Review of Mother

Mother (1992)
9/10
moving but slightly maudlin story of an Armenian immigrant family
15 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILERS possible I really loved this movie -depsite the fact that it was admittedly a little maudlin.

The acting was superb- esp **Omar Sharif, **Richard Berry, and Claudia Cardinale. Although some of the developments were predictable, Richard Berry (who reminds me a bit of Gabriel Byrne) has a wonderful kindness and deliberateness about him- that permits him to bring freshness to the role. Its an uplifting tale about discovering (in time) the importance of family and of the relationships built over a lifetime- that nourish one's soul.

The cinematography was wonderful. There was great poignancy to the scenes that detailed the daily humiliation of the immigrant (the "different ones" ) at the center of the story- and of rising above those indignities to reach a state of grace. I think that this film will not be seen much in the US which is a shame - given that immigration (and the tensions between assimilation and preservation) are themes that could resonate thoroughly with an American audience.

An undiscovered gem despite some flaws.
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