Swimming Pool (DVD)

Advantages: Interesting plot; good cast
Disadvantages: A bit over-involved with itself, slow in parts

...and there's plenty of nude swimming and sunbathing. And that's not all she gets up to - she comes across as sexually precocious, to put it one way - all of which gets the possibly repressed and prudish Sarah (Rampling) very uppity. But maybe it's all just jealousy on her part. To sum up, the arrival of Julie represents an end to the peace and quiet that Sarah was hoping to get - It's mostly about the relationship between the two women, but various ...
...tavern in the village features quite a lot, both because Sarah fancies him, and because she likes her food. There's no holding back with the profiteroles in this little vacation! << Is it any good? >> It's not bad. The actors are very good, and it looks good - scenes of rural France, female sunbathing bodies… it's bound to look good, isn't it? A lot of the reason for this movie's success is the fact that it relies just as much on things which ... Read review

Advantages: something new
Disadvantages: can be seen only on the film festivals

...so that surface of the swimming pool and film stayed untouched. That’s why no other title for this movie is more appropriate than this. I guess that "Swimming pool is kind of film that is hard to run out at the movies. But maybe some other film festivals but Cannes, can bring you the chance to see it. If you however travel, by some chance to France, I’m sure that you can find the way to get hold of this brilliant film. ... Read review

Advantages: Charlotte Rampling's character
Disadvantages: It didn't really go anywhere

A bilingual project that doesn't quite live up to the expectation I must have put upon it. I mean, it has a strong cast (both English and French), some great locations and cinematography but just nothing that really captivates you. If it's trying to be subtle it's too subtle, if it's trying to shock or provoke then it completely fails to do so. Francois Ozon is a great director and his infatuation with English reserve and it's scope for hidden passions ...
...especially by making this French film very accessible to an English audience, but I just can't see it going beyond the arthouse crowd who I'd imagine would be suitably unimpressed. The only thing that kept me watching was Charlotte Rampling's brilliant performance as the central character, Sarah Morton. Perhaps Ozon's French fans will find some fascination through this of us English but I can't reciprocate that upon him. ... Read review

Advantages: Fabulous overall workout
Disadvantages: NOT for beginners

...personally don't think there are enough stomach moves in the resistance section, although possibly the boxing moves, which involve twisting make up for this. 4. The DVD was filmed in Miami - but all you see is a swimming pool, so it may as well have been down your local sports centre. 5. The music is quite boring - although to be fair, you probably won't notice the music to begin with! If you're still unsure, try and get it from your local library first. I bought my copy from the Boots website for £13.99, but I've seen it on Amazon for £6.97 and eBay for £6.90. You may also be able to find it in High Street retailers for a good price if you shop around.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent performances and direction
Disadvantages: Slow-moving; lack of action and dialogue

...pianist who at one point reproaches her for never playing games with him. Music by Shostakovich and Schubert features in the film, as well as a piece in the style of Bach composed especially for the film. The Shostakovich piece emphasises the harsh, cruel aspects of the plot whilst gentler pieces give relief from this. Whilst being a film that will appeal to lovers of music, as director Dercourt (himself a musician) says, the film is not about music but about revenge. The cinematography of 'The Page Turner' is superb. We are treated to many close-ups, as well as seeing figures framed by doorways or moving along sombre corridors. I particularly loved the scenes in the indoor swimming pool where reflected turquoise ripples of water animate the dark brown walls. The film has a 15 certificate. It is in French with English subtitles. DVD... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Hilarious comedy, good viewing
Disadvantages: only 3 episodes, expensive to buy whole set individually

...Another installement to my DVD collection - the epic and classic comedy hero - Mr Bean. I love Rowan Atkinson, especially in Black Adder and also in the classic Mr Bean episodes. Despite my mood before hand, after watching Mr Bean I always feel much better, he always manages to intrigue my imagination with his biazarre mannerisms and abilty to turn the most straight forward of tasks into complete disaters! Having not being able to buy the whollebox set I have had to purchase and review each DVD volume one by one. This DVD contains 3 episodes, each with 3 or 4 sketches in them. All of whihc are brilliant and this DVD includes one of my favourites - the one where he goes to the swimming pool and clings to the diving board. The three episodes are entitled: Episode 1. 'The Curse Of Mr Bean', Episode 2. 'Mr Bean Goes To Town... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful