MEG-40 Reviews

Fehér tenyér (2006)

Sad life story.

[8/10 · 15 August 2008]

A really good film but one of the saddest films I've seen in a long time. Although the film was was released in 2006 I only saw it on Australian TV in August 2008. It was shown very late at night with a warning beforehand of child abuse which nearly put me off watching it. If this is not a true life story, I would guess that it must be based on one as it is so very credible. The choice of athletes and actors was good and the role of the coach who trained the young gymnasts was played menacingly well. What a horrible character and unfortunately there may be more than one of those in the real world. The parents were disgusting - I'd run away from home if they were mine. After all his misadventures, I hope that Miklós enjoyed his time with Cirque De Soleil in Las Vegas because by then, in my opinion, after all the hardships he endured he deserved to be treated as a very unique person.

Nos enfants chéris (2003)

Is this real life?

[8/10 · 24 June 2006]

Now 3 years after it's release this film was shown on TV in Australia and in the early hours of the morning. I really enjoyed it too though it was more of a fairy tale than real life ... I wish I would have had a husband who did ALL the chores and still thought that I was the only one for him but the 'house-husband' of this type is a new invention and the product of the generation where Mother did all the chores and Dad was out earning the money! I would have liked to see a further chapter after they walked off into the sunset to see how they coped together in the real world! Now that would have also been very drole as the French say!

Unit One (2000–2004)

Great Series

[10/10 · 1 May 2006]

Have just seen the last episode, No 32, (though the site says only 30 episodes were made) and I must comment on the fact that this series was really very good and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime/cop stories. Supposedly all 32 were based on fact with information at the end of each episode of the court sentences imposed on the perpetrators of the crimes, this has at times been a gritty, well acted, believable and dare I say, entertaining series. The fact that the powers in Denmark decided to disband the unit was almost unbelievable as they did their work so well and in the series at least, never failed to "get their man"! It's a definite 10/10 for me.

The Old Man Who Read Love Stories (2001)

It will join my list of all time favourites

[10/10 · 8 April 2004]

The strange thing about the reviews and comments that I've read about this movie was that they were all bordering on the negative. It is a wonderful film, so different just because it is about an old man who remembers that he can read and how the only books that he can get are love stories which help him put his world into a new perspective. Not quite alone in the Amazonian jungle for years, we are told a bit of his history in cleverly inserted flashbacks. The roles of the slovenly village Mayor (Timothy Spall), the itinerant dentist (Hugo Weaving)and the beautiful village girl (Cathy Tyson) are all so well played that the viewer is drawn in as part of the the story like a voyeur. When the film had ended I just wished to see more. Being a fan of Richard Dreyfuss was a definite plus but overall this gentle film was very enjoyable and I'd see it again and again.

Starye klyachi (2000)

A good laugh!

[9/10 · 10 April 2003]

Whoever said that laughter is the best medicine was right. This movie was a real treat what with all the current trends in fast action, blood and gore type films which people flock to see in the cinemas nowdays. I was very fortunate in being able to view it from the comfort of my armchair at home when it was shown on our Australian multi-lingual TV channel. I voted 9/10 for it, and thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good over the top comedy. The ladies, "Old Hags" of the English title, are all a scream and the situations and scrapes they get into are all of their own making on their way to reclaiming the central Moscow apartment which has been taken over by an out of town 'gangster' whilst they are living in a leased house in the middle of a cemetery. In my opinion this is a - must see, feel good movie - which deserves a wider audience.

Mostly Martha (2001)

Something Different

[8/10 · 12 February 2003]

For film buffs who like their movie viewing to include films which are not easy to categorise, this is a 'must see'. With superb acting by the whole cast, none well known to english speaking audiences, and with good direction this film deserves all the accolades that it has earned. The dialog is sparse, so very little is lost in the sub titling as can happen when one sees a foreign language film that has a lot of involved dialog. The plot summary given on the IMDb title page tells it all and without wanting to give too much away I'd like to say that it is one of the best films I have seen in an age of musical films acted by people who are not known for their dancing ability, early gang violence films made by well known directors and literary women films about being influenced by the pages of books! Bella Martha is a breath of fresh air and a memory of times when a person went to the movies and left the theatre smiling.

