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Reviews
Healing (2014)
Stunning -- simply stunning
Why in the world do Australian audiences fail to turn out for first rate drama and settle for comic book remakes or simplistic American dreck?
This movie is simply stunning and should have had a much larger audience here in its home country. The scenery certainly sums up the sparse beauty of Victoria. And Hany and Weaving both give wonderfully rich and subtle performances.
The subject matter is fascinating. This is NOT some grubby prison movie -- it's a story of an innovative rehabilitation methodology. Well done!!!
Testament of Youth (2014)
An elegant and moving Testament of Youth
Having read some of the negative remarks regarding the film makers' decision to not show extensive scenes from the mucky trenches, I must respectfully disagree. From War Horse to the Wipers Times, there have been quite a few films over the last few years that covered the horrifying reality of life in the trenches of Europe.
I found this to be a well-acted and balanced presentation. It has left me with a lingering sadness and I feel that it has accomplished the purpose of showing the viewers the aching emptiness and futility of war. No one in this story escaped the impact of the World War I years. Although most of the focus is on Vera, we do see the anguish of the others who surround her throughout those years.
Previously unfamiliar with the back-story of this writer, I was very satisfied with the film portrayal of her life.
Alex Polizzi's Secret Italy (2014)
Gets SO much better after Episode One!
I wasn't certain if I would stick with this after watching Episode 1 in Venice because Ms. Polizzi came across like a spoilt and entitled brat. However, Episode 2 in Rome and beyond was wonderful and Episode 3 in Naples and the Amalfi coast was equally enjoyable.
Someone in the production company needs to tell her to stop saying "Mama Mia" again and again because she looked and sounded ridiculous and even the mussel harvesters over in the Marche had a giggle at her. BUT -- the bottom line is that the filming is beautiful and there are both new cultural details and information about the production of regional goods that make it all worth spending the time occasionally cringing at her verbal gaffes. I give it 8 out of 10.