A Sereia e o Monge

I've seen nothing but mediocre to bad reviews for The Mermaid Chair. Frankly, I think it was a very good book and chick flick. The music was lovely; the scenery was enchanting; the actors were entertaining. The plot is, indeed, a fantasy. But it is consistently the root of all the characters built around it. The characters compliment the story in a very beautiful manner. Frankly, it's one of the few movies that stem from bestseller novels that I've enjoyed. As far as reality is concerned -- come on, folks...it's a s.t.o.r.y!! One of the most inviting things about movies and novels is the chance to escape from a world that is far too realistic. Viewers, please take time to view this wonderful movie. You won''t be sorry.

It's a typical Lifetime movie except Kim Basinger is a really good actress. She really does the character justice and adds the element of mystery to her character. Sure the kind of movie has been done countless times and these movies never seem to do the book justice...it's unfortunate. It's OK. I'm liking it so far and it is not a bad movie, not by a long shot. It's very interesting and mysterious, anticipation grows and the storytelling by Basinger is flowing nicely. The portrayal of the monk's character is also done nicely. The monk is a sensitive person who seems to be unsure of himself, more so as the relationship between himself and the woman grows. Adultery is what's being committed here, although it seems to be a mixture of love and lust. How the story unfolds? It's quite the story.

Forget what harsh critics say about clique, or political-correct assortment of characters, this movie is a real find. Oyster Rochefellar is a classic dish, will you run from it just because you had it once and liked it ? When I first saw Kim Bassinger as the lead, images of her as bond girl or mistress of bad guys in bad movies cast doubt. I say they were largely erased by the movie's end. And the ending was quite acceptable and way better than what was predictable.

A soothing, thoughtful soundtrack guides the audience along. The scenery was gorgeous and had just enough of a haze to get that feeling of the sea. The first boating encounter between male and female lead was spontaneous and perfectly played, with careful restraints. The second encounter was too abrupt as no questions were posted between adults about such an improper relationship.

I like the fact that the slow pace cruised to a climax for which everything were explained. The aftermath displays care and nice touch. A nice find if you like slow, introspective movies.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Mermaids Chair, it had romance, love, sadness, pain, and healing all in one. It kept me enraptured for the whole 2 hours, (well without commercials it would have).. I could feel Jesse's pain, and her sadness, and the pull towards the handsome monk............all the turmoil she must have been going thru was there, her mother, husband, daughter, and then meeting this wonderful man, who met her needs and fulfilled her in her time of need. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the women, which is something we don't recognize in these times we live in...........how much we need that togetherness of women. It was well done. Hope there will be more like it soon. Aloha

The castle is in British Columbia, Canada - http://www.hatleycastle.com/- view and read details here - it's been used in many TV shows and movies. "The Castle was completed in 1908. From 1941 until 1943 when Grant Block was completed, the Castle served as dormitory and mess hall for cadets and staff officers at Royal Roads Military College. It is now the administrative centre of Royal Roads University. It houses the President, Vice-President, the Managers of Finance and Facilities, and the administrative support staff for Royal Roads University." "On 22 February 1994, it was announced that Royal Roads Military College would close in the following year. Due to public support, the Province of British Columbia entered negotiations with the federal government of Canada to lease the property and facilities in order to continue its use as a university. Royal Roads University was created on 21 June 1995 by an act of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia. On 31 August 1995 Royal Roads Military College ceased to exist and the facilities were turned over to Royal Roads University on 1 September 1995."