100 Centre Street (2001–2002)

A rare series.

[10 January 2003]

Not that many people will be reading my comments as this show is a couple of years old now but we are seeing it for the first time in Australia and I must comment on the grittiness and unglamourous world of the arraignment courts in the USA. We are bombarded with lawyer and police shows with beautiful people who are, oh, so smart and unbelievable! Yet, 100 Centre Street works because it does not glamourise itself and the stories and actors are all believable. The few episodes we have seen so far, only about 4 or 5, have all been outstanding and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing more. Superb, this is a 10/10 for anyone who wants to see the 'other side' of life!

Deadly Summer (1997 TV Movie)

A Black Comedy of Laughs!

[8/10 · 14 February 2002]

This 'made for TV' film is filled with over-the-top characters, (it's no wonder the French hate English tourists) this lot are scraping the bottom of the barrel, with the exception of darling Pauline Quirke. How could the film ever be mundane with actors like herself, Francesca Annis, Bob Peck and Nicholas Farrell, not forgetting Sarah Smart, playing a role similar to the bratty daughter of the Braithwaites. Everyone including the old French "witch" played their roles to perfection, that they kept themselves from laughing proves their acting ability!! I would love to have seen some of the out-takes! A middle of the night movie that should have been given a better time slot, Deadly Summer, fulfilled all expectations of how enjoyable black comedies can be!

Solomon & Gaenor (1999)

Not so much of the Romeo and Juliet thing, please!

[8/10 · 24 January 2002]

I have never really understood why so many stories of "star crossed" lovers are always compared to Romeo and Juliet, which, fair enough, was about families at odd with each other, but, in my opinion, Solomon and Gaenor is so much more. A really sad story about bigoted people who are just perpetuating a centuries old hatred of people who are different to themselves. The supposedly Christian people who should practise what they preach and the Jewish people who will not integrate for fear of losing something of themselves in the process is the real dilemma of this story. Solomon and Gaenor are the ultimate losers in this harsh Welsh world of miner's strikes and religious bigotry in the early years of the 20th century when everything was seen as back and white and there was no place for shades of grey inbetween. More people should have the opportunity to see this film which, as far as I know, was never shown in cinemas in Australia and only consigned to a late night viewing time on a little watched TV station, as there is a lesson to be learned from this really well acted film .

The Man Who Wasn't There (2001)

To pc dean of Arlington, Virginia!

[8/10 · 4 January 2002]

Some poor sap, hey! What do you know? I did want to review this film after seeing it but then I read your comments! You have aptly put into words everything about this film that makes it worth while. There is no way that I could have added anything more to entice the reader to go, view and experience this film for themselves. Thank you for sharing with us your most amusing, subtle and at the same time insightful views.

Monsoon Wedding (2001)

The Wedding of the Year!

[10/10 · 25 December 2001]

Take a kaleidoscope of the brightest pure colours, add the most amazing "over the top" characters, sprinkle liberally with tears and laughter and you have the recipe for this film which is a delightful feast for all the senses. There is so much happening all the time that you become fearful that something might be missed, trying to see into every corner of every scene which is almost impossible! Well worth the price of a ticket and might even warrant a second viewing, this film deserves a much wider distribution than it will receive. Definitely 10/10.

Amélie (2001)

A real feel-good movie

[10/10 · 19 December 2001]

A movie that makes you feel that life can be fun! Always amusing, never boring, though maybe, just a little too long, Amelie will keep you smiling in spite of yourself. Sharp, funny dialog to keep you alert and the delightful and mischievous face of Audrey Tatou will have you thinking of perhaps a young sister of Juliette Binoche! Trés, trés jolie! I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone who needs a little escape from the real world!

Sexy Beast (2000)

Not your ordinary British dark comedy!

[7/10 · 3 October 2001]

I found this film really hard to sit through. I am even not sure why I did! I have to admit that I was mesmerised, like being confronted by a very poisonous snake and being too scared to even blink an eyelid! It was one of the blackest comedies I have ever seen and I was really offended by the coarse language. I mean Ben Kingsley was superb in the role (a psychotic lunatic?) and I know that there are people out there in the real world who have to use such bad language to express themselves but in the real world I would have the opportunity to choose to listen or walk away but not in this film. The acting was really fantastic - everyone in the film played their parts to perfection - so one must take a step back to look at the film objectively and then agree that it is a very, very good film but it won't appeal to everyone's taste.

