Um Caso de Amor

In London, the lawyer Kate Beckenham (Natascha McElhone) is near to her wedding day with her fiancé Graham (Valentine Pelka), when she is invited to defend a heritage case against the brilliant lawyer Jack Sullivan (James Frain), who has never lost a case in court. The twenty-one years old American Mirella Burton (Parker Posey) is disputing fifteen millions of pounds and some properties against Gerald Burton Jr (Charles Dance), the inherited son of her deceased husband. During the trial, the romantic Kate falls in love for Jack, and sees the case in another perspective.

"What Rats Won't Do" is a very British romantic-comedy, but also very pleasant. In spite of having many jokes with the British peculiarities and behavior, the enjoyable story is very supported by the nice cast and the good chemistry between the gorgeous Natascha McElhone and James Frain. In the end, love wins and this movie entertains, without being special. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Um Caso de Amor" ("A Love Affair")

I've never managed to catch this move - I see that in the UK it on;y had a TV release.

However I was an extra on the jury in some of the interior court scenes. They were filmed at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court and I recall tour-de-force cameos from Freddie Jones, Samantha Bond and Charles Dance.

Not having seen it, I've no idea if there were other courts used, or whether the interior and exterior court scenes were edited as if in the same place.

I do remember it was the day of Princess Di's funeral and North London was remarkably quiet and empty.

If anyone has an off-air copy, I'd love to see it!

Leon

Why, oh why, isn't this movie on DVD??

I found this movie by accident on TV and it is one of my favorite romantic comedies, and one I can recommend to my rom-com-loving friends. For someone who loves London, the locations used in shooting are a delight. (The scenes shot there were a reason I visited the Middle Temple on my last trip....it is a thoroughly delightful part of London.)) I think this movie is really well done.....I highly enjoy the scene outside the Temple Church, with two background scenes silently going on, one on each side of a pillar behind the two protagonists. This is a wry, witty, entertaining movie.

Many of the critques I've read on this little movie claimed it was too cliched at the end...too mushy (for lack of a better word). I disagree 100%. Besides, aren't all the enjoyable romantic comedies a bit "mushy"...don't most of them end with the guy getting the girl? Isn't that the point? This film is so romantic, and sooo sweet. It brightened my day.

It's got a lot going for it. A great cast, though I thought Parker Posey was way over the top in her role as the "grieving widow". Charles Dance was fantastic as always, and James Frain & Natascha McElhone have beautiful chemistry together. I'd love to see them act together again. Their scenes are the most enjoyable in a movie full of enjoyable scenes. Also, it was lotsa fun to get a glimpse into the British Legal system...my, but they do have some strange customs. Though, I did find the black flowing robes and stiff white collars rather appealing :) It was a VERY British movie, with a very British cast, doing extremely British things, and for me, that was another big plus. I love all things British, and oddly enough, Irish as well.

But the biggest plus for me was James Frain. Ever since I saw him in "Where the Heart Is" & "Nothing Personal", I've been a huge fan. It was so delightful to see him in English mode. I've seen him play so many characters from American to Spanish to Irish...but very few with his true native accent.

If you love romance, and witty humor you'll adore this movie.

I have never been so entertained in my life. This movie is the best I have seen in a long time. James Frain is masterful as Jack Sullivan the dashing barrister and Natascha McElhone is exciteful as Kate(just Kate). Their on screen chemistry leaves you begging and pleading for more. You laugh, you'll delight and it will bring you happy tears of joy.