jyogis

The worst thing that can be said about this excellent film is that it is a "family movie" as that term may turn off many cinema buffs from seeing a film that is first rate from practically all aspects. It is brilliantly directed by Charles Sturridge ("Brideshead Revisited") and features several cream of the crop actors starting with the marvelous Peter O'Toole. It is also a superb adaptation of Eric Knight's wartime novel, "Lassie Come Home." (Unfortunately, the viewer would not know this until the end of the credits.) The photography is absolutely breathtaking with scenes of the Scottish Highlands that I haven't seen equaled. There is also a grittiness and realism to the film that was impossible to capture in a 1943 version filmed on the back lots of MGM. Rather than a mere remake, this film is classic in its own right and deserves a wider audience than I suspect it has found thus far. High fives all the way.

This TV mini-series is as relevant today - perhaps more so - with respect to its refreshing examination on attitudes towards aging. Judi Dench is marvelous as a middle aged divorcée who defies conventional wisdom and the expectations placed upon a woman in such circumstances by her family and contemporary society. Viewers may find some discomfort in the early parts of the series as the Dench character maneuvers to turn these expectations on their head. However, the clever script and top notch performances by a first rate supporting cast, should raise insights into the double standards regarding sexual roles, as well as discriminatory attitudes regarding generational differences. Co-stars include Ronald Pickup, Joely Richardson and Frances Barber.

"Going Gently" is a first class TV play which has received a new and well-deserved life on BBC's Judi Dench Collection. Dealing with two men in the terminal stage of cancer it hardly sounds like "must see" entertainment. However, I have never seen a better depiction of individuals coming to terms with illness and their mortality. It has much humour (albeit dark), and it also is comforting to see the principal characters retaining their individual personalities in spite of their environment and the discomfort and detached attitudes of hospital workers, family and others who must also cope with the reality of death. Norman Wisdom and Fulton MacKay turn in excellent performances as does Judi Dench in a somewhat secondary role. Highly recommended.