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Reviews
The Mango Tree (1977)
Wrong era?
Am I mistaken or are some reviewers locating the action in the wrong era? Although it is some time since I saw this, I am reasonably sure it took place around the time of World War I, not World War II.
Not a great movie for the time; only Helpmann's presence lent scenes any credence.
Alone in Berlin (2016)
Emma Thompson shines
If Fast and Furious is to your taste, this probably isn't the film for you. If you want great actors well cast, a good story, well and lightly directed tense action (though younger viewers may confuse this with slowness), then don't miss this one. Easily one of the best films I've seen in the last six months.
Brendan Gleeson plays a German machinist at the time of the second World War. His relationship with his wife (Emma Thompson) is one of a couple who have grown apart, and it is severely strained by the death in battle of their son (and only child).
Initially it seems that she is the more affected by this, but a silent rage within him leads him to leave postcards critical of Hitler and the Nazis all around Berlin. She is drawn into this world; there is some reconciliation as they depart on this dangerous activity, as it draws towards its perhaps inevitable conclusion.
A good supporting cast fleshes out the story which is based on true events, a story I was not previously aware of, though I am familiar with some details of the German resistance movement, such as the brother and sister members of the White Rose group, Hans and Sophie Scholl.(now there's a story!) Emma Thompson shines in this film, moving from intense grief to loving wife believably, carrying the tension of the plot at all times. Brendan Gleeson demonstrates his fine acting talent, though some may be familiar only with his 'Mad-Eye' Moody role in The Harry Potter franchise, or the hit-man in the under-rated "In Bruges".
I don't idly award 'Excellents', but this film ticked all the boxes for me. Chances are you may have missed its limited release, but make sure you catch up with it when it is released on DVD.
A Cure for Wellness (2016)
A potentially-great movie that ultimately lets you down.
What can I say about this odd movie, other than that I was absolutely captivated for the first hour or so. Visually stunning, images that will live in the memory for some time, great editing, superb camera work, stunning scenery and background, and a plot that captivates and keeps you guessing.
But what a letdown the ending was! It was like the director chickened out, and went for the boy-gets-girl, American apple pie conclusion, instead of creating a Gothic masterpiece. I would have sooner left some of the plot threads unresolved than to have inflicted on me such a silly and B-grade alternative, that ultimately left a bad taste in my mouth. If that sounds harsh, it is only because the rest of the movie was so mind-blowingly stunning, at least an 8 or 9.
One reviewer called anyone who didn't like this movie a moron. We can do without patronising opinions like that. I'm not a moron, just disappointed. Go and see the movie? Yes. The visual elements are worth it. Will you experience the catharsis of a great movie experience afterwards? I doubt it.
Arabesque (1966)
Watch Charade instead.
Definitely not Peck's best effort. A potentially interesting idea that is let down by some poor acting, inane dialogue and some ham-fisted editing, most noticeable in action sequences i.e. when someone is struck, etc. Loren is quite beautiful but appears to be running on autopilot. Compared to To Kill a Mockingbird, Peck's acting doesn't find its feet and he appears unsure of whether to be serious or play it for laughs; all in all an uncomfortable performance. Both principals have done better. Some minor characters are quite annoying though probably because of the inanities of the script. Easily eclipsed by some telemovies of the period. Camera work is typical of the era but nowhere near as arty as The Thomas Crown Affair. Forget it. It comes across like one of those eastern European flicks where they blew the budget (such as it was) on the principal actors and had nothing left over to refine the script or hire better supporters. Watch Charade instead.