Bill, Haywood and Garner all make this film become real. The ideal of becoming a great writer is important to Harry Street. Therefore, in Harry's mind and heart, he has failed by not suffering alone on his life-long safari. Harry was lost between love and the safari.
The novel indicates that Harry died in the book. Yet, in the film, Harry lives. Gregory Peck is a real man. He truly becomes Harry Street. I love this film. All three wives are strong in their own right. Also,great sax scene to set the mood.
Overall, this is a great piece of work from Hemingway. Although, it my understanding that Hemingway was not particularly pleased with the film.
I believe, Henry King should receive a great deal of credit for his body of work. Many of my favorite films are all directed by him. I love this movie.
My Cousin Rachel (1952)
My Cousin Rachel is an excellent film given its particular time frame.
Richard Burton is simply outstanding in his role as Phillip. I am also impressed with how well Nicholas served as his godfather. Rachel is so well mannered and polished it made it difficult to read her true intentions. I loved John Sutton in his very brief role as Ambrose. The director and musical score was well done. Elizabeth was a true and dear friend to the end. Youth is not the best quality in making sound emotional decisions. Phillip is such a strong character. Rachel is quite his match when it comes to getting what she really wanted. The ending leaves one to question everyones true motives regarding money and love.