Brief Encounter (DVD) > Reviews

Advantages: Great dialogue, cinematography and acting
Disadvantages: Can be too quaint to be taken seriously by modern audiences.

...is equally valid really, but Brief Encounter’s method just feels more sophisticated and respectful to the audience, somehow, although in reality it’s hugely manipulative. The narrative also runs in a massively interesting fashion. We don’t understand exactly what’s happening between this curiously intense couple on the opening scene, and that’s because we’ve arrive halfway through. All the smouldering glances and clipped lines are gradually explained ... Read review

Advantages: Pure classic film
Disadvantages: Those accents!!!

BRIEF ENCOUNTER (1945) DIRECTED BY DAVID LEAN REVIEW OF THE 2008 ITV DVD INTRODUCTION Continuing my ‘Lean Season’ reviews this latest review is about one of David Lean’s earlier films – ‘Brief Encounter’ released in 1945 The film received Oscar nominations for Best Actress, Best Director and Best Screenplay. It won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. It is at second place in the British Film ... Read review

Advantages: Ultimate romantic film
Disadvantages: Maybe a little dated but in many ways that's a bonus too

...near Lancaster, which has a Brief Encounter museum,,,,The trains the lovers catch together, and the ones they miss, are a motif for the fragility of life, the way chance shapes our lives; and, ultimately, the sadness of saying goodbye. Interestingly, Coward's original story ( on which the film is based) envisaged a similar tale involving two men. In the 1940's, such openness about homosexuality would have beeb unthinkable. Maybe one day they will ... Read review