Ladies in Lavender
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Movie Reviews of Ladies in Lavender
Movie Review: Charmed by Ladies in Lavender
Summary: 5 Stars
Ladies in Lavender is a rare gem in the movie world of today. This is a soft spoken tale that ignores age and looks to character. Beautiful roles for older women may be hard to find these days and when a movie comes along with two such roles you could not ask for anything better than to have two wonderful Ladies, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, take on those roles. This movie was adapted from a short story of the same title but its silver screen life comes from the actors who played their parts to perfection.
The movie takes place in a small Cornish village where the viewer is given an immediate sense of isolation - perhaps isolation from life, from emotions and from vulnerabilities. The sisters Ursula and Janet Widdington, played by Dench and Smith, spend a quiet, uninvolved existence, venturing out rarely. But on one of their walks along the beach that they find a young man washed ashore after a storm. A bit befuddled they nevertheless take this young may into their home to help him recuperate. This one act of kindness leads to unexpected consequences for we see that age is not a barrier to unleashing emotions, feelings that have been hidden for so many years. It is the ability of Dench and Smith to portray these emotions, these feelings, for the camera that make this movie sing. And the melody of the movie is also carried nicely by the supporting roles played by Daniel Bruhl and Natascha McElhone. Together these actors make this move work on several levels to give the viewer a splendid evening's entertainment.
Movie Review: A bittersweet love story
Summary: 5 Stars
It is 1936 in Cornwall, and elderly sisters Ursula (Judi Dench) and Janet (Maggie Smith) are living a well-ordered and dull life. A violent storm washes a young man (Daniel Bruhl) ashore; the sisters take him in and nurse him back to health. Ursula, the more emotional of the two, is drawn to him immediately and soon has romantic fantasies about him. Janet, the older, no-nonsense sister, is initially less involved, but slowly she, too, comes to see the young man as "hers." His talent for the violin is noticed by their lovely neighbor (Natascha McElhone), but the sisters are jealous of her interest and want to keep him to themselves.
This little movie is quite fragile and touching. There's not a lot of action here, but the two stars make it a most satisfying experience. The focus is entirely on their emotional reaction to the presence of the mysterious young man, and both Dench and Smith are masters in the arts of facial expression and speech. Dench's never-married Janet will tug at your heartstrings as she curls up alone on the young man's bed and cries, and Smith's Ursula is a multi-layered character as well. Miriam Margolys plays a crusty housekeeper for a bit of comic relief, and the always reliable David Warner is a lovelorn village doctor. The various plot threads are left unresolved, much like real life, and one is left with a glimpse into two lives that is heartfelt and real. Dench and Smith are unforgettable; I heartily recommend "Ladies in Lavender" to their fans.
Movie Review: THE DAMES ARE THE SHOW
Summary: 5 Stars
It seems like I've seen, many times, on film the theme of this film--a waif of a young man is washed ashore unable to speak the language possessing a great hidden talent (playing the violin) and is rescued by two reclusive old ladies that are somewhat enjoying their dodge with one of them longing for something else which comes in the form of the washed ashore young man. Maggie Smith and Judi Dench's extreme acting abilities are truly what make this film memorable.
I'm sure that Maggie Smith and Judi Dench could have played their roles with both hands tied behind them and short of one or both of their legs. They are sooooooo good in their respective roles. Maggie plays the seemly stronger sister sublimely demonstrating and showing her strengths while at the same time exhibiting her vulnerabilities. Judi plays the seemly weaker sister Ursula so very well eliciting from us, the audience, much sympathy. I actually cried at some of her scenes. Although it was the dames' show, the entire cast is great. (especially Miriam Margolys-of Black Ader fame--is wonderful as their cranky housekeeper)
The film is shot gorgeously on a beautiful coast (of Great Britain, I'm sure) plus the sound tract is wonderful--Joshua Bell playing the violin beautifully.
If you want to see two ladies act everyone under the table plus hear some beautiful violin music and see some wonderful scenery, buy this DVD.
Movie Review: Lovely Setting, Worthwhile Characters, Quiet Story
Summary: 5 Stars
The character studies in this period piece entranced me. The scene is pre-WWII British coastal village. Fine actresses (Maggie Smith and Judi Dench) portray the elderly sisters who discover the half-drowned youth on the beach and take him into their home to recuperate from his broken ankle.
At first they react to his vulnerability, like an adopted puppy, but then their interest becomes more personal as they vie for his attention and favor. The competition fosters unrest between the sisters.
The young man, Andrea, gets English lessons from one sister and the best tidbits from the kitchen. When they learn of his interest in violins, they arrange for a local fiddle player to entertain him during his recuperation. Andrea borrows the violin and demonstrates admirable skill with the instruments.
The quiet story gets complicated when one sister's attachment to the youth becomes too serious for the age disparity. Also a young foreign woman takes an interest in Andrea and his violin playing. There seems a bit of mystery about her reason for being in the village. The local doctor fancies her, but wonders about German speaking Andrea while Britain prepares for war.
The period, costuming, pacing and mood often led me to look for Poirot or Miss Marple to appear at any moment. They never did, but I very much enjoyed the story and characters anyway.
Movie Review: Bravo!
Summary: 5 Stars
What a surprise and what a pleasure. I was persuaded to watch this film, and did so reluctantly. I thought it would be boring and maudlin. The story line seemed unappealing.
I am so very happy to say I was totally and completely wrong.
Unlike earlier reviewers, I did not find the story thin or questionable. I found it very human, poignant and touching. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith are, as always, superb, and a joy to watch working together.
The entire cast was excellent. Other reviewers have gone into the plot quite thoroughly, so perhaps better not to reiterate those details.
I can only say that I was delighted and enchanted. If you are weary of slick, predictable formula films, too many super heroes, too much hideous violence and ugliness, and an overabundance of special effects, then perhaps you too will be charmed. Only the British can do something of this nature successfully.
This film is also visually beautiful. It takes place in Cornwall, one of the most magical places on the face of this earth.
Bravo Charles Dance. This film is a real treasure. I, for one, anticipate watching this
many times over.