J.K. Rowling: La magie des mots

Factually, definitely Wikipedia-based, which means most likely not completely accurate. Nobody said it was a documentary; it's fictional, which means they were more concerned about an interesting story than depicting her life. The major points in her life were true, like the spousal abuse, single motherhood, conjuring up Harry Potter on a train...

That being said, in terms of entertainment, acting is meh, the script is a joke at times ("liver and tripe"? Really?), but as a writer, it does motivate me to go to my local Starbucks and work on my screenplay. What can I say? It was never a nominee for an Academy Award, but it inspires me.

It's a nice one time watch. Nothing gripping / dramatic / greatest. Just a simple story trying to capture JK Rowling's initial few years and struggles - her losing her mom, getting married, having a daughter, struggling with money. Kind of inspiring, for sure. The movie just didn't move me a lot maybe except the relationship with her mother part. I loved how they depicted her relationship with her mom. Rest were kind of flaky - they showed her dad and sister but didnt talk about her relationship with them too much. Her getting married surprised me. I am still struggling to accept that she agreed to get married to that guy under the circumstances shown in the movie. Feels like nobody sane would. They don't tell about her feelings about him. Basically feels rushed. Like they tried a lot to just fit the Harry Potter story in.

Reviews can be considered an interesting exercise for the ego. After all, what are we criticising? The film, or our reaction to it? How is it possible to be objective? Honesty first: I attempted to read, The Philosopher's Stone when it was released, but gave up after fifty pages. This is not to say it was poorly written, just that, at the time, I was not eleven. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the films and the story arc. Admiration and respect has to be given to anybody who has written seven novels. Much has been written about how she plagiarized, or a more pleasant word might be, poached, elements from other writers, but I am not concerned by these irrelevant rumours. What is important is she has brought happiness to millions, if not billions, of people. How many critics can die with that achievement on their lips? I'm also not concerned about the accuracy of this film. As far as I understand it, the major elements are there; the rise of a desperately poor mother (with circumstances whom most of us can sympathise) with a dream, to unparalleled success. Is that not enough? Is that not the quiddity of what this film is about? Therefore, you can tell that I enjoyed the snapshot of this woman's life. It was competently made and acted. Nothing jarred. However, what was important, was that it moved me. And at the end, to joyful tears. Isn't that the highest recommendation? Only one point deducted for not taking her story up to the present.

It's hard to fault a movie when its based on fact, and so very accurate at that. Having researched JK Rowling before watching this movie to verify the authenticity of this film, it was rather accurate in its presentation.

Poppy Montgomery was convincing as JK Rowling. Even if not based on fact, this is an interesting story. It is fast-paced and intriguing, and very inspirational - especially for aspiring writers! Even if you're not a writer, you have to admire JK for her determination and willpower against all odds. This is a delightful (TV) movie with a great message.

Long before the magic comes a lot of trials and tribulations to create it, and that's really what this story is really about. Starts off with the Rowling's younger years and leading up to her adult life, her troubled marriage, her personal trails in life which often leaves her in a financial mess. A long story short (for the long version watch the movie) the narrative takes you through Rowling's days when she was on state support to becoming the richest woman in her country.

The story is inspiring and takes you through the journey of Rowling's life as she becomes a published author and one of the most famous one's ever!

It's not as magical as one of her books or the movie franchise Harry Potter but surely gives an inspiring tale of everything that went on with Rowling as she eventually become a published writer. Certainly worth a watch!