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dinerouk
Reviews
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Damn good - for those who understood it
I can understand why people, mainly in the USA didn't like it: Because they couldn't understand it. The Simpsons cater more to their taste. I thought it witty, well developed, well acted and with excellent scenic values. A wonderful credit to writers Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, who have used their imaginations to recreate the time and circumstances in which the great bard may have been inspired to write "Romeo and Juliet".
Stephen Warbeck's musical theme is enchanting and beautiful. The artful, creative sets are captured well by Richard Greatrex. Director John Madden allows the whole thing to flow.
Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow is quite a revelation and totally convincing as Will's inspiration. Joseph Fiennes impressed too as the great poet suffering from writer's block. A wonderful support cast back these two up, including the wonderfully funny Geoffrey Rush and the brilliantly talented Dame Judi Dench - imperious and witty as her royal highness, Queen Elizabeth.
I think it went over the morons' heads.
The Nightmare Years (1989)
Well worth watching
A must for students and others interested in the 2nd World War, especially the behind-the-scenes machinations of the Nazi's. Sam Waterston was tremendous in the leading role and well supported by Marthe Keller as his wife, while Ronald Pickup deserves a mention as 'putzi' Hanfstaengl, an old acquaintance of Hitlers in the early days. Although it was somewhat embellished here and there, it is a faithful enough depiction that keeps all viewers engrossed at the absurdities of Herr Goebbels' propaganda machine.
While the length of the movie at almost 6 hours may seem over-long for some, it is just about enough given the content, which spans Shirer's first visit to Berlin (1934) since he left 10 years earlier; and there is more than enough action and suspense to keep the movie from flagging; gradually pulling one into the 'nightmare' that was the 3rd Reich.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
A tribute and anticipating the prequel/sequel
The Lord of the Rings was a unique film made by a director and cast that were in tune with the book from which it was taken. It has been a privilege to see all the 3 movies almost impeccably true to the spirit of the book.
It is with great anticipation that I look forward to the Hobbit, to be made in New Zealand and know that sir Ian Mckellan is looking forward to spending a year there reprising his role as Gandalf(he has just said so - 20 minutes ago on BBC news). I'm sure it will be made with the same dedication to detail that marked the sequel, LOTR.It will be made more enjoyable now I have a large screen with which to view the spectacular scenery of New Zealand once again.