The Edge of Love

If you went by the mostlly male MetaCritic reviewers, you'd think this was one of the worst films ever made. I thought it was good -- not great -- but held my interest throughout and I thought the actors were very attractive and convincing in their roles.

I don't know anything about Dylan Thomas. From what was read/spoken in the film, I don't think much of his poetry. Sounds like he tried way too hard and reached, but missed. The lines were contrived and didn't seem to make much sense. I like Archibald MacLeisch.

Mathew Rhys was very good at playing the womanizing villain, but with charm and believability. Knightly and the other female lead were also interesting characters in this wartime drama.

I think more women would rate this film higher than men because women would understand the female friendship as well as the slick charm of a Mr. Wrong.

a beautiful film. for landscapes, for the story, for bitter atmosphere, maybe for nuances of acting. a film about past and choices. dark and remembering lost age, seductive for its special branches and useful for discover, again, the force of Keira Knightley art. its virtue - invitation to discover the poetry by Dylan Thomas. or to discover a biographic fragment, exercise really popular at Hollywood of last years. in fact, only a film who seems be another Sunday Gloomy with significant nuances, love story and options story who preserves the flavor of a period and the slices of sentimental adventure, one of definition of freedom in Boem style.

This is primarily about love in WWII, yet we must remember that it's also a biopic for Dylan Thomas and those around him at this particular stage in his life.

The movie's timing is just great. It really captures what I think would have been the spirit during those times; smiling and hoping you're not going to get bombed. While it may prove boring to some, the movie does have a particularly dangerous edge to it.

At one point, my heart was racing towards the end as the movie hits its climax. It really does feature some poignant moments that are handled with skill by the four main actors. Cillian Murphy is on fine form here, as is Matthew Rhys. Both are polar opposites and it makes for an interesting watch. The relationship formed between Sienna Miller and Keira Knightley's characters is wonderful and we have the acting to thank (and watch out for a cameo by Suggs of 'Madness').

Despite all of this, it's a rather slow movie. Coupled with the fact it's just shy of two hours, it's quite a slog to get to the conclusion.

Overall, it's a solid non-fiction war movie with many wonderfully crafted moments that were no doubt helped by the splendid number of well-known British names behind the scenes. But it really does drone on for too much at times. Still, a worthwhile watch. 7/10

Naturally, before watching this film, ones expectations are high. The tale of Dylan Thomas and his lovers promises to be exhilarating. The stars used in the production hold high promise. However the result is different. There is just something not quite right about this film.

Whilst it manages to capture the viewer with moments of cinematic beauty, The Edge of Love fails to entice. In some scenes the cinematography is perfect. The set design and costume cannot be faulted. The glamour and horror of the era are portrayed perfectly. But the story itself does not piece together. The sudden friendship of the two women seems too soon and lacking in explanation. The characters have little depth and I felt no real sympathy for any of them. It almost seems as if several crucial scenes were omitted.

The film itself is fairly disappointing, but perhaps worth watching for the moments when everything comes together because when this happens the film is stunning.

This beautifully made film possibly evokes the feel of London in the blitz more than any other film. Set during wartime, it's about relationships and friendship. Primarily it's about the friendship between Keira Knightly's character and that of Siena Miller which is tested beyond any limit known to man.... or in this case, woman. Everyone looks great, everyone seems real and the very stylish photography and energy of the direction make this a real masterpiece of fine art.

The story, incidentally written by Keira Knightly's mother(!) brilliantly captures the mood and the anxieties, fears and hopes of the time and by focusing on the main, slightly unhinged characters, enhances these emotions and mental stains. Everything is switched up to level 11 but behind a mask of British restraint and respectability. The story arc itself is both engaging and genuinely exciting - it's not a soppy love story or a chic-flick for the poetry reading set - it's set during the war after all!

As much as the story is great, one big problem is that it is mainly made-up nonsense. The characters and events were real but they didn't happen like this. The real facts actually sound just as interesting but probably they would not have had Keira Knightly looking quite so hot? Never let the facts get in the way of a good story, as they say!