Talk of Angels

I really wanted to love this movie. I did love Vincent Perez, who always imbues his characters with smoldering good looks and charm and fine character. But there was no motivation for their romance, other than the fact that he was a man and she was a woman, and the movie was a love story. We never see why he falls for her, especially since he is rarely in the house with her. More chemistry is generated between Lavelle and her friends, and between herself and the family she takes care of. And the ending, without giving it away, made the movie kind of pointless. Rent it for Vincent, not the story.

This was a very boring movie for me, I have to say. There was no excitement, no real emotions, no passion... Just a fake dramatic romance, set on purpose during a political turmoil (any kind will do...), like so many movies are, without anything political to say (...fascist or royal regimes are mostly preferred). So what we get is a typical romance, with old-fashioned, TV-style direction and over-dramatic performances with extra schmaltz. Yes, exactly like a Mexican soap opera. (Mexicans, don't take it personal, but in Greece a lot of Mexican, Brazilian etc. soap operas are on TV every day). So, if we get so many soap from our TV sets, why should we watch one on the big screen?

"Talk of Angels" tells of a betrothed Irish woman (Walker) who leaves her strife-torn homeland to take a job as governess to a wealthy family in Spain where she falls in love with a married man. The film, based on the writings of Kate O'Brien, is an attempt at a lavish and rich romantic tale set against an epic backdrop of Spanish civil war (circa 1930's). However, the screenplay tries to do too much for the allotted run time resulting in a weak, diluted, and ill-focused story of nebulous purpose, meaning, and significance. "Talk of Angels" will likely play best with mature women and incurable romantics. (C+)

Note - Viewers who enjoy this film might be interested in a parallel film, also with Penelope Cruz, of the same period but different genre, "Belle Epoque".

I was impressed by this movie. The acting by Vincent Perez was truly exquisite, he'll surely be taking the world by storm. (not to mention he's something to look at) I thought that the plot was great. Though the end is kinda funky. (I won't give it away)

I only truly felt a tad let down in Polly Walker. Her accent was wobbly and her emotion was only 80% their. But she manages to pull through.

I know barely anything about the Spanish Civil War but was quite taken by how that didn't really matter. They seemed to explain it without it sounding like a History lesson.

Which is why I suggest that everyone should go out and rent this movie right now. It was truly enjoyable.

It's the 1930's. Young Irish woman Mary Lavelle (Polly Walker) comes to Spain to work as governess in the Areavaga family. Political tension is pressuring the wealthy family. The married son Francisco (Vincent Perez) is politically active, and falls for Mary. The father Dr. Vicente (Franco Nero) is sympathetic but endeavors to stay moderate. Mary is unsure about her impending marriage to a political activist in Ireland.

Interestingly, it features Frances McDormand in a minor role as another Irish governess, and Penélope Cruz as one of the daughters. Franco Nero is giving tremendous depth to the movie. Polly Walker seems a bit too old for the role. The character is better served to have younger more naive 20something.

The production value could be better. It feels like a higher end made-for-TV movie. The backdrop of Spanish political instability adds a great deal of tension. Without a doubt, this is a soapy romance. Sometimes, it's abrupt like pages are missing from a book. And the ending isn't that satisfying with many questions left unanswered.