surrinderella

I really enjoyed this. Saw it advertised and put it on my watch list. Just the combination of ex pats and starring Nicole Kidman was enough to peak my interest.

This isn't a normal film, it's a bit special and because it's a bit special, not everyone is going to get it or appreciate the effort. The first episode was extremely slow but once you get used to the pace you can enjoy the cinematography, which not only highlighting Hong Kong but the intensity of shots and angles, many of which are subtle, clever and thought-provoking.

The cast were all brilliant. I really enjoyed the historical accuracy of the protests and also the lives of maids - this could be a spin-off drama! I loved the different cultures and languages.

The drama itself is about relationships, family trauma, tragedy, despair, love, redemption and hope. Without adding any spoilers the main storyline is very sad but beautifully made.

My only criticism, the scenes of a sexual nature and nudity really were unnecessary, I don't believe they added anything extra to the drama.

The book was a part of my childhood and I absolutely adored the film, watching whenever it was on TV... so it was very excited when I heard this was being made.

I personally think Timothée Chalamet is a brilliant actor so my expectations were high and then my friend mentioned it was a musical and honestly my heart sank. The original works because it's old and of that time and as a child you feel differently about musicals. Now, I just find them a bit annoying and most have songs for songs sake. So as the first song started, I was more than ready to roll my eyes .... but it didn't happen. The songs were sweet, in-keeping with the story and they didn't feel over the top.

Timothée absolutely shone as a yong Willy Wonka with his hat full of magic and hhis heart full of hopes and dreams. I felt his characterisation was perfect, confident but his belief in his craft spoke for itself... in the reaction from those tasting them. I honestly wanted to eat those Hoverchocs myself - A cherry and salted caramel marshmallow chocolate containing a microscopic hover-fly, the descriptions reminded me of the Roald Dahl book.

I thought all the supporting actors were brilliant but I particularly loved Hugh Grant as the Oompa Loompa, a character I immediately connected to and it felt nostalgic to understand how Wonka first became acquainted with them.

It's got everything you'd want from a feel good movie from a little injustice, the wonderfully awful villains, the hero and the help. I think this is going to be a huge success and a film I know I'll watch again and again.