Cephalonian Love Let-Down! (Captain Corelli's Mandolin (DVD))

Member Name: ross1979

Product:	Captain Corelli's Mandolin (DVD)
Date:	10/07/01 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Scenery , Acting, War Scenes

Disadvantages: Slow-moving, Accents, Unfulfilled potential

Set in the beautiful island of Cephalonia in Greece in the second world war, with a star-studded cast and an epic feel, you get the idea you may be about to watch something special. Unfortunately, it does not quite live up to expectations.

The peaceful and simple island life of a village's inhabitants is about to be shattered by the outbreak of war. German-assisted Italians invade and occupy the village, much to the disgust of the locals. They see the Italians as cowardly because they require the Germans to assist them.

And then there is the inevitable love story. The local beauty Pelagia (Penelope Cruz) is seperated from her fiance due to the war. Then along comes the charming eccentric Captain Corelli (Nicolas Cage) who wins over a few friends on the island with his fun-loving and defiant attitude. Pelagia takes a while, but eventually gives in to his charm.

But their love is made impossible since they are on different sides and their worlds have been destroyed by war.

So, is the film worth watching? Well, it is fairly slow-moving and even dull in the first hour or so. The scenes of war pick up the pace a bit and make for a bit more excitment. But you are left with the feeling that it could be a lot better with the ammunition it has.

The love affair between Cruz and Cage just didnt do it for me. There is a lack of real chemistry and it seems rushed, as if it has been summarised from a novel. Oh wait, maybe thats it!

The scenery and editing are extremely and fairly impressive respectively. When the war begins, the film finally gets going and it almost gets to the stage where you are feeling gripped by the moving war scenes. Part of this is the acting which I have to admit is pretty good all round and I have only one criticism here - Cages accent! And its not just him whose English Mediterranean accents are suspect. Also, I am not quite sure Cage fits this role so well, even though I am a
big fan of his acting.

There are a fair few flaws to this film but it is always difficult to convert a famous novel. Overall, it is an enjoyable experience, its just not quite what it could have been and that leaves a sense of disappointment.

Summary: