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Reviews
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
A perfect "10" movie that has stood the test of time
This has been (and I imagine will continue to be after 40+ years) my favorite film of all time. It is literally perfect in every respect, from cinematography and musical score, to direction, casting, acting, and script (as adapted from the stage play). The opening scene alone (a summons to court being delivered to Sir Thomas More) is worth the price of admission. The language of the movie and the nuances of each line and delivery are incredible, even after I have seen this film literally a dozen times. It is one of the very few that makes me glad I can speak and understand English. Movies of this complexity and level of achievement cannot be viewed on a daily basis. They must be savored over a long period of time to fully appreciate the Director's and Playwright's vision. There is not a single weak performance in the cast--everyone (I'm sure) brought at the time deep acting credentials and craft to the project; we are not likely to see the work, for example, of Leo McKern or Wendy Hiller any time again soon. This is a film for all time; if you haven't seen it yet, get a recently remastered version and enjoy in wide screen.
Être et avoir (2002)
A jewel (something iridescent like a pearl) shines through this film.
Yes, it's in French. Yes, the title is "enigmatic." And, yes, you will have to read subtitles if you're French-challenged. But this film will show you what "to educate" means (from the Latin educo -- to draw forth, i.e., to lead out of). The teacher in this rural French one-room school has a dozen or more students from ages 5 to 11, and to all (pupils and parents) his demeanor is one of "how can we find common ground", "how can we live together harmoniously" and "how can we foster development?" This is a great movie, a marvelous documentary filled with private moments and a way of life that is hidden demurely away, even from the French. There are touching moments where students must face difficult life problems and somehow in French seems to be the most lovingly gentle way to approach them; we almost feel like a voyeur in these scenes (thank you, France, for that word). If you are at all moved by the process of childhood development, of what it means to be a source of truth in people's lives, and what is it a teacher really can do, then watch this film (maybe several times). If you're tired of movies with intricate plots, sirens and helicopters, this is the film for you!
The Butcher's Wife (1991)
The cast took this comedy seriously, so why shouldn't we?
What a treat to catch this movie on a HD channel recently; yes, it is "Schlocky-wood", but it's done as a carefully crafted ensemble piece. And what an ensemble! The cast has some great moments, especially for Demi Moore and Jeff Daniels. But there are some "characters in the background" who would become well known for performances yet to come (e.g., Frances McDormand in "Fargo" and Miriam Margoyles as Prof. Sprout in the Harry Potter series). This is an enjoyable, humorous, ironic, feel-good movie... you surely won't have to apologize for crude language or over-the-top violence in any scene (well, you will have to get used to Demi's full length blonde hair, and after "G. I. Jane" that may be tough to do).