| Product: |
Ladies In Lavender (DVD) |
| Date: |
11/08/06 (93 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: Good period drama with excellent music
Disadvantages: Slightly slow for some
Set in Cornwall shortly before the outbreak of WWII, two sisters, Ursula and Janet happen upon a Polish man washed up on a beach. How he got there is anyone’s guess and we never find out. As we watch him being nursed back to health we, and the characters, are taken on a journey of discovery.
The element that sets this film apart from many others however is the music. Our Polish traveller has a talent that one can only marvel at and it is this which leads me to suggest that this film is a cross between the period drama that is the English Patient and the musical tale of The Piano.
Directed by Charles Dance the film has a lot to commend it. It is a fairly slow-paced film entirely in keeping with its nature. We are, in effect, watching an historic character and situation study. The scenes are shot in a sympathetic manner, making the most of the wonderful Cornish countryside. Stills at poignant moments work in the main but occasionally they seem unnecessary.
Although the main tale centres on the sisters and their patient there are several sub-plots. Unfortunately, not all of these are explored to conclusion, perhaps through lack of time, and, in my opinion, this is a shame: certain of the plots certainly warrant more time.
The cast of this film should be enough to sell it to you if you like good English drama. Dame Judi Dench plays Ursula, probably the main emotional study of the piece. She is entirely convincing through what is quite a contrived situation at times. Janet is ably played by Dame Maggie Smith who supplies just the right level of tension between the sisters. Her grounding and detachment provide the perfect antithesis to Ursula’s emotion.
Daniel Bruhl’s take on Andrea, the Polish patient is sound. He convinces throughout the first part of the film but I felt that he fared less well later on. This may have been the story or direction however.
Joshua Bell is the unseen star of the film providing the music for Andrea. His playing is far more than confident and, for me, really lifts the film from good to superb. The original musical score is sound rather than spectacular but the playing of standard works more than makes up for this. If you enjoy good classical music you could do worse than listen in.
There is humour in the film but it is understated. Similarly the 12A rating seems to come from a single scene, which could as easily have been left out as, included. This is a film for those who like to get involved in what they are watching. It’s not fast paced enough to be of interest to those who like action but its gentleness should not put off those who enjoy a good storyline. Love interests are clever rather than dominating. Many dramas of this period are depressing; this one is an exception. There’s a feel-good factor left behind at the end and many a lesson to be taken away.
The rental DVD provides no extras, just language and scene selections. This is a shame. I would have loved to have learned more about the music in particular. Given this was a directorial debut I am surprised that there was no director’s commentary.
All in all though, thoroughly recommended.
Summary: Gentle pre-WWII drama with a musical tilt
|
|
