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Reviews
The Last Hangman (2005)
Female Execution
I too queried the showing of a full frontal naked female in this film, and wondered why the same could not have been shown as a bare chested male, after all it was supposed to be showing the cleaning and preparing of the corpse for the post Mortem and subsequent burial.
Later I have become to believe that it was a deliberate decision by the film makers, not for lascivious reasons, but to shock the audience that a fit and healthy woman of childbearing age would be executed too - executing a woman is somehow more shocking than the execution of a male.
This is a brilliant if disturbing film, one that I couldn't get out of my head for quite a while after seeing it (both times) and as someone else has said, very succinctly, a feel good film? - No but a film that certainly makes you feel.
All credit to Timothy Spall for a marvellous portrayal and splendid acting performance.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Excellent!
I have had the good fortune to have seen the stage production 3 times (twice at the Alhambra in Bradford and again 2 months ago at Her majesty's theatre in London) and would rate it as the best experience I have ever had in the theatre. So along comes this movie and I was not sure what to expect, before going I said to friends that if it was half as good as the stage show then it would be marvelous, well it exceeded that - I would rate it at about 80% myself.
My wife and I saw the movie last night and were enthralled all the way through, the costumes and scenery were superb, and we both thought the performances were excellent. My only minor detraction was with Gerard Butler, I just had this gut feeling that his voice just didn't quite have the power to portray the Phantom to the full extent; but what do I know? I have no knowledge or training or background in theatre or singing, as I said it was just a feeling that I had myself.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who may enjoy musicals - if you don't, then I rather think you would hate it (but then you are unlikely to be reading this are you?)
All in all a wonderful night at the cinema, which I shall be repeating, and I will be buying the DVD when it comes out.
9/10