La ragazza della palude

This film was a great watch with an even better theme of discrimination, isolation and humanity. The performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones and David Strathairn were the main strong points for me. Their relationship and his unrelenting desire to give her a good defense regardless of her ostracization and stimga she receives really showcase the hope and care we have for one another. I get a similar vibe about Strathairn as I do from Gregory Peck as Atticus in To kill a mockingbird. There are some deeper themes of abuse that run throughout and are critical for the film but I won't go into detail as I don't want to spoil anything. However there is a great twist at the end which completely changed the way you view the entire film and would make a second watch much more enjoyable. The cinematography of this film is so well done as it perfectly captures the beauty and tranquility of the marsh and it's overall vast size. The one main downside of the film is that the pacing sometimes felt needlessly slow which took away from the high stakes court case and I felt there was numerous scenes which could have been shortened and still have the same impact and exposition. Overall the film is definitely worth a watch, it definitely takes you on an emotional rollercoaster leaving you almost overwhelmed after watching it.

By January 2022, the book had sold 12 million copies, making it one of the best-selling books of all time. Almost everyone in the theatre, yesterday afternoon, had read the book and were wondering if the movie could be as good as the book, so in my exit poll, of a dozen, or so, viewers, I asked then specifically, "Did the movie do justice to the book?" Without exception they said it had. (Although one reader thought the movie had a more definitive ending than the book.) Their ratings were 8s, 8.5s and two 10s. When I said that anything I rated over 8 would be worthy of a rewatch, it was unanimous that all of them would rewatch it, some thinking they'd like to read the book, again. So, these people, who came to see the movie, had high standards that they felt were met.

The story is simple but intriguing. There is a whole TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD vibe to it. And there is a wonderful contrast between a purity of soul living within a world of threat and danger. It was refreshing to have a film celebrate innocence. The nature shots of North Carolina are breathtaking. The casting is spot on and the performances are flawless. But the success of the film lies with the lead actor, Daisy Edgar-Jones (a very talented Brit, who earned respect for her talents in another best selling novel adaptation for television, NORMAL PEOPLE). There is a wide eyed innocence about Kya that she captures which, in turn, captivates the audience to invest in her story and her plight. (The only disconnect I had with her portrayal was not her fault but that of the production. For a swamp girl, living off the grid, her personal hygiene and wardrobe were spotless and fitted to perfection. A seemingly unlikely possibility considering her environment.) I would definitely see this film again and am tempted to buy the audible book. I give this film an enthusiastic 9 (beautiful and touching) out of 10. {Drama}

What classic murder mysteries inevitably must have is a 'who-done-it' which you will not guess. This story will have you ponder to be sure and when you're certain you have figured it out you are surprised not once but twice. It is the reason I call it a classic.

Not only is it a murder mystery, it is a romance drama worthy of awards. The Novel on which it is based, by Dalia Owens, was at the very top of the New York Times best sellers in 2019 and in 2020, after which it remained on the list to date. It sold over 15 million copies; that's saying something. I certainly found it very moving. The main character, Kya Clark, played oh so well by Daisy Edgar-Jones (and earlier as a child by Jojo Regina), is a unique character, much like the character Nell from the 1994 Oscar winning movie, was a unique character. Kya however is a highly developed survivalist, with so many great qualities for you to discover and like, not the least of which is her love of nature. That in itself lended the movie to great cinematographic opportunities, and it is not lacking in that; in fact it made me love the movie even more.

You may not get much from reading the IMDb storyline, but why would you want to spoil the experience; so, I'm avoiding those here. The complexities of human behaviour is explored, exposed and certainly exploited to our benefit with refreshing subtleties. Would I recommend this movie? Oh yes, absolutely.

The critics have been slamming this movie but I thought it was good. It's not the greatest thing ever or anything like that but I thought the story was interesting and the acting was good. It kept me guessing until the end which is what a good mystery should do, so for me overall it was a good movie that I would definitely recommend.

What would you do, if those you love deserted you, left you lost and all alone, within a swampland overgrow; only parent who can nurture, takes the name of mother nature, raises you with all the senses, that you need to form defences; as you grow you start to flower, just don't realise your power, attracting those that make you sing, attracting those that wound and sting; then you're captured in a web, of prejudice, a tidal ebb, stranded, beached, marooned and grounded, the ending may leave you confounded.

Daisy Edgar-Jones is brilliant, and gives one of her best performances to date as the marshland Mowgli Kya Clark.