G8 auf Wolke Sieben

This movie premiered on dutch television tonight (I think it also premiered on the BBC and HBO, nicely in time for the next G8 meeting). Without giving anything away with regard to the plot, this is a very nice movie that combines a personal love story with ideals and politics. Bill Nighy is absolutely fabulous in the lead, and it is his performance that carries this film, although it has to be said that Kelly Macdonald also more than holds her own.

Even though the material is pretty contemporary, and one'd be tempted to think it might not age well because of that, I think the story is universal enough to stand up to the test of time. Recommended for anyone that likes their movies slow, touching and real.

This is an extremely well crafted film by David Yates.

It is very rare that I get all passionate about a film. But this is one such film that virtually demands that!!

Yes, like the previous critic said, it is quirky and it can be looked upon as a comedy.. but the best thing about it is if you look at this film as a separate entity. It is about two characters, the civil-servant and the nobody girl (.. in the café...), who meet by chance. Both from such completely different worlds! One speaks with that the propah British accent and she speaks with the crude Scottish brogue. However, its that Scottish brogue that enraptures you from the start! I mean, Kelly MacDonald put in such a fine performance of her character, I admit, I was taken aback, i wanted to personally hand her the golden man!! The beauty of this film is the subtlety with which director David Yates weaves together the sweetness of romance with the ugliness of world poverty, and the rich world politics etc.. It is an absolute treat of a film. I am surprised this wasn't released in the theaters. Isn't that some kinda of irony in itself!! You must watch this film!!! YOU MUST!!

Bill Nihby's Lawrence is such a painfully reserved character to observe that one wonders how he can possibly be effective as a policy wonk. Still, the fusion of this shy man and the girl in the cafe who has all the time in the world and a charming b.s. meter to boot is a wonder to behold. This film is clearly a piece of propaganda wrapped in a love story. The message is delivered in inescapable measure. Ultimately, the film punches out its challenge to the movers and shakers of the G8 to 'be great.' One could only wish that the real movers and shakers could accept the simple message they are being challenged with. This is such a lovely little film with plenty of gusto.

Two films in one Jekyll and Hyde package. A marvellous performance by Bill Nighy well supported, or rather, accompanied by Kelly Macdonald. The rest of the cast seemed just right with their supporting 'pattern' characters.

The dialogue of the romance must have seemed odd to read but is made utterly believable by the main players. Great writing.

The bad part is the moral message. Clumsy, lumpen, mawkish. If it were possible to put on film the sentiment behind the 'humanity' interest as well as was done with the love interest then it would have really been something. It was a sledgehammer trying to move a continent - with about as much of a lasting effect on those who were actually taken in by it in the first place.

Switching from a beautiful and believable story of two lonely people to Sesame Street mentality scenes at a G8 conference doesn't spoil it completely, it's well worth seeing. You just know when to zone out to avoid the PC bits second time round.

Marvellous but flawed and not marvellously flawed, which is a pity.

Well worth several viewings.

WOW! I just watched an absolutely brilliant film on HBO tonight. "The Girl in the Cafe" stars Bill Nighy and Kelly Macdonald in what I am sure will be one of the very best films of the year.

The film will, with 100% certainty, appeal to those who loved "Lost in Translation" and it will probably resonate with many of those who didn't like the characters in that film as much as the rest of us.

The two characters in this film are adorable, seemingly mismatched and yet a perfect relationship forms. Nighy & Macdonald deliver Oscar worthy performances... it is shame that this TV movie won't qualify!!! The film is also rife with political intelligence at it is set against the backdrop of a summit being held in Reykjavik, Iceland.

This is a spectacular screenplay, delicately balanced and bittersweet, insightful and poignant.

THE GIRL IN THE CAFE is superb in every way.

Look for it on HBO right now!!! I believe it plays twice on the 28th and will assuredly be repeated many times this month!!!