Almost Strangers
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Movie Reviews of Almost Strangers
Movie Review: compelling storytelling
Summary: 5 Stars
finally, this wonderful series has made it to the u.s.
one of the things i most like about poliakoff's work is that it avoids the melodramatic, the sensational and the pathological. also the infintile. this is a story about people who do not shoot up, or shoot, do not beat others up, do not throw temper tantrums on sidewalks, do not plan elaborate and vicious crimes. soap operas offer hysterical and mentally unbalanced people doing immoral, unethical and contemptible things to those around them. poliakoff offers characters like the rest of us, but possibly better dressed.
this is storytelling that captivates with wonderful plotting, wonderful dialogue, and wonderful stories. the characters are annoying, irritating, charming, eccentric, courageous, talented, kind, selfish, admirable and hateful and very real. if you loose interest in the story, the sets will keep your attention.
there are a few scenes that keep the series from being child-friendly in the united states, which is a shame, since the series could spark an interest in family history in many children. as the dialogue has it, 'there are at least three great stories in any family.'
Movie Review: Matthew Macfadyen is God!
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently started watching Season One of MI-5 and was enchanted with the performance of Matthew Macfadyen. He's terrific in every way. Tall, handsome, sensitive yet strong, with a voice that is a classic theater voice that enthralls you and draws you in. So I sought out other things he's done and that led me to Almost Strangers.
I watched it in one day and I have to say it was one of the most moving and amazing TV programs I have ever seen. The writing and directing is just top notch. The actors give pitch perfect performances and while Michael Gambon (his usual brilliant self) has the flashy role and makes everything of it it is Matthew Macfadyen's performance that you will most remember. His quiet dignity and all that is behind those eyes is used to best effect as he tries to unravel his new relationships with relatives he has never met before. His naivete in thinking he can help others and, thereby, help himself is simply stunning.
I can't say enough good things about this program. It's one of the best things I've ever seen and it stayed with me for days. Don't miss a chance to see it!
Movie Review: Magnificent!
Summary: 5 Stars
In "Almost Strangers," Stephen Poliakoff weaves a subtle spell. I recall thoroughly enjoying the engaging story and the superb acting--I mean, one can't beat Michael Gambon, Matthew Macfadyen, and Toby Stephens--when, totally unawares, I had become so entranced with the stories within the story of an extended family, that I had to watch all 237 minutes of it at one sitting.
Since the story is told from the point of view of Daniel (the son of the black sheep of the clan), who knows very little about the rest of the family, the viewer is put into a similar position, first of discomfort, as he moves from stereotypes, finally of fascinated affection, as he slowly unravels the secrets not only of his family but also of his own past.
Nor do the writers disappoint; all the clues deftly planted in the first scenes of the film, are revealed in a magical ending.
Movie Review: A sweet surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
I rented this movie to see Toby Stephens but bought it because it was immediately engaging and special. Perhaps I was so charmed because I was caught by such surprise. The set-up is a family reunion attended by some of the less well off members as well as the amazingly rich ones. They hardly know of one another, hence the title. Several generations are represented which adds to the richness of the tale. I was expecting dark secrets reavealed with grave consequences. Instead I got something far more satisfying. I hesitate to go much further lest I deny the viewer the delight I had in discovering such a tender yet powerful story. Let me just say that the acting is superb from leading parts to quirky minor characters. A wonderful time was had by all - including me.Movie Review: MATTHEW MACFADYEN - BRILLIANT ACTOR
Summary: 5 Stars
I just love British movies/BBC TV movies. I bought Almost Strangers because it was in my "recommendations list" and read all the good reviews. Love it and will treasure this. I've been watching this once a day, after a stressful day at work. A combination of drama and comedy. Michael Gambon is a superb actor, so as Matthew MacFadyen, as well as the other actors - Lindsay Duncan, Timothy Spall, Toby Stephens, Claire Skinner. I like their characters and how they portrayed their characters so well. I like the plot of the movie - every family has some secrets, exposing them give peace to every one. Very good ending, very well done. Very good story, very good director, and superb actors. I just like to watch Brit movies, that's it.