kti_dayne

I happened across this movie while channel surfing Direct TV and made a point to see it in its entirety. As a major soccer and Robert Duvall fan, I was truly impressed and anyone fitting into either or both of those categories will love this as well. The plot line is sports movie formulaic, e.g. "underdog beats the odds", but that takes nothing away from this incantation nor the superb way that the movie is shot. Obviously, the director knew the sport or listened to someone who did. You will really feel that you are watching clips of The Scottish Cup. Even if you know nothing of soccer, the movie is done in such a way as for you to still appreciate the main story line against the backdrop of the intense world of Scottish soccer (football).

Robert Duvall is simply amazing. This may be one of those performances by a sublime actor that will be lost to history but is a testament to Duvall's preeminence in his craft. Duvall plays Gordon McLeod, the manager of the small, fictional Kilnockie soccer club that has just taken a chance on a combustible superstar, Jackie McQuillan (Ally McCoist) who seems to be on the downside of a superlative career. Oh, and it just so happens that McQuillan is Gordon's son-in-law. The marriage of his daughter to the flamboyant McQuillan deviated Gordon to the point where he no longer speaks to his daughter (the superb Kirsty Mitchell). Far fetched? Maybe, but interesting and compelling nonetheless. For American viewers, it is amazing to see Duvall absolutely nail the Scottish accent and manner of speech while managing to actually sound like a crusty yet lovable soccer coach. If you know what a Scott or a soccer coach sounds like, you'll love this. I was more than ten minutes into the movie before I really accepted the fact that this was the "Great Santini" in this role.

Brian Cox as Duvall's arch rival, Cole Hauser as the back-up rookie Anmerican goalkeeper (who gets his shot in the big game, but then if you have ever watched a sports movie, you KNEW that was going to happen) and Michael Keaton as the slick American owner of the Kilnockie team hit home runs in their respective small roles. Ally McCoist, a real life soccer star in Scotland, is wonderful as the enigmatic McQuillan. Although I don't know much about McCoist's actual career in Scotland, I can't help but think that his part here is somewhat biographical. Either that, or McCoist is an unbelievably tainted actor because he nails this one.

No amazing special effects, no big box office notoriety, no major studio hype. But, if you appreciate a good story with actors doing a superb job, pick up this movie.

This is an extremely good and entertaining depiction of the suffragette movement at the turn of the last century. All of the front line actresses give strong and believable performances, especially Frances O'Connor as Lucy Burns, Molly Parker as Mrs. Leighton, and Brooke Smith as Mable Norman. Hillary Swank is in the lead and is excellent as Alice Paul. I thought the cinematography was superb and gave a real sense of the period. the script does an excellent job of touching on some other collateral issues and makes them interesting without distracting from the focal point of the movie, e.g., the "conflict" between the younger women in the movement and the established old guard, the attitudes of th esuffragettes towards the men in their lives, and the issues of black women as part of the movement.

My pet peeve about real life historical movies is accuracy in lieu of Hollywood license and this one stays as true to facts as you can ask...the scenes from the women's prison are more than compelling and visually forceful. As opposed to some other reviewers, I had no problem at all with the soundtrack and can't imagine why anyone would let it detract from such a well made, acted, and shot movie, especially when wse get the privilege of seeing women as something other than sirens or ornaments for the male characters.

Whether you are a history buff or not, and regardless of how you feel about the issue of women voting (cough), you'll enjoy this one...watch it on cable or pick it up when you get the chance, it will be a nice addition to your movie collection.

I first saw this movie in the theater when it was released several years ago and have recently seen it again, for only the second time, after I purchased it on VHS...it is definitely the kind of film that you will want to own and watch multiple times.

The story line is original and unique, something that cannot be said very often about major films with big name stars. The biblical/supernatural angle was interesting and done with respect and accuracy to those who may have some knowledge of Scripture and the basis for demos and fallen angels. Having said that, the thing I liked most about this movie was the way it played on ultimate, eternal questions in such a way as those of us in modern times would realistically deal with them. In other words, this isn't some kind of epic cartoon movie.

Denzel Washington, as always, is solid and unbeleivably liekable in this film. I feel it is one of his more powerful performances, which is saying something. James Gandolfini, while not the megastar he is today (this was pre-Sopranos), gives an excellent performance as Denzel's love 'em/hate'em polie companion and John goodman is fantastic as the loyal partner. As if these performances werem't enough, we are treated to a strong supporting role by Donald Sutherland, who seems to buoy any movie that he is in as well as a phenomenal performance by Ms. Davidtz, who essentially becomes her character. To me, the greatest compliment that can be paid an actor is to feel, when watching the performance, that you are watching the true character/person who is bering portrayed. Davidtz's character is played to perfection, with an understatement of th eimplied romance with Denzel Washington's character while never losing sight/beleivability as a person who knows some things most humans don't know about what is around us...and maybe we aren't supposed to know.

Recommend highly!!