Drama > F Drama > I

Advantages: Well acted, scripted, directed
Disadvantages: The character of Stevens will always be Antony Hopkins to anyone who has seen this film!

...film. Okay, it's not in the most obvious way, but this is the way true romantic films should be. In this adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel of the same title, Anthony Hopkins plays a Butler, Stevens, who is so loyal and dedicated to his job, that he appears almost inhuman. The film tracks his memories of his relationship with Miss Kenton, the housekeeper, played by Emma Thompson, as they carry out their daily duties in the house, unaware, or turning ...
...the Second World War begins to erupt. Although there is no physical romance, or even spoken words of love to show how close the butler and the housekeeper become, it is obvious to the viewer, and the subtle way in which their relationships is presented makes each look, facial expression and sentence ten times as meaningful as it would otherwise be. The scenery is really lovely, and captures the era well, with subtle changes in weather reflecting ... Read review

Advantages: Technically excellent
Disadvantages: Emotionally cold

During the politically turbulent 1930s Former American diplomat Todd Jackson retreats to Shanghai after losing his sight and his family. He plans to build the perfect bar and befriends the mysterious Matsuda, even after being warned the Japanese is employed to plan the invasion of China. He meets impoverished Russian noblewoman Sofia in bar where she works as a dancer and part-time prostitute. She supports her extended family financially but they ...
...lead to the Second World War grows, the two begin a tentative relationship that brings both hope and despair. Like many Merchant Ivory productions, "The White Countess" is a richly detailed evocation of a bygone era. In Ismail Merchant's hands inter-war Shanghai comes to life, showing the decadence of the nightclubs available to only the richest ex-patriots with the harsh existence of the less fortunate. At night the rich and beautiful come together ... Read review

Advantages: Uncompromising, Enthralling, Great performances
Disadvantages: Uncomfortable viewing at times

...from her. She in turn promptly goes to buy it back, thus indirectly feeding and maintaining his addiction. Requiem For A Dream is a terrific and traumatic vision that perceptively captures the subconscious minds of people whose dreams are eating away at them. Please note - published elsewhere ... Read review

Advantages: good commetary
Disadvantages: poor choice of subject

I don't think Hollywood should be making any movies about 9/11. Not this, not United 93. They would have been better served donating the money raised to finance this film to the families of those who lost people in the twin towers. I am amazed they only got 1 big Hollywood name to try and hang this whole film on. yes, Nicolas Cage sells tickets but not all on his own. there should have been at least a few other names. And don't try telling me Maggie ...
...or what else she's been in. This film really can only be watched in the DVD format with the commentary of the men who were there and the rescuers (which is included along with Oliver Stone's commentary. You will learn some interesting things you may not have previously known but this story was NEVER strong enough to be a movie. TV featurette maybe, movie, no way. Sorry. ... Read review

Advantages: great story
Disadvantages: none really

...movie! This a review of the DVD version. Take the wonderful Sir Anthony Hopkins who is a fellow Welshman & we share the same birthday! Have him playing Burt Munro, a man who wants to ride his 1920's Indian Motorcycle faster than 200 mph ot the Bonneville Saltflats. He isn't a young man, in his 70's and his bike is rebuilt and held together with anything he can find. This is the story of his trip to America and across the country in his quest to ride ...
...him like everyone else at the Salt Flats. This is a true story but I would have liked to have known how many things in the film really are true (like the policeman letting him off after speeding in Nevada). My only real gripe with the movie is the accent of the taxi driver who takes Burt to Hollywood, his accent comes and goes which annoyed me a little bit. Watch it with an open mind and be enthralled. ... Read review