Film Reviews by JS

Perhaps I don't have sufficient "soul" to appreciate this film but, regrettably, its only redeeming feature is that it only lasts 70 minutes.

I had hoped that I would be bowing out of Cinema Paradiso on a high but it wasn't to be.

Amin is a migrant worker in France living in a hostel. There is a little tension here as they are separated from family connections.

He is a labourer and, because it is a film, forms an unlikely relationship with a separated French lady he gardens for upsetting daughter, husband and neighbours.

The real tension emanates from the family at home in Senegal. But we don't see enough of this. His wife wants to come to France where she believes there will be a better life for her and 4 children and allow her to escape the moral code imposed on women whose husband's work overseas.

Film doesn't quite match up to the interpersonal challenges.

With Karin Viard in the cast, the quality of one actor is guaranteed. She seems to specialise in these lower budget offerings and deserves more recognition.

Story a bit "potty", but believable and 90 minutes well spent unraveling a complex plot.

With 4 award winning actors in this film the critics naturally fall over themselves to award maximum stars but the public, looking for entertainment, have split on this film.

Perhaps for a directoral debut it was unwise to both direct and adapt the book. Incidentally, the film doesn't make me rush out and read the book. Being a Netflix production, it may never reach DVD and the "extra" of making the film which might bring enlightenment?

If an award is due to this film it will be for Buckley's performance as the young Colman. She puts an energy into the film which is otherwise lacking. Her portrayal of a female academic, "burdened" with a young family needing to realise her imagined potential is instantly recognisable to any observer of university life.

Colman is surprisingly wooden and the foul mouthed Johnson detached and the implied tension between the two families comes to nothing. Only the last spontaneous act has a little meaning.

A grudging 3 stars for Buckley's performance and the attempt to address an ever present problem for female society which is hardly a taboo subject.

Didn't think we would like this film.

A bit predictable and unbelievable at the beginning, but once the plot unfolded it was almost riveting.

Once the police became involved it was reminiscent of the chaotic department portrayed in the Spiral series.

The scene where Muriel meets her lawyer will stay with us for a long time.

Superb acting throughout.

In fact, I'm going to upgrade my 4* to 5.

Firstly, 2 corrections. This is NOT a porn movie as suggested by the other reviewer. Sure there are two scenes where one might feel uncomfortable watching with grandparents or a pre-pubertal child but underwear is maintained during the "sex scene".

Secondly, we know a couple who didn't speak Shanghai to Heathrow until the plane circled. They married 6 months later. So not all preposterous stories on film are made up.

The film is slow and it is not clear exactly what is happening, something that persists throughout along with annoying music.

Eventually the direction becomes clear although amateurish until the twist which turns the story on its head and you applaud the writer even if you guessed the probable inevitable ending.

Unless you are one of those who believes that French Cinema must be held beyond criticism or have a fetish for traffic jams, then steer clear of this rubbish.

There is a story, of course, but even when you think you have a vague idea as to what is happening it drifts off into blurred cinematography.

Always a treat to watch Daniel Auteuil films. He is a much underrated actor outside France.

The facts held the film together and there was never a moment when the drama didn't hold ones attention

Highly recommended.

Firstly let me note that there are no subtitles to this film unless you choose to watch it with the audio commentary on. Really odd, but eventually listening to the French for emphasis, the English for detail and the subtitles for a translation becomes a non issue.

It is all action and engaging but, the French police are brutal, the inhabitants of the banlieue are black criminals so you enjoy the film but with some degree of being uncomfortable.

Worth watching for the young actors/extras and would certainly have got 4* if it wasn't for the adherence to classic French cop films.

The blurb doesn't explain that this is a documentary and the film doesn't explain how this disparate group was formed - was it a "tour" as the group seemed strangers to each other. No sign of any support vehicle/staff other than the film crew.

So, it didn't have the drama or impact of The Way but rolled along at a reasonably comfortable pace. Not every member of the group gets equal air time but we do glean some personal suffering but not why walking the Camino was thought helpful. Not even sure if there were any Catholics in the group.

Tremendous personal effort but ..............

This was available on Netflix so we watched it there rather than waiting for a DVD.

Superb period drama with a twist or two.

Highly recommended.

We had really looked forward to this much hyped film.

An interesting story juxtaposed with the dichotomy of West meets East.

But, and there is always a but, and iñ this case a huge BUT how can one follow a foreign film if the subtitles are unreadable.

Was the bride pregnant? Couldn't tell because the white subtitles were masked by revolving white plates. Many other examples while the subtitles for the hard of hearing were exemplary. Big and bold!

Perhaps your in-house critic understood Chinese or watched in a cinema but, why oh why, isn't there an international standard on subtitles?

They need to be in a bold font, of a certain size and preferably white on a black background.

Spoiled my evening hence the two stars

Thankfully a short film by French cinema standards but still too long

Girl meets boy - 15 minutes

Seduction/rape - 30 minutes

Family discussion - 10 minutes

Further rape - 10 minutes

Poor acting by his mother - 10 minutes

Motorway driving with limited speech - 10 minutes

Unconvincing murder - 10 minutes

No psychology, just brutalism and neopornography?

It must be more than 60 years since I saw Brigadoon but there were plenty of resonances here.

The village isolated from the world running a peaceful society rudely interrupted by a war.

There are messages in this film not spoiled by some tolerable silliness as it was described as having a comedic thread.

An enjoyable way to pass a rainy afternoon.

Enjoyed this film although in classic French style it dragged in parts eg the party scene.

You mustn't ignore the short film in the Extras as it is actually a prequel to the main offering.

Should you watch this first? Not sure. Certainly it fills in the gaps but equally it detracts from the perception of one of the main characters and might just modify your views on the denouement.

It's your choice!