Where Angels Fear to Tread
by Charles Sturridge
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Barbara Jefford, Helen Mirren, Helena Bonham Carter, Judy Davis, Rupert GravesDirector: Charles Sturridge
Brand: Image Entertainment
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; Italian (Original Language)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 112 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-11-07
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Image Entertainment
Movie Reviews of Where Angels Fear to Tread
Movie Review: Heartfelt adaptation and beautifully filmed
Summary: 5 Stars
My favorite movie adaptation of Forster's work is the masterpiece "Howard's End" [starring Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins], but I'm also fond of "Where Angels Fear to Tread", perhaps because the story somehow strikes a chord in me. It is incredibly well-cast and the cinematography is breathtaking, and the adaptation does justice to Forster's work.
The story begins with intrepid explorer and free spirit,widow Lilia Herriton[Helen Mirren] who is embarking on a trip to Italy, accompanied by a young companion, Caroline Abbot [Helena Bonham-Carter]. The Herritons, the family Lilia married into, fear the worst as they are of the opinion Lilia is too bold and strong-willed, and their fears are realized when they receive news that Lilia has fallen in love with and plans to marry an Italian dentist, a man much younger than Lilia. Philip Herriton [Rupert Graves] is sent off by his mother [Barbara Jerrod], and spinster sister Harriet [Judy Davis] to intervene, but arrives to find the pair already married. The Herritons sort of wash their hands of Lilia, until some time passes, and they receive news that Lilia has died in childbirth. The story moves along, with Caroline, Harriet and Philip making their way back to Italy, with the intent of bringing the infant boy back to England, with some interesting repercussions.
The acting is top-notch - Rupert Graves is credibly understated as a man who tries his best to adhere to the norms of society, even though one catches glimpses of a more romantic and earthy spirit within. Helena Bonham-Carter in one of her rare glamor-free roles, plays a dressed-down Englishwoman with noble goals and plenty of heart and who slowly awakens Philips' inner passion. Watching the slowly-developing romance between Philip and Caroline, one which both are oblivious of for most of the movie was one of the delights of this film. Judy Davis is a riot as the uppity and xenophobic spinster Harriet.
The cinematography beautifully captures the serenity and lushness of the Italian countryside as does the beguiling score by Rachel Portman. As for the DVD, the picture quality is clear, and presented in 1.66:1 widescreen ratio. The extras include still photos and music from the movie, and the original American trailer. Unfortunately there are no subtitles, closed-captioning or director's commentary. Still, I'm happy that this wonderful movie is out on DVD and highly recommend it to fans of British period dramas.
Summary of Where Angels Fear to Tread
While traveling through Italy on an extended vacation, Lilia Heriton (Prime Suspect's Helen Mirren falls for handsome Gino Carella (Fiorile's Giovanni Guidelli) and, against the wishes of her family, decides to stay in Monteriano. Dispatched by self-centered relatives to retrieve her, brother-in-law Philip (Maurice's Rupert Graves) and chaperone Caroline Abbott (Corpse Bride's Helena Bonham Carter) discover startling news that will alter the course of two families forever. Based on the novel by E. M. Forster (Howards End, A Room with a View), this insightful, funny, and sometimes tragic look at the collision of two different cultures features astonishingly beautiful scenery, a haunting score by Academy Award-winning composer Rachel Portman (Emma), and a memorable supporting turn by Emmy-winner Judy Davis (Barton Fink).Where Angels Fear to Tread is a Merchant/Ivory production in all but name. Lilia (Helen Mirren, in fine form) is a wealthy widow on holiday in rural Italy with her companion Caroline (a dressed-down Helena Bonham Carter) when she falls for penniless local Gino (Giovanni Guidelli). Her horrified relatives promptly dispatch brother-in-law Philip (Rupert Graves) to break things up, but he's too late--she's already married and, in short order, gives birth to a child. Unfortunately, a happy ending is not to be (not for Lilia, at any rate). As with Maurice (Graves) and Howard's End (Bonham Carter), the author is E.M. Forster, but the director is Charles Sturridge (Brideshead Revisited) and, unlike Room with a View (which featured both actors), the tone is tragic rather than romantic. Another Forster vet, Judy Davis (A Passage to India), plays Lilia's sister-in-law, Harriet, while Oscar winner Rachel Portman composed the enchanting score. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
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