Drama > F Drama > I > Ivory, James

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: 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