Sexy Beast (2000)

Not your ordinary British dark comedy!

[7/10 · 3 October 2001]

I found this film really hard to sit through. I am even not sure why I did! I have to admit that I was mesmerised like being confronted by a very poisonous snake and being too scared to even blink an eyelid! It was one of the blackest comedies I have ever seen and I was really offended by the coarse language. I mean Ben Kingsley was superb in the role (a psychotic lunatic?) and I know that there are people out there in the real world who have to use such bad language to express themselves but in the real world I would have the opportunity to choose to listen or walk away but not in this film. The acting was really fantasic - everyone in the film played their parts to perfection - so one must take a step back to look at the film objectively and then agree that it is a very, very good film but it won't appeal to everyone's taste.

At Home with the Braithwaites (2000–2003)

Mind-boggling stuff!

[9/10 · 9 September 2001]

I couldn't believe my eyes and ears seeing and hearing this over-the-top completely dysfunctional family and all of their weird friends and relations. Susan Wainright, the writer should be given top marks for the storyline which each week delivers more surprises than the previous week's episode. The first series was almost what one would expect from a family as weird and mixed-up as this one is but the second series excelled and I almost cringed at the antics of each and every character. Talk about behaving badly, well, this is the ultimate in "bad behaviour" and I'm sad that there is only one more episode to go before the end of the second series on Australian TV because I'll really miss my Saturday night dose of great British black comedy.

Split Second (1999 TV Movie)

Let your conscience be your guide!

[9/10 · 2 August 2001]

Clive Owen is one of the most intense actors that are currently on our screens. His role in the made for TV movie "The Cyclist" or "Split Second", whatever it is called, is like his second skin. I don't want to say too much about the plot as that would spoil it for the viewer - suffice to say that it is the story of a man under pressure on all sides and what could happen if a random incident triggers off a reaction that will blow his life apart and change his world completely. Clive Owen is superb whether he is playing a detective losing his sight, a con man's son working as a croupier or the driver of the cars in the varied BMW Movie series on the internet - in my humble opinion he is the tops!

My Family (2000–2011)

Yes. it is surprising!

[30 June 2001]

Robert Lindsay on our TV screens at present in two roles so vastly different from each other- Captain Pellew of Hornblower fame and as the "insane" dentist - father - family man of My Family! I am a great fan of RL ever since first seeing him in Nightingales, another quite insane comedy of quite a different calibre.

After last seeing Zoe Wannamaker as the love of Adam Faith it makes a change to see her as less 'Ms' Prim and Proper and more as 'Mrs' Avant Gard Dentist's wife. She does both so well in my opinion.

Anyway, I love My Family, it will appeal to an audience who likes the humour of Seinfeld mixed with the madness of someone of the ilk of Lenny Henry and it does really work. The wit is very clever, very in your face and not as subtle as english humour can be at times but nevertheless it is great fun.

The House of Mirth (2000)

The story of a very "silly" woman!

[8/10 · 27 June 2001]

Even though the all the reviews I have read for this film have started by wondering why Gillian Anderson was chosen as the lead, I am inclined to do the same. She is very lovely and the part called for a beautiful woman, but I felt that she was overacting (something didn't quite gel) and that took the edge off the film for me. Dan Ackroyd, also, was wrong for his part. The setting of the film in Edwardian times was very good with everything just as one would imagine it to be. What a lot of snobby people are portrayed by Edith Wharton. Overall the film is beautiful. A sad tale of a "silly" woman who should have known better, the scenes are at times breathtaking and I particularly liked the scrolling pattern of the title frames - that was very ingenious. The cinematographer should be congratulated once again on a job very well done. I have given it 8/10 and would recommend it to anyone who likes period pieces.

Hawkins (2001 TV Movie)

Something different!

