Reviews

Without doubt the most stunning work of filmmaking I have ever seen, "War and Remembrance" is a massive experience to watch that will haunt you always. This last great mini-series dramatizes the ENTIRE Second World War, and does so at times with a raw honesty unseen before or since on network TV.

Shot on location around the world, the soap opera stories are always intriguing as we follow the various members of the Henrys, an American Naval family as they encounter every major event of the war.

The heart, though, is the central plot of Jane Seymour, in a heartbreaking career-best performance as an American Jew trapped in Europe, and John Gielgud, mesmerizing as her uncle. As they are slowly, inexorably pulled into the Holocaust we follow them, step by agonizing step, to the final horrors of Auschwitz, filmed entirely on location.

The movie is aided by a brilliant, unforgettable score by Bob Cobert, especially the main theme which seems to encapsulate every single emotion of the thirty hours into its two minutes.

It may be a bit of a commitment to watch this, but it is worth it. "War and Remembrance" is as close to time travel as is possible, and makes that dark period of history come powerfully alive.

"The Peacemaker" was unfairly overlooked when it came out. Granted there are some plot holes, but this isn't "Citizen Kane." It's a fantastically exciting action thriller with a brain. It makes the terrorist a comprehensible person and tries to make the war in Bosnia human. The three action set pieces, the train hijacking, the car chase and the recovery of the nukes, are all great, but the film takes off during the final half hour. The search for the bomber in Manhattan is a masterpiece of action filmmaking. New York is used to full advantage, and really comes alive as a character. With eye-catching photography, perfect editing and Hans Zimmer's adrenaline pumping score, it's the way all action endings ought to be.