Although the film was made at the height of WW2 and clearly aimed at keeping up British morale, it is an immensely impressive film. At its heart, it's the story of very normal people doing extraordinary heroic things. A typical middle-age post-mistress, clubs a German to death with an axe. Middle aged men (who had presumably fought in WW1) face and kill German soldiers. A sailor, on leave to get married, leads the fight against the German infiltration. The 'lady of the manor' throws herself onto a hand grenade to save the children. Although this may sound blood thirsty, it's handled in a typically low- key manner. Whether today's population could do the same is questionable.
Reviews
4 Reviews
They Were Expendable
(1945)
Best war film ever made
19 December 2015
Although this film was made more than 60 years ago, it is in my opinion the best war film ever made. It 's dramatic understatement is brilliant film-making. Notice how often characters are allowed to move away from the camera and have a conversation that you are not privileged to listen to. It's a pity today's directors don't use this technique to create tension and mystery. It also portrays a world that has almost vanished in just one lifetime. Notice how in the early bar scene of the enlisted men and non-Com's, the youngest sailors are only allowed to drink a small beer or milk! Self sacrifice and duty permeate the whole film. The scene when General McArthy leaves the Phillapines is particularly stirring. I cannot recommend this film highly enough!
A Tale of Two Cities
(1958)
Beautiful film
17 February 2014
I'm old now, and I've been watching films (movies!) since the 1940's!
This black and white 1958 version of 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a beautiful love story. Although we owe the wonderful Charles Dickens all the credit for creating such an outstanding act of bravery by Sydney Carton, I defy anyone to suggest a better actor than Dirk Bogarde to play this part.
Dirk Bogarde starts the film as a drunk who has nothing to live for. Through his love for Lucie, he learns to redeem himself. The words he dictates at the end of the film to Charles Darney in the prison, 'I knew it was not in your nature.....' are real tearjerkers.
I watch the film at least once a year and always find it a moving experience.
Highly recommended
PS The haunting music by Richard Addinsell is fabulous.....
This black and white 1958 version of 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a beautiful love story. Although we owe the wonderful Charles Dickens all the credit for creating such an outstanding act of bravery by Sydney Carton, I defy anyone to suggest a better actor than Dirk Bogarde to play this part.
Dirk Bogarde starts the film as a drunk who has nothing to live for. Through his love for Lucie, he learns to redeem himself. The words he dictates at the end of the film to Charles Darney in the prison, 'I knew it was not in your nature.....' are real tearjerkers.
I watch the film at least once a year and always find it a moving experience.
Highly recommended
PS The haunting music by Richard Addinsell is fabulous.....
Prometheus
(I) (2012)
disappointed
14 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I had very high hopes for Prometheus and I think Ridley Scott is one of the best directors ever, but, I saw the 3D version yesterday and I was very disappointed. On a positive note, the visual look of the film is fantastic and atmospheric. Unfortunately, the plot is very weak and insufficient work is done to develop the characters. I have a lot of questions:- 1. What was David's role/ motivation on the mission and why did he infect Charlie? 2. Why did the script writers use the name Weyland (again) - surely he was the rich guy in Alien vs Predator? 3. What happened to the atmosphere on the moon? In Promotheus, it was sunny sometimes (but not breathable). In alien it was extremely stormy and harsh all the time! 4. Why were there so many different alien life-forms? 5. What made the humanoid alien become so belligerent when they woke him? 6. Why did Vickers call Weyland 'father' when she had a different family name?
Finally, the ending appeared rushed as if either the film ran out of funding or the script writers couldn't think of anything
I have lots more questions but basically - what a shame! With a different script and the same approach to character development as in ALIENS - it could have been fantastic...........
Finally, the ending appeared rushed as if either the film ran out of funding or the script writers couldn't think of anything
I have lots more questions but basically - what a shame! With a different script and the same approach to character development as in ALIENS - it could have been fantastic...........
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