| Overall Grade: |
A- |
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| Story: |
B- |
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| Acting: |
A |
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| Direction: |
C |
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| Visuals: |
A- |
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A good film, great performances
by denniss (movies profile)
Jun 14, 2005
2
of
2 people found this review helpful
This is great example of a good film made even better by outstanding cast working together. Cain gives his usual high standard of performance working very well as a slimy talent scout; Brenda Blethyn, although not well known to American cinema audiences, is a well known and respected actor in the UK, does a fine turn here playing the non-concerned parent concerned only with drinking and a obtaining a new "friend for the evening." But, for most of us, the real surprise here is Jane Horrocks, mostly known to Americans for her part in Abosuletly Fabulous... In her part as a soft, sheltered and introverted girl, who longs after her departed father, she is able to carry the main character, LV (for little voice), without making her seem like a total characture..
Her performance of various singing greats, i.e., Shirley Bassey, in particular are the high part of the film, the energy she brings to the role cannot be discounted. It's a shame she doesn't do more film that would get her recognized here in the states.
The story is based on the London play of the same name and Horrocks also played the leading role in that performance as well. The story is a bit heavy handed at the end, with Cain singing, "It's over,..." and with the symbolism of Horrocks setting free a pigeon to "spread it's wings" as the closing scene...But, the story is still interesting, the songs well choosen and the performances make the film worth seeing. It's a better bet than 95% of the films you'll see in the theaters today... |
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