Muses on happiness

Elegy (Film Review)

The last film I saw was Elegy directed by Isabel Coixet, one of my favourite directors. (She also directed My Life without Me and The Secret Life of Plants, both of which I highly recommend). I thoroughly enjoyed the film, which perhaps could be summarised as being about the power of beauty and all it involves. Thought provoking. It has an excellent cast: Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz in the two main roles supported by Dennis Hopper, Patricia Clarkson and Peter Sarsgaard. The film Elegy is based on the short novel by Philip Roths, The Dying Animal, which I haven’t read to be able to comment on. My rating 8.5 out of 10.

The Kite Runner (Film Review)

The Kite Runner is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. I haven’t read the book so I can’t compare it although I’m told it is an excellent book. I was deeply moved by the story throughout which dealt with friendship, betrayal, loyalty, guilt and finally the chance the make amends, showing that it is never too late to make up for the harm we have done to others. An interesting insight into a different culture as well. I would rate it with 9 points out of 10 and highly recommend it to people who like films that explore feelings.

The Oxford Murders (Film review)

Yesterday I went to see the Oxford Murders directed by the Spanish director, Àlex de la Iglesia and starring John Hurt and Elijah Wood (what eyes!!). I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I didn’t know who had “dun” it until the end. It also had a thought provoking sting in the tale. Is there such a thing as pure truth? Is there such a thing as pure innocence? There were some lovely shots of Oxford too, which made me feel quite nostalgic as an ex-pat!! My rating 7.5/10 Well worth seeing.

No Reservations (Film review)

One of the things that I enjoy doing at the weekend is going to the cinema, so I thought I’d start writing a little about the films I’ve seen.
This weekend I went to see “No Reservations“. I immediately had a sense of Deja Vu, I knew the story but this was a brand new film just out this week! A little research afterwards on the imdb showed that it’s in fact a re-make of a German film made in 2001, which is what I had seen!

It was a predictable, but perfectly watchable film. I have to confess that I did shed a few tears in one part, but I do tend to embarrass my friends by crying in most films!! It was a typical Hollywood (read commercial) version of the original film. Harmless, undemanding, entertaining fun. My rating 6/10.

Please feel free to recommend any films you have enjoyed.

The Da Vinci Code (Film Review)

I went to see The Da Vinci Code last night – having read the book and loved every single page of it quite some time ago – wondering what it was going to be like after the bad critics it received at Cannes. But I have to say that I loved it!! I thought it was very faithful to the book. My daughter (16) who hadn’t read the book didn’t have any trouble understanding the plot despite some comments I’d heard that people who hadn’t read the book wouldn’t be able to follow the story.
I think the theory that Jesus was married and had children is an interesting one, and it would seem fairly logical that a man of his age, in those times, would have been married, and if it were true I really don’t think it would be such a big deal. I’m quite surprised by some people’s reaction to the storyline. I mean, if people are quite sure that the version they were fed is correct, then this film should be no threat, and for more “open-minded” people all plausible theories should be worthy of consideration.
Especially bearing in mind the times and conditions under which religious doctrine was determined. You just have to think about the religious festivals that implanted pagan festivals as a starter…
Anyway, we both enjoyed the film and spent a happy couple of hours at the cinema!! A great Saturday evening!!!