The City of Your Final Destination

"The City of Your Final Destination" is about a young man (Omar Metwally) trying to write a biography of a late writer. He travels to Uruguay to meet the family still living on the estate. It's very reminiscent of "The Last Station" (2009), and just as good -- in its own way.

The cast is completely remarkable. Laura Linney plays the cold, mysterious widow; Anthony Hopkins plays the wise, and yet child-like brother; Charlotte Gainsbourg is an emotionally-affected beauty. New-comer Omar Metwally played a perfectly sculpted character whom we wanted to follow, but was flanked by the opposing Alexandra Maria Lara. These characters were so exquisitely created and performed that I would forget they were just actors. With a few parallels to "The Last Station", I was reminded that Hopkins was the original choice to play the elderly Tolstoy, but their schedules never jived. I'm assuming Hopkins then purposely sought out this film to be able to explore some similar characters. Great choice.

Written by the great and pioneering female screenwriter, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, and brought to vision by James Ivory, "The City of Your Final Destination" explores themes of literature and of people moving on in their lives once they realize that the central figure that once held them all together no longer is, and of course all of their romantic entanglements. It's shot beautifully in South America and plays out like a classic piece of literature. Recommended for fans of character studies and readers of good books.

City of Your Final Destination This first solo project from director James Ivory, from what little I saw of the film it promises to deliver.

True to form Ivory makes the most of exotic locations and an a stellar international cast.

The incomparable Anthony Hopkins rarely disappoints and in this role he more than exceeds any expectation.

Laura Linney plays her role of the tightly wound widow to perfection while Charlotte Gainsbourg is splendid as the vulnerable mistress.

Omar Metwally, the biographer, and Alexandra Maria Lara, his overly ambitious girlfriend, are superb.

The dialogue is written by Ruth Prawler Jhabvala has captured the essence of Peter Cameron's novel of the same name.

Although I truly love watching this entire cast in other movies, I recorded this on my DVR for one reason only: Hiroyuki Sanada. And I'm so glad I did. A long time fan of Ivory/Merchant films, I expected a story to unfold beautifully and it definitely does here. It's soft, subtle, realistic, and warm. It's like spending an evening in front of a cozy fire with good company. Nothing is over acted, there's no fancy effects or crazy cinematography, just good, solid storytelling with an absolutely perfect cast. These are the films Hollywood should aspire to. I've had enough of 3D action and fantasy films for awhile. So please, watch this and remember why we fell in love with film.

Greetings again from the darkness. Most everyone is familiar with the peak of Merchant-Ivory genius which included: A Room With a View, Remains of the Day, and Howerd's End to name a few. Ismail Merchant died a few years ago, but director James Ivory returns with a powerful, yet odd film based on Peter Cameron's novel.

The film boasts a very nice cast: Anthony Hopkins as the aging, gay man who is the brother of a famous (now dead) novelist; Laura Linney as the widow of the writer; and Charlotte Gainsbourg as the writer's former mistress. Oh yeah, these three all live together in a compound in Uruguay on land the writer left behind after his suicide.

The story gets interesting when Omar (played by Omar Metwally) shows up unannounced after receiving a declination of his offer to write a biography on the novelist. Hopkins supports the idea as he expects it will generate book sales and revenue for the group. Linney is flat against it thinking it will spill too many secrets. Gainsbourg initially sides with Linney, but changes her vote when she falls for Omar.

On the surface, the story is about Omar's attempt to win Linney's bitter character to change her mind. The much more interesting story is Omar's awakening in this oddball community now that he is out of the grasp of his domineering type A girlfriend and co-worker played superbly by Alexandra Maria Lara. Talk about a personality that makes you want to turn and walk away! She almost makes Linney's character seem humane.

Mr. Ivory excels in subtlety and he is in fine form here. So many "little" moments make this story really click. Not to mention it is beautifully photographed. This is a really good film that will probably get lost in the mass confusion of summer giants like Twilight and Toy Story 3. If you get the chance, make the time to see this one.

One thing that has remained consistent in Merchant Ivory films is the elegance. They have a classy and stylish look which never feels overdone. 'The City of Your Final Destination' works in various way. It works as a mood piece, as a study of characters, a love story and a mystery.

The film has a lyrical feel to it. The humour is subtle and welcoming as its timing is just right. The dialogues are poetic and the interactions between the characters are splendid. The character development is brilliant and the flourishment of the romance between Omar and Arden is delightful to watch.

The Merchant Ivory team always had an eye for visuals. Each and every frame is exquisitely detailed. Javier Aguirresarobe's stunning cinematography captures the beauty of the Uruguayan landscape and interiors and wonderfully highlights each frame. The soundtrack is magic.

The unique eclectic international ensemble is spellbinding. With actors like Anthony Hopkins, Norma Aleandro, Hiroyuki Sanada, Laura Linney, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Omar Metwally and Alexandra Maria Lara, could one ask for something better? Each and every one of them do a fantastic job.

Merchant Ivory have created another classy gem. It's a shame that 'The City of Your Final Destination' received so little recognition. I wish films like this were made more often.