"the house of the Spirits" based on Isabelle Allende's novel is done with style and conviction. OK, most of the actors don't bother with accents, this is usually a pet peeve of mine, but if you're willing to overlook that, a big if I know, you'll be rewarded with a intriguing, compelling film.
the story of the Trueba family spans generations. At the forefront is Esteban, played by Jeremy Irons, though poor he aspires to marry the daughter of a aristocratic South American family. But she dies, nonplussed he makes his fortune, venting his sexual frustration of a poor peasant girl, and marries the mystical Flora, played by Meryl Streep. Their daughter Blanca is raised in luxury be loves the poor farm worker Pedro, played by a young Antonio Banderas. his bastard son, played by Vincent Gallo, tries to cause trouble and Esteban does all the wrong things. Political and family upheavals ensue and Flora leaves him taking Blanca away. But in his old age and with his family in jeopardy Esteban finally realizes nothing is stronger than love.
The aging of the characters in the film is very well done, seldom have I seen so convincing a performance as Jeremy Irons here. Streep is well cast, after all Flora is something of a witch. Winona Ryder plays Blanca well, esp with the suffering she endures at Esteban Junior's hands. Glenn Close is Esteban's virginal and repressed sister Ferula and she is very, very good in her scenes.
The film doesn't pull many punches, there is violence and nudity, but only when called for and the film is never gratuitous. The music by Hans Zimmer is ethereal and haunting. The mystical aspect and esp the message that sins have a price is well-handled. Ultimately its a very uplifting film.
I'm surprised at how brutal the critics were to this film, just another example of how wrong they can be. I always heard this was awful and yet found myself engrossed and never, ever bored despite is two hours plus running time. There are heavy themes here, but they are handled with subtlety and grace. I thought all the actors did a good job. "The house of the spirits" may not be great, but its very good and worth watching. Note, some viewers expressed problems with one scene that has Blanca, as a girl, and Pedro playing by the water. Huh, what was wrong with two children playing? Watch this with your heart and you'll like it.
the story of the Trueba family spans generations. At the forefront is Esteban, played by Jeremy Irons, though poor he aspires to marry the daughter of a aristocratic South American family. But she dies, nonplussed he makes his fortune, venting his sexual frustration of a poor peasant girl, and marries the mystical Flora, played by Meryl Streep. Their daughter Blanca is raised in luxury be loves the poor farm worker Pedro, played by a young Antonio Banderas. his bastard son, played by Vincent Gallo, tries to cause trouble and Esteban does all the wrong things. Political and family upheavals ensue and Flora leaves him taking Blanca away. But in his old age and with his family in jeopardy Esteban finally realizes nothing is stronger than love.
The aging of the characters in the film is very well done, seldom have I seen so convincing a performance as Jeremy Irons here. Streep is well cast, after all Flora is something of a witch. Winona Ryder plays Blanca well, esp with the suffering she endures at Esteban Junior's hands. Glenn Close is Esteban's virginal and repressed sister Ferula and she is very, very good in her scenes.
The film doesn't pull many punches, there is violence and nudity, but only when called for and the film is never gratuitous. The music by Hans Zimmer is ethereal and haunting. The mystical aspect and esp the message that sins have a price is well-handled. Ultimately its a very uplifting film.
I'm surprised at how brutal the critics were to this film, just another example of how wrong they can be. I always heard this was awful and yet found myself engrossed and never, ever bored despite is two hours plus running time. There are heavy themes here, but they are handled with subtlety and grace. I thought all the actors did a good job. "The house of the spirits" may not be great, but its very good and worth watching. Note, some viewers expressed problems with one scene that has Blanca, as a girl, and Pedro playing by the water. Huh, what was wrong with two children playing? Watch this with your heart and you'll like it.