Drama > G Drama > A > Armstrong, Gillian

Advantages: A timely reminder of what could have been
Disadvantages: Don't expect an action packed film, but do expect to be enlightened

Charlotte Gray, based on the real life exploits of British women spies who were sent to France during WW2 is a clever film. It is not just about one person (Charlotte Gray) although she is centre stage, it covers the fear and double dealing which were rife in France at that time, shows how the people helped each other as a way of life rather than out of duty and most of all gives you a feel for the danger that they put not only themselves in, but ...
...very cleverly aired “The Real Charlotte Grays” immediately before it. This programme spoke to former women spies who had been in France sending back information and blowing up trains etc – giving their real life experiences. They spoke of the humility they felt when they realised that at worst they would be caught and shot, but the French people were risking everything, their own lives, that of their families and their livelihood. This was a good ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting take on the ordinary lives of people during WW2
Disadvantages: Changes in accents make it difficult to follow at times

When Charlotte Gray meets and falls in love with a young airman, Peter, she should have her entire life to look forward to. However, it is World War 2 and her fiance very soon goes to France on a mission and goes missing. Determined not to give up hope, Charlotte applies for the Secret Service and is sent to France herself; ostensibly to help the war effort, but also to try and find out what has happened to Peter. Will her personal feelings get in ...
...Cate Blanchett was great as Charlotte Gray. She has a gentle, ethereal beauty that lends itself perfectly to this sort of role - a brave, but nevertheless human, woman in love. I liked the way that her character was shown to be infallible - all too often stories about the war concentrate on the bravery, but don't show the fear behind it all - yet Charlotte is clearly scared out of her wits at times. She is supposed to be Scottish, and speaks with ... Read review

Advantages: Can be tense, shocking and unpredictable
Disadvantages: Appears to be a typical chick-flick on the surface

My reason for purchasing Match Point in the first instance was quite simple, Jonathon Rhys Myers was in it and for me that was as good an excuse as any to buy a new film. I'm so glad however that I did buy this film because not only does Rhys Myers play a fantastic part and look extremely handsome for the main but the film has become a firm favourite of mine. Chris (Jonathon Rhys Meyers) is an Irish tennis coach who after coaching Tom, the son of ...
..."There are moments in a match when the ball hits the top of the net and for a split second it can go either forward or fall back. With a little luck it goes forward and you win. Or maybe it doesn't and you lose." This line sums up the double-edged sword that the film is, as on more than one occasion the ball may go forward and Chris may uphold the life he has dreamed of but just as easily it may fall backwards and the world he has come to love may ... Read review

Advantages: Simply Superb
Disadvantages: None

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. ******************************* Produced and Directed by Frank Capra. Starring: Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey. Donna Reed as Mary (Mrs Bailey). Henry Travers as Clarence the angel. Lionel Barrymore as Mr Potter. James Stewart once said this was HIS favourite performance of all the films he had starred in. My favourite film of all time, something I oddly share with Dave Lister! I really should get out more. Introduction: ...
...in the acting stakes. It's a Wonderful Life is Stewarts crowning glory and long may it be an enduring classic. Greg. The boring stuff: DVD Features: Format: Black & White, Language: English with Subtitle option Region: Region 2 Number of discs: 1 Classification: U Run Time: 130 minutes ASIN: B000WOTTRE ... Read review

Advantages: Good film rooted in a real life story with good performances by the actors
Disadvantages: None that I can think of

...enjoyed this film. It is a emotional story which has a few twist and turns to keep you on your toes with some action scenes enlivening it. This is as well as a gritty realism from the true story behind the film of John Nash's struggle with mental illness. Lead actor Russel Crowe puts in a convincing and engaging performance as the brilliant but afflicted mathamatician John Nash. All the characters work well with Connelly combining well with Crowe ... Read review