[10/10 · 27 April 2001]

Robert Lindsay is THE professor of philosophy hell bent on self destruction but at the same time showing a weakness for helping others who may be heading in the same direction. Badly betrayed by the closest person in his life he starts to come apart at the seams but with the help of a very persistent student things take a brighter turn. Can't find out how many episodes were made originally but this could turn out to be one of the best.

As a great fan of 'crime investigation' books and movies, TV series incl. this was in fact right up my alley. Loved every moment of it and having an intellectual as the main protagonist made for a complete change to the usual police investigators. Have only seen this one episode on our national TV station and hope there will be more to come.

Croupier (1998)

Really great movie!

[9/10 · 26 April 2001]

Loved this movie, but then again, I am biased as I think Clive Owen is the best thing since sliced bread! Saw him in the TV series 'Second Sight" and became an instant fan. He has a unique way of acting with a serious face and few smiles but he gets his character across to the viewer. His croupier is marvellous. I am glad I don't gamble!! Anyway, apart from Clive Owen, Mike Hodges has brought to the screen a really good entertaining story, which, without giving the plot away, has you guessing right to the end.

The Color of Paradise (1999)

So, so beautiful

[9/10 · 9 April 2001]

This wonderful tale of a small blind boy and his relationship to his father, grandmother, sisters and the people around him was an incredible experience. His awareness of nature and his heightened senses as filmed by Majid Majidi in such a careful and beautiful way invited the audience to participate in everything that affected him. From the feel of the wind to the sounds of the sea and the touch of a baby bird fallen out of it's nest.

This film was two things to me - one of the most stunningly visual films and one of the most moving film storylines I have ever, ever seen! And yes, I would recommend it wholeheartedly because it is a 'must see' film. I was 1 of 2 people in the cinema when it was shown which was quite amazing. I truly hope that apart from the fact that it has won awards at film festivals it won't get lost in the film archives before enough people have seen it.

Up at the Villa (2000)

Visual delight but poor script

[30 November 2000]

Because I live at the Other End of the World I'm writing my comments months after the film was first released overseas but it has only recently been on our screens here! Anyway, saw it with a friend and we were both not sure what to make of it. Having read Somerset Maugham many years ago in my youth, I felt it was very much like I remember his writing, holding up a certain class of the English to ridicule and scorn for their attitudes. But I thought that the script let everyone down and if the performances were not so exceptional the film would have been a 'bomb'. The scenery was superb but if you have been to Florence you know that is what it's like. The sets were magnificent and one imagines that was just how those fantastic villas and palaces must have looked and maybe still look like today. As already mentioned the acting was very good but in my opinion there was not 'something in the air' with Kristen Scott Thomas and Sean Penn. That 'something' was much more apparent between KST and the Massimo Ghini who played Leopardi. Overall it's a good film to see for light entertainment on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

East/West (1999)

Intense and powerful!

[9/10 · 14 September 2000]

I sat in the cinema after the credits had rolled almost unable to bring myself to leave, get in my car and drive home. I was completely overwhelmed by this intense film and its in your face storyline. Whether the story the film was based on was true or not, I thought the performances of all the actors and actresses were exceptional, the photography was excellent and overall though not a film that could be called 'enjoyable' because it was so sad, I was intensely moved and gave it 9/10.

Tangos Are for Two (1997)

One for the 'Lovers of the Music of Tango'

[9/10 · 21 April 2000]

Heart-rending tale of a woman who idolises Carlos Gardel and it's easy to see how she gets lost in fantasy. The acting is very good. The film story line makes it seem that there is a very fine line between reality and fantasy that can be crossed if one does not take care. The music and songs are fabulous if you are a fan of tango. A film that I wholeheartedly recommend- I've seen it three or four times - definately 9/10 for it's genre.

The Brontë Sisters (1979)

A film to remember!

[10/10 · 1 November 1999]

Although I saw this film in 1979/1980 it was one of the most memorable movies of my movie viewing days. The photography was excellent and is to my mind one of the best alongside 2 or 3 other films that have appealed to my artistic senses. At the time I thought 'trust the French to make a movie about the English that is so beautifully executed'. This may sound very "highbrow" but not really. If you are into foreign language films well acted and visually appealing this is a film for you. I have been searching ever since for a chance to view it again. Top Marks 10/10