Reviews

I first saw "Another Way" in 1982 in a small London art cinema. Set in Hungary in 1958, it conveys something of the tedium of life there and then, and in an age when lesbianism is no longer a dangerous secret, the tension of a relationship needing to be kept under wraps is brilliantly conveyed. Grazyna Szapolowska - is there a more beautiful woman anywhere is the world? - plays the woman who is apparently happily married to a Hungarian army officer, who finds herself strangely attracted to the new arrival at the office. I will say no more of the plot in case you have a chance to see this moody but magnificent film. Gabor Reviczky portrays the kind of young man to whom a bottle is the answer to all life's problems, and Josef Kroner is the editor of the magazine who may appear to be housetrained by the Communist party but is actually a rebel in his own right. Hardly a feelgood movie, but when you need a cry this is not to be ignored.

Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of viewing several top-class films (once I reached my 15th birthday!): Little Voice, Shakespeare In Love, The Blues Brothers are just a few examples, but this has to stand out as being one of the best. The quality of acting was of an outstandingly high standard and I enjoyed the wit of Fry's Oscar immensely. The fact that it is told through the form of one of his stories for children is original and clever while the film looks stunning producing an amazing experience.

This film is an outstanding success for British cinema and for Fry himself. The supporting cast is also superb - Redgrave turns in a fantastic performance for example. The second half of the film is mesmerising and any sort of description I could give would not really describe it. Admittedly the music could transcend into mediocrity at points but on the whole it was good as were the sets and costumes. It looked lavish. There was only one other weak point; Fry's occasional lapse into his 'Irish accent' (Oscar being Irish) - the accent wasn't terribly convincing (to say the least) but this doesn't really matter.

10/10 and a pat on the back must be awarded to the cast and crew of this film - It is at this point that I've only ever read his children's stories... I think that this film has convinced me to go out and buy a copy of 'The Importance Of Being Earnest'.