Keeping Rosy

I have to say I was completely blown away by this film. So affected, that this is actually my first ever review. I hadn't heard anything about it, and I'm glad I didn't. Dark, bleak and shocking, it's not an easy film to watch by any means. Superbly directed with an understated hand, the viewer is drawn into the clean, sterile and ultimately lonely world of 'Char'. Maxine Peake was just outstanding in her portrayal of a career woman, with nothing in her life but her job, and when she loses that, her life starts to spiral out of control. I usually hate 'career women are bitter and empty' type films, but not once did I not believe in her. She isn't some stereotype, but a real person, living a real life, rich in money, yet poor in the things that make life worth living. Sure, she's not a sympathetic character to start with but as she loses control she discovers her own humanity. The last minutes of the film left me open mouthed with shock, and yet oddly satisfied. Highly recommended if you like your drama nuanced, with no easy answers..

I'll just start by saying that this movie is not for the average viewer, and if you are the superficial type, always in search of a simple and comfortable state of mind, then this movie is probably not for you. A certain depth is required to understand that this is real life, and real life is not the one that the every day irresponsible or the ignorant happy-go-lucky type believes it to be.

Without giving away any specific details, it's a moving and intense story with well developed characters. It's also an atmospheric experience, dark and sad, but real and, quite frankly, I am surprised it got such a low score. Most probably people don't get this movie and then there are those who get it and are so terrified of the clarity with which this movie paints the horrible way life can spin out of control that they rate it low.

Make no mistake, this movie is good and it is clearly underrated. It delivers what it promises and it does so beautifully. Life is more often like this than the ignorant bliss people want it to be. My views may be seen as somewhat cynical. If that's the label some people put on seeing reality for what it is, then I'll take pride in being labeled as such and being taken away by good movies like this one from idiocy painted in pretty pictures.

I highly recommend it and I'm sure this one will stay with me.

Seeing the name - a film I hadn't heard of - I decided to watch. Of the 5 reviews I have just read 4 of the 5 tally with my feelings: the one that doesn't actually complains about what makes this film absolutely stunning. This film isn't a gore-fest, has barely any violence, very few characters and a very simple story line; on two occasions I was almost reduced to tears; I had my heart in my mouth and almost stopped watching at one point as I was starting to get traumatised (OK, a bit of an exaggeration...but crazy!). Anyone with children will know exactly what I mean. For a film to do that means it's worked. An easy 10 out of 10.

This English import is a totally original script with an electric performance by Ms Peake. Steve Reeves (no relation to superman; I'm very sure he has heard that one before). does a masterful job of writing and directing. His suspense devices work very well; the elevator, the tapes, the tape worker, and others. All very well done. A wonderful script can take a film a long way. Had elements of Psycho and various other thrillers, but extremely original in almost every way. The story of a lifeless woman brought to life by a baby; if just for awhile, is really very creative. Whenever I am having a bad day, I will think of this film and what a really bad day is really like. The suspense is palatable. Not since Hitchcock have I seen an English director with such ability. An excellent production from start to finish and I am looking forward to more good work from England's finest director.

I've just seen this in a network premier on BBC 1HD. A mixed bag of a film but it all averages out well for me with the cinematography and location - cool grays and Docklands glassy tower block vistas, hardly a soul around - - in a city of over 6 million. But this is where much of the plausibility factor kicks in and takes it down a couple of pegs, but its haunting shots and splendid dramatic acting all round makes me want to go back and watch it again just for the contemporary references & authentic nuance - this is what Cameron's Britain has come to: it has all the key ingredients with estate agents, an undocumented East European employee a Range Rover,and a major cleaning OCD for an obsessive era. There's a lot of clever plot twists but it tends towards allegory and fable as opposed to realism. At face value it's preposterous - but it's a lot more clever and artful than its might first look and the pace quickens nicely. There I go, I didn't give anything away.