Firebrand

Honestly, I am a bit surprised with the low reception this movie has been getting because while I can understand some of the writing faults and direction choices being strange, it's ambitious approach on the tale of Katherine Parr provides an interesting newfound dramatic story.

Karim Aïnouz, being his first movie outside of Brazil, approach on it's atmosphere, presentation, and themes remain vibrate, powerful, and tense that establishes some well-made choices, costumes, and structures throughout the setting. Including some wonderful colorful costume designs, production, musical soundtracks, and vibe.

Many of the performances have brought their characters to it's height of investment, particular Alicia Vikander and Jude Law have great chemistry both volatile, smart, and love. It's writing on the history and characters may feel a bit slim, however, does provide some interesting themes and atmospheres. The camerawork, unfortunately, is the worst aspect because the camerawork felt flat and usually Aïnouz approach on the camerawork is pretty good but here, it feels too flat which made certain moments feel lifeless.

Overall, it's not one of Karim Aïnouz best works but I thought it was ambitious and still engaging throughout.

Some positive notes: Alicia Vikander is amazing, costume design is great and it's visually stunning.

I don't mind historical inaccuracies. I do care about boring movies. How could it be so boring? The cast is amazing! The costumes are great, the acting is wonderful and the colors are beautiful. Yet, I watched a lot at my watch halfway in.

But, I don't know why, it fails to really entertain. It's not really a thrilling or grim movie but I have a feeling it was supposed to be. Also because it lacks emotion. That's because of the script and not because of Jude Law and Alicia Vikander.

Should you go see this? I'm not sure.

1500s-based "Firebrand" re-imagines the marriage of Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) to King Henry VIII (Jude Law) of England - when it was torn by religious division. As his sixth wife she tries steering him & his kingdom onto a liberal path, while treading a careful political line. Allies like Eddie Marsan help as they can, but the power of the church (represented by Simon Russell Beale) is against her. Performances are strong (esp Law & Beale), Karim Aïnouz's direction's solid, and the second screenplay from sisters Henrietta & Jessica Ashworth (aided here by Rosanne Flynn) is interesting & engaging. Feminist period dramas ain't for all, but this one isn't bad.

I liked it! Was it the best historical drama ever? No.... But it was still entertaining. It's worth it just to watch Jude Law!!! Jude law was extraordinary. His interpretation of Henry felt historically accurate although the story itself isn't historically accurate. Alicia Vikander is always fun to watch. One of my favorites of hers is "Royal Affair". She just knows how to rock a period film.

It really captured how up and down Henry was, how his leg injury affected him, and how domineering and paranoid he could be. Throughout the whole film, I was constantly scared for Katherine's life. Overall, it was an interesting perspective about the king's last wife that is not normally depicted in TV or cinema.

Alicia Vikander and Jude Law . The try of Karim Ainouz to explore the contribution of Katherine Parr to modelate last part of reign of her royal husband and the delicate balance between risks.

Motives to see this film, correct crafted, not always faithful to historical facts but working as honest sketch about a period and its challenges. And not bad resume of Henry VIII reign and the relation with his wives.

The only reproches - the feeling about soulness story, a presentation of venerable history teacher to his students after too many years of teaching. Second, the eccentric end and the impression about feminist manifesto.

But the costumes, rooms, relation of Katherine with the children of her king and the nice performances- Jude Law is, real, a good Henry VIII- are enough good points for appreciate this film.