Reviews

This film is possibly my favorite film of all time. Words cannot describe how stunningly brilliant "The Age of Innocence" is. Martin Scorcese so effectively visualizes the world of Newland, May, and Ellen that dialogue is scarcely necessary to bring their tragic story forth. Every shot overflows with significance, making "The Age of Innocence" a finely wrought puzzle. Only the truly sensitive viewer will be able to piece it together and gaze upon the full beauty of the film.

Fine performances by Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Rider, but Michelle Pfeiffer's Countess Olenksa steals the show.

Charles Sturridge's adaption of E.M. Forster's classic novel is well in line with such other greats as "Howards End", "A Room With a View", and "A Passage To India". As with all of Forster's work, "Where Angels Fear to Tread" treats the topic of Edwardian British society with poignancy and humour.

Cultures clash when Philip Herriton is forced by his mother to retrieve the only child of his dead sister-in-law, Lilia, from its Italian father. The baby represents both the English and Italian way of life, and the ensuing struggle over it is an analysis of just how futile our own nativist prejudices can be.

Such a sensitive topic is dealt with by a charming cast. Rupert Graves is perfect as a man transformed by his horrific experiences; Helen Mirren is both laughable and lamentable as the tragically flighty Lilia; Helena Bonham-Carter is the soul of goodness, and Judy Davis (a Forster veteran from "A Passage to India") provides comic relief as stuffy Harriet. These fine performances are matched with a beautiful score by Rachel Portman and even more beautiful Italian vistas courtesy of Mr. Sturridge.

Stimulating and provocative, I highly recommend this film to those interested in either Forsters' work or the imperialistic inclinations of the British circa 1900.

there is one word for this movie: cheap. a cheap adaptation of the masterful "dangerous liasons", "cruel intentions" doesn't even approach the former's beauty. my advice is to not waste your time on this "buffy-the-vampire-slayer-meets-studio-54" junk and rent the real deal.

There can perhaps be no other movie as sublimely filmed as "The Age of Innocence". Any lover of period drama will appreciate this film for its exquisite aesthetic beauty. Scorsese manically recreates Old 1870s New York,which does not serve as merely a background to the actors, but functions as a character itself. A word on the acting now, which is also heavenly. Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder are joined by a most competent supporting cast in bringing to life an intensely passionate and tragic romance. Day-Lewis is so readily the dilletante Archer, Pfeiffer his bohemian lover, and Ryder the naively confidant wife, that one could not image any other persons in said roles. Well worth the rental!

"Mrs. Soffel", a movie much overlooked in the mid 1980s, deserves a reevaluation at present. With the advent of so many successful period films, "Mrs. Soffel" can be seen as a predecessor of sorts. The movie, a true story filmed on location in Pittsburgh, PA, is one of exquisite beauty and restrained passion. The emotions evoked by it are comparable to those produced by the more modern "The Age of Innocence" and "The Remains of the Day". The doomed couple, played by Diane Keaton and Mel Gibson have an extraordinary chemistry which smolders throughout the entire film. In addition, the cinematography is beautiful (for something filmed in 1984, it's almost remarkable how effective the atmosphere is!). Do not look towards this movie if you are seeking unbridled romance or breath taking action. The rewards of "Mrs. Soffel" are far more cerebral.