The Other Half

Casting was *excellent*. Subject matter *very* interesting.

Script, dialogue & directing - only so-so, maybe even worse: post-production dubbing in dialogue when actors' mouths not even moving? - Just plain cheap & bizarre.

Storyline - WAY too deficient.

See it for the acting, nothing more.

Face it. Not everything is pretty pictures. This is a difficult story - but one that deserves watching. The feel is gritty. The story is told in it's own time. You won't find a Hollywood tale here. The portrayal of life outside of the frames of the pretty happy, works of Emily is engrossing. Don't look for something simple here.

Nickie Bellow (Tom Cullen) is a volatile drunk. He works as a cab driver and waiter in Toronto. Five years earlier, he suffered a devastating loss back home in the UK. He gets into a confrontation with a customer and saved by Emily (Tatiana Maslany). She seems to be a happy soul and they start a loving relationship. Her mental illness surfaces and they struggle to deal with their troubles.

I only watched this for Tatiana. There isn't much here other than good work from the two leads. It's nowhere near enough. The drama isn't there. The filming is indie with some experimental lite. It's not compelling enough other than the skilled cast. They try their best but the material is thin.

Do you know what? I think this had the makings of a really good film according to the synopsis on this site...

Actors seem good. Good camera work, nicely lit, suitably moody soundtrack...

But...

Try and hear a damn word that anybody in this film has to say... Go ahead... try it...

I even tried lip reading...

Of late, this is not an uncommon thing in films out of both North America and Canada... Mumble, mumble, mumble...

What is it? Are your scripts such rubbish that you're ashamed to let the audience hear the dialogue?

How about you do everybody a favour... If the reality is that you actually have nothing to say that you want anybody to hear then for god sake don't waste peoples time with any film.

I for one have better things to do with my life.

VERY ANNOYED.

I Found things in this movie that I have experienced myself. I actually found it rather captivating. Unfortunately for some reviewers Arnold Schwarzenegger didn't pop in for a cameo with a sub machine gun and kill the hostiles, but hey! Movies don't please everyone.

I don't think this was meant to be a box office hit, but anyone that has been involved in a remotely similar situation, whether or not it is extended family, immediates or close friends can understand the meaning behind it. It is not trying to sell 15 million tickets on the first night of release, it is film, and it is trying to explain a situation, an issue in society.