Widows' Peak
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Movie Reviews of Widows' Peak
Movie Review: Entertaining with an O'Henry Twist
Summary: 5 Stars
We watched this movie, which was completely new to us, and enjoyed it very much; the ending caught us both by complete surprise. We are always fans of Joan Plowright and have enjoyed her performances in a number of movies; Mia Farrow also did a convincing job in her roll.
We did not realize until later that Natasha Richardson was the one who died in a skiing accident in Canada or that she was the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and the wife of Liam Neeson. She was the one who brought sparkle to the story as she portrayed a mysterious newcomer to the community who impacted everyone with not only her beauty, but her daring and enthusiastic joy of life.
The movie creates an ambience that is unusual to say the least; unlike many contemporary American movies this one gets off to a slow and methodical start as the Irish community of Counihan is progressively displayed to the viewer. The significance of "Widow's Peak" is revealed and the power structure that drives the community.
Into this well ordered and predictable lifestyle enters a mysterious beauty with an agenda. The fact that the agenda exists is only revealed gradually as the groundwork is laid for the surprise ending.
Mr. Doug Thomas states in the Editorial Review, "What starts off as an accessible film turns into a prize only for those who liked Enchanted April and similar movies." I'll confess that my wife and I are great fans of "Enchanted April" and "similar movies" so we did find this movie a prize. We invite friends over to watch movies every month and have already decided that this one is next on the list.
Since Mr. Thomas brought it up, I'll add that "Enchanted April" is one you should also consider if you don't already have it. We have a LaserDisc version several years old and have recently added the DVD version to our collection. Two of the actors in this film are also in "Enchanted April," Joan Plowright and Jim Broadbent, the dentist.
In summary, if you enjoy English mysteries, comedy and drama you should enjoy this film; we enjoyed it and I think you will too.
Movie Review: Excellent comedic mystery... on an Excellent DVD
Summary: 5 Stars
This excellent comedic mystery takes a dig at the social hypocrisy permeating small town life in 1920s Ireland. Into their prim and proper society, a mystery, a scandal and even a murder descends. In the little lakeside town of Kilshannon, a group of widows lord it over the townsfolk. Led by Mrs. Counihan (Joan Plowright), they hold themselves apart from the town's men and others of lesser ilk. Their life is turned upside down with the arrival of a young English widow (Natasha Richardson) who instantly ensnares the Matriach's only son. But one of the clique, Miss O'Hare (Mia Farrow) holds an instant dislike to the new arrival. What lies behind the mysterious animosity between the two. What hold does the penniless, tart-tongued Miss O'Hare have over the rest of the widows? Will their mutual antipathy lead to murder? As an oh-so-genteel, parlour mystery it works deliciously. Savour the final twist at the end.
This DVD release from New Line Entertainment is one of the most beautiful transfers I've seen in a long while. The original photography of the Irish countryside, resplendant in greens and blues is exquisitely rendered in this transfer. Colors are gorgeously rich and natural. Black levels are perfect. The level of fine detail is revelatory. It's a joy just to watch the scenery unfold onscreen. It is presented in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 (enhanced for widescreen TV). Soundwise we are given a choice of 5.1 DTS, Dolby 5.1, and the original Dolby Stereo. All in, an absolutely admirable release from New Line. Definitely worth the asking price.
Movie Review: What a terrific surprise!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had originally seen this movie on the International Film Channel. We live in a small community where "name and status" are everything. We're new to the community, so the general plot hit home. I wasn't expecting the stunning scenery, it was breathtaking. However, not nearly as breathtaking as the full plot of the movie! Does Mia Farrow EVER age? All of the actors were superb! I found my self giggling at the glint in the "strang womans" eye as she hired the village snoop for her maid. By the time the full story played out I was left slack jawed in amazement! What a neat little twisted tale, or I could say "tail", this turned out to be! I purchased this video knowing I'll have a delightful addition to my classic movie collection. Perhaps the so-called experts never considered this to be a classic, but they have been wrong SO many times before and they are now. This is a CAN'T MISS movie. The dialect is very thick, however, and unless you are used to hearing the beautiful brogue of the Irish, I suggest you turn up the volume so you won't miss a single word--because each word, scene, movement, is important to the plot. My only question is: Why have we never heard of this before when it was first made?????Movie Review: A Peek through the Widow's Telescope
Summary: 5 Stars
"Widow's Peak" is great fun and genuinely funny. Set in Ireland of the 1920s, it is also lovely to view. The costumes are scrumptious, and the ensemble cast is splendid.
Joan Plowright portrays the doyenne of the village of Kilshannon, who divides her time presiding over a clutch of resident widows and peering through her brass telescope to keep a watchful eye on the manners and morality of the village. Among those to whom she condescends is a rather frumpy Widow O'Hara (Mia Farrow) who, in addition to growing prize roses, has attracted the amorous attentions of the village dentist (Jim Broadbent). Suddenly, the village is turned upside down with the arrival of a glamorous widow, late of Antibes, (Miranda Richardson), who not only sets her cap for the doyenne's milk-sop son but is soon at loggerheads with the Widow O'hara. A clear case of throwing oil on troubled fires. What is their problem? Will it reveal dark secrets from the past? And even murder? I shall say no more, except buy this DVD, which has a pip of an ending!
Movie Review: A Real Treat!
Summary: 5 Stars
Admittedly, the film tries so hard to lead you in a direction opposite the final plot twist that some things don't quite hold water. However, in all other respects the film is such a delight it's easy to forgive a few inconsistencies. We loved it so much we were about to buy a region 2 copy and a code-free DVD player when we discovered a region 1 version had been released. As others have already said, the scenery is beautiful, the acting is outstanding, especially Mia Farrow and Joan Plowright who hits exactly the right note as the queen bee of her little matriarchal society.
This film puts to shame all the heavily hyped Hollywood darlings like Sideways and The Aviator. We've recommended it to a lot of friends and to date, they've all loved it.
We did find the heavy Irish/English accents a little hard to understand at times. I was forced to turn on the captioning to catch it all. In almost every respect this movie is a treat!