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BrianTimmins
Reviews
Judge John Deed: War Crimes: Part 1 (2007)
Another excellent episode in the "Deed" saga
We all accept (sadly) that this series is somewhat tongue-in-cheek. If you are prepared to suspend your disbelief, the series represents what we all would like to see happening to the rather stuffy British legal system. In this double episode, the Judge finds himself mostly at the European Courts at the Hague, involved in a case concerning the British Army's efforts in Basra and a group of Muslim extremists who take umbrage at the actions of one British soldier to defend himself in an impossible situation; and who, subsequently, finds himself accused of war crimes. The usual tingling mix of attempted government interference against the righteousness (no sarcasm) of Judge John Deed, plus a good dollop of attempted terrorism.
The Snow Goose (1971)
Story of an innocent young girl and a crippled lighthouse keeper, wildlife and Dunkirk
An absolutely superb film made from one of the greatest short stories of all time (under the same name) - by Paul Gallico. Characterisation by Richard Harris (Philip Rhayadar) and Jenny Agutter (Frith) is nothing short of outstanding, the story and its apotheosis is mind-blowing - a real three handkerchief film even though it is only one hour long. A definite must see for anyone, film buff or not. Only the most hardened of cynics will not fail to be moved - an excellent family movie. The basic outline of the story concerns a young girl who makes friends with a crippled lighthouse keeper who also is an artist and lover of wild life. She finds an injured snow goose and brings it to Rhayadar and together they nurse it back to health. The final parts of the story are about Rhayadar going off in his little boat to help with the Dunkirk evacuation...
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
All-time greatest under-rated film
This is one of the most under-rated (by the so-called experts) films of all time.
There are no weak links in the cast. Direction and filming are of classical quality; and the performances of Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are virtually flawless. The fact that neither of them received either Best Actor, or Best Supporting actor is, to me, totally incomprehensible. Having said that, I personally would have trouble in assigning which award to which actor. When I see the dross that receive Oscars, I find it totally unreal that Morgan Freeman has, to date (December 2005), received only one supporting actor award - shame on the Academy.
The storyline/plot is fairly standard and competent. All along you get the feeling that Andy (Tim Robbins), and Red (Morgan Freeman) will get something out of the whole affair, but the final twist in the entrapment of the prison governor is quite original.
The Shawshank redemption was worthy of a minimum of three Oscars, and the fact that it received none is one of the greatest ever shames attributable to The Acadamy and its members.