stephenw-30180

Fans and detractors alike will talk about this film for years to come.

The first thing that struck me was the beautiful cinematography and lighting. Really something special.

The film follows the lead (Ralph Finnes) as the dean of cardinals and his task to help navigate the conclave to elect a new pope after the death of the late pope.

A dramatic quest for that new pope ensues with character development of each with flaws and virtues.

I ending was a forgone conclusion for me but with a twist that I never saw coming.

Finnes and Tucci are brilliant ans worthy of Oscar's IMO.

A terrific film worth a watch.

While surfing films to stream Ida Red caught my eye. I did a quick search on IMDB and read some reviews before watching.

I will say I am glad that I did. First, any film with Mark Boone Jr, Josh Hartnett and Melissa Leo is worth a watch IMO. The entire cast is very very good, as you might expect. Strong performances abound.

Story takes the viewer through the lives of a crime family headed by the Mother who is imprisoned. Her son and nephew, part of her crew and her daughters husband a local law enforcement officer ever vigilant of his married families bad doings. The officer is not compromised by his family ties and determined to get his men. At any cost.

There are a few interesting sub plots and the story is told and shot in such a way where the run time goes quickly. The hallmark of any very good film.

I don't like to add spoilers in any of my reviews so you will have to just take a chance on this one. I will bet you won't regret it.

An excellent little known film that does one heck of a job telling a realistic crime story not glorified by gratuitous violence or big Hollywood BS.

I gave this film a strong Seven of Ten and would like to see more form the Director, John Swab.

This one was a tough watch for me. It is the kind of film that slowly brings you into the very dark recesses of anguish people may experience through events that have nothing to do with their own actions.

Simply, but very effectively shot, two couples who have experienced tremendous loss through one tragic event, meet, to seek answers, redemption and forgiveness.

The story is based on one event that is unimaginable, yet all too familiar to anyone living in the US. This is not, however, the focus of the film. This is a film about the pain, confusion and grief experienced by both parents of two teenage boys who died violently and senselessly. It can be said that one set of parents are the antagonists, and the other protagonists. But this wonderful film fleshes out the humanity all four people are capable of and the lengths they are willing to go to put some kind of closure to their personal tragedies.

As I try to avoid spoilers, I will only say that this is a powerful human interest story and one that I'm certain is based on many truths experienced, sadly, by too many people over the past 25 years.

Ann Down continues to astonish me with her range and ability as she continues to give us stellar performance time and again. She has become one of my favorite actresses over the past five years and this film is another example of why I feel she is academy award destined. Martha Plimpton is wonderful as well as she turns her emotions around in a way that is true to life and totally realistic.

The dark and somber subject matter is delicate and I imagine it was hard to get through this dialog as it would affect anyone involved. Direction was spot on and made the viewer feel as though they were sitting in the same room as the players.

Very impressive and thought provoking film that will linger long in your heart and mind. It has for me.

Wonderful film...