I don't usually comment but for once I don't agree with anybody else. Quite simply, I think this movie was confused and exaggerated and a waste of acting talent. The premise is a mix of standard conventions, the "white expatriates in a romantic foreign land" meets "laughter in the shadow of war" framework. I wouldn't mind the clichés so much, if not for:
-Edward Fox's bizarre performance as the major, where he seems to waiver between creepy predator and grinning imbecile.
-Typically elegant Vanessa Redgrave in a goofy impulsive performance where her seemingly complex inconsistencies really just make her look foolish.
-Uma Thurman makes it hard to remember why she doesn't totally suck as an actress. I rarely knew what emotion she was trying to convey but perhaps people could be confused into thinking she was layered and mysterious.
-The grinning Italians in the background might as well be Mario and Luigi for all the depth of character we get to see. They bob around happily, cheering and waving and doing pratfalls.
-The central element, the love story between Redgrave and Fox, is totally stiff and unbelievable and made me feel weird just watching it.
All told, I watch about 5 videos a week and this is one of the very few movies I have shut off before it's done. stay away.
-Edward Fox's bizarre performance as the major, where he seems to waiver between creepy predator and grinning imbecile.
-Typically elegant Vanessa Redgrave in a goofy impulsive performance where her seemingly complex inconsistencies really just make her look foolish.
-Uma Thurman makes it hard to remember why she doesn't totally suck as an actress. I rarely knew what emotion she was trying to convey but perhaps people could be confused into thinking she was layered and mysterious.
-The grinning Italians in the background might as well be Mario and Luigi for all the depth of character we get to see. They bob around happily, cheering and waving and doing pratfalls.
-The central element, the love story between Redgrave and Fox, is totally stiff and unbelievable and made me feel weird just watching it.
All told, I watch about 5 videos a week and this is one of the very few movies I have shut off before it's done. stay away.