I am married with two children and live in the heart of England.
I am interested in the Internet, D...
I am married with two children and live in the heart of England.
I am interested in the Internet, DVDs, Music and Cars. I am studying for my Masters degree within the Criminal Justice Sphere.
Member since:26.07.2000
Reviews:59
Members who trust:6
At exactly two hours in length Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is, for most people, twenty minutes too long. Those of you hoping for a love story set against the exciting backdrop of bloody warfare and the daring escapades of the Greek Underground Militia may find it to be two hours too long! This is a film about people and spends it’s time looking at how love, honour and loyalty can set a community apart.
It is set on the Greek island of Cephallonia between the years 1940 and 1947. It follows the small community that gives up their sons to war, their homes to the Italians and their freedom to the Germans. Penelope Cruz plays an intelligent young woman born and bred on the island. She is engaged to a local fisherman (Christian Bale) who is drafted to fight in Albania. Nicholas Cage is the Italian army captain that takes a shine to Cruz when the Italians occupy the area. John Hurt is the worldly-wise Doctor who is father to Cruz.
Cage is stuck with an Italian accent that is remarkably similar to that offered by Gavin Richards in Allo, Allo! Cruz is a bit of a cold fish as the love interest and there is very little evidence of any chemistry between them. John Hurt ‘hams’ it up with great enthusiasm throughout and is very easy to watch. The scenery is, needless to say, stunning.
The film fails because the first sixty five minutes develops the relationship between Cruz and Cage at a snail’s pace. The laughs here are few and far between and there is no sign of the action or adventure promised in some of the teasers. At the mid-way point there is an injection of pace as the war crashes into full swing on the island. The imagery of war is well staged and at times quite brutal in much the same way as you saw it in Saving Private Ryan. Unfortunately the film slips back into a lethargic pace all too soon.
At the preview I heard shouts of “Chick-flick!” from the audience at the end of the film and this may be a fair point. As a romantic tale it works reasonably well and can only be criticised for not having the first half edited sufficiently. Beyond that, however, it does lack any real excitement or interest and many viewers will become restless.
The aspect ratio appears to be 2.35:1, the photography is beautiful and the sound is adequate though the battle scenes do bring the wider sound stage to life very well. The 15 certificate caters for a good number of bare-breasted women, one sex scene and the occasionally disturbing image of murder and violence.
Overall it is an inoffensive, easily forgettable work of art. Best suited to the TV on a rainy Sunday afternoon I think.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: John Duigan - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Charlize Theron, Stuart Townsend, Penelope Cruz
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Beautifully described, sometimes I find if one reads the book and then see the film it doesnt live up to one's expectation as with films they should appear fast moving and not dwell too long on certain issues, well leave that too the Director, I havent seen this yet, but I'll leave that to another rainy day..which shouldnt be too long ..its Bank Holiday on Monday:) Thanks, enjoyed reading this, CH
LucyBell 08.05.2001 11:00
Ive heard that they have messed about with the ending to give it that feeld good factor. Puts me off the film completely.
flupen 07.05.2001 20:15
i am always loathe to watch a film when i enjoyed the book and this book was brilliant. however, i am starting to think i will have to give it a try. but two hours is a long time. anyway, cheers for the op. carole
WhileCaptain Corelli's Mandolinmay frustrate admirers of Louis de Bernières' densely ... more
detailed novel, it provesShakespeare in Lovedirector John Madden is a worthy craftsman of literary films. It's a tastefully old-fashioned adaptation, preserving the no...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
WhileCaptain Corelli's Mandolinmay frustrate admirers of Louis de Bernières' densely ... more
detailed novel, it provesShakespeare in Lovedirector John Madden is a worthy craftsman of literary films. It's a tastefully old-fashioned adaptation, preserving the no...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
With memorable performances from Nicolas Cage (Gone In 60 Seconds, Leaving Las Vegas) and ... more
Penelope Cruz (Blow, All The Pretty Horses), acclaimed director John Madden (Shakespeare In Love) creates breathtaking imagery set amid the Italian occupation of ...
In keeping with Hollywood's time-honored tradition of turning celebrated novels into ... more
cinematic spectacles director John Madden brings Louis de Berniere's acclaimed 1994 work 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' to life. Set on the Greek island of Cephalon...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
![Captain Corelli's Mandolin [DVD] [2001]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78528381.jpg "Captain Corelli's Mandolin [DVD] [2001]")
May 7th, 2001
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