moyaroo

I wasn't sure where this movie was going at first, but as it picks up the pace there is little doubt as to whom the nous in the title refers.

When Huppert says "Je tu manque" (pardon my French it is I hope close) "I miss you" she might as well be declaring the love that is boiling out of her. But there is the problem of the spouses to be resolved, and the children. Needless to say all is reconciled and true love triumphs.

I have seen this movie at least three times now and love it more each time. There is a tenderness between most of the characters (one is a lout pure and simple) but the others all strive to reconcile who they are to to events that enfold them. Their struggles hit all of the right notes (with the possible exception of a very steamy sex scene on a train which just doesn't work for me)

It is a tear jerker at times, but a beautiful tear jerker. and so I always did like those forties movies.

I never expected the tears. I never expected the emotion. I was swept away by the epic story and came crashing to earth when the troops took over. All this despite the fact that I do and did know who Isabelle Allende is and I was aware of the history of coups in S. America. I loved the people with the notable and chilly brilliant exception from Jeremy Irons (Can we ever really love his incredible characters?)

Another underrated movie that seeks much and delivers well although at times with a bit too much telegraphing (the bathing scene with the young Blanca for example.)

It was a three hankie movie in the end, A great three hankie movie.

metro_alma@earthlink.net

Despite my high hopes, I was totally unprepared for the force of this film. It has the soul of Drugstore Cowboy a touch of the glamour of Gia, the artistry of When Night is Falling and then more.

Acting-characterization. Greta the German actress is a bit obtuse, one would like to know more of her, but she is so totally lost in a drug induced haze that we could never find her anyway. The rest of the cast is simply brilliant. James, the boy friend who is right when he surmises that Syd is being used by her magazine staff, but oh so wrong in how to give support offers just the right amount of attitude then does what we knew he would do.

Ultimately it is the love story of Lucy and Syd.and both actresses deliver believable and fearless portrayals. One could not help wondering from where does all of the raw talent in this movie come. I asked myself time and again who is this director/writer? and where has she been hiding.

If there is one disappointing, jarring note about this film it is that it will never get the attention that it deserves. I loved Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare in Love, but comparing that role to Ally Sheedy's performance here is like comparing eighth grade poetry to Adrian Rich.

There is hope for American film. ironically it lies in this depressing tale of love, affliction and addiction.