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Reviews
A Spy Among Friends (2022)
Superb
Well done ITVX - absolutely superb drama, as the story of the Cambridge spies continues to fascinate. Have just binge-watched every episode over the last few days. Beautiful cinematography, sensitively done and very atmospheric. Great locations with a very authentic period feel.
All actors were great - Guy Pearce was mesmerising, every performance conveyed so much. I've read that Philby was ultimately disillusioned with life in Moscow, drinking heavily and missing home. I feel that Guy portrayed a complex range of emotions while skillfully still leaving so many questions relating to human behaviour and motivation unanswered.
Black Narcissus (2020)
Dull
Completely devoid of any real spirit or passion and all very predictable. The ingredients were there for a taut, psychological journey, but this version somehow lacked depth and breadth. The performances were superficial and annoying - perhaps the wrong castings?
The Tudors (2007)
Unparalled and thoroughly mesmerising
I think "The Tudors" is the best television I've watched in a long time. Interesting that it was a collaboration between Irish and Canadian TV, maybe that's why the BBC didn't give it more of a profile? I disagree with the approach taken by the other reviewers - it is a DRAMA and never purported to be an accurate historical documentary, so my advice is to understand that first and enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed. The acting is superlative from everyone with the exception perhaps of Joely Richardson whom I've never "got" anyway - too colourless and divorced from the part. Tamsin Merchant as Catherine Howard gave a consistently outstanding performance, and all credit to such a young actress. Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII was absolutely excellent throughout, he thoroughly owned the character and delivered with incredible passion and conviction. (And yes, he was extremely pleasing to the eye unlike H8 - so what?). I would also like to praise the production itself, the incredible and spellbinding direction, the lavish sets and opulent costumes and not least of all the music which I am now intent on buying.
Black Swan (2010)
good setting shame about the movie
I have to say it was a total let down after all the hype. "Black Swan" has all the ingredients but the final mix was disappointing. I agree with one of the other reviewers that the audience is "spoon-fed" the horror and everything is so obvious from the beginning. There's no real psychological challenge or thrill, it was too superficial to be a serious portrayal of someone's descent into madness. In fact it became plain silly at times and the audience in my cinema began to giggle and laugh, which I found myself doing also towards the end.
Artistically it is pleasant enough and the costumes were superb.Despite reviews to the contrary, I don't agree that the actors were the best choice. I think that Natalie Portman is too one dimensional and bland for the part and Barbara Hershey - an odd choice - in a role too big for her. By far Mila Kunis as Lily was the only believable presence who gave an outstanding and authentic performance.