christine-carter Reviews

Rory O'Shea Was Here (2004)

An amazing must-see!

[22 October 2004]

I went along to see this film expecting a run-of-the-mill drama. Instead, I was bowled over by the emotion and the depth of the story and the characters involved. It has made me think a lot more about the problems that disabled people face in everyday life and how the stuff that I worry about is rather insignificant in comparison.

I can't remember the last film I saw that took me through pretty much every emotion possible the way that this one did - I felt happiness, sadness, joy, anger, irritability, sorrow, optimism and many other emotions during the course of the film. I could really feel for Rory and Michael and their optimism to make the best out of life should be such an inspiration to everyone.

To summarise, you must go and see this film - it's fantastic and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Ladies in Lavender (2004)

Go and see it for the acting and the soundtrack.

[6/10 · 20 October 2004]

Having seen a preview screening of this film last night, I have to say that it's not one that I would probably have picked to see normally. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was a reasonably enjoyable romp. The acting by the two Dames (Maggie Smith and Judi Dench) was superb as always and whilst I might not buy the film once it comes out on DVD I'm sorely tempted to pick up the soundtrack.

Whilst it is not intended to be a comedy, there were a number of comedic moments in the film which did help to lighten the mood a little. I think the only thing that let it down in my eyes was that parts of it felt a little slow, especially at the beginning.

To summarise, if you enjoyed Iris you'll like this. If you're over 50 you'll like this. If you're anyone else you'll tolerate it but not necessarily enjoy it. I give it 7/10