Reviews

"... there's no such thing as a coincidence, only hidden connections waiting to be discovered ... you are never actually in control ... never underestimate the power of a well-timed distraction .." Thank you, Red, for your pearls of wisdom. We weren't in control of this television show. It arrived suddenly, blazed in front of us, thrilled, made us laugh, and disappeared. The Blacklist was a welcomed distraction from a nation caught in scary politics and increasingly ugly cultural experiences. Here, I revisit The Blacklist as it has a lingering effect on me.

Like a train, The Blacklist's drive was constant; sometimes bumpy; determined; often stinky; and usually unexpected. James Spader masterly portrayed The Concierge of Crime, Raymond "Red" Reddington from Russia. Red was a witty, worldly, boxcar blackhander. He shared intellectual ramblings on the one hand and remorselessly killed on the other. Toward the final episodes, he became somewhat slovenly and depressed. Megan Boone, new to me, superbly portrayed Agent Elizabeth Keen of the FBI until shi disappeared. Agent Keen was down-to-Earth; cautious; quirky; and we respected her. Once shi exited, The Blacklist lost its intrigue and I don't why. I continued to watch, though, with my attention itself becoming slovenly.

All of the actors did a fruitful job. Their performances were so convincing, I could not separate the actors from their characters especially since most of them were new to us. Ryan Eggold, who played Agent Elizabeth Keen's husband Tom Keen, was a bohemian cutie who beguiled us. Then, we were startled by our eventual hatred for him. Then, we were startled by our eventual return to favoring him. Faithfully, enters Red's fidus Achates, Dembe. A trauma survivor from Africa, Dembe was attractive in face and in words. He was strong in body and in spirit as the closest friend to The Concierge of Crime. It was confusing to know that Dembe was also a lawbreaker, masterly executed Red's instructions around the world and kept Red's Roman secrets. Agent Aram Mojtabai, artfully played by Amir Arison, was another favorite of mine. He was the only truly innocent persin in this patchwork of troubled but effortful characters. You admired his technological brainpower; eagerness to be helpful; and caring for just about any humin being.

Of course, there are some things I would have done differently. But, "there are things in the darkness" of The Blacklist worth watching. It affected me in a way I still don't understand. I think I will always remember, "There is nothing that can take the pain away. But eventually, you will find a way to live with it. There will be nightmares. And every day when you wake-up, it will be the first thing you think about. Until one day, it will be the second thing you think about." Do svidaniya, Mr. Reddington.

When Fitzgerald chose to refer to Gatsby as the Great Gatsby what did he mean exactly? Gatsby's vice; wealth; character; or Life? 'Great' is not one I would use to describe Jay Gatsby or Luhrmann's film.

'Greatness' is positive. In Arabic, greatness is magnificence or splendor; and in French and Korean, it is grandeur, nobleness. By contrast, Gatsby is unstable (emotionally and mentally); a charlatan-like character; obsessive; and misguided. Luhrmann's film does an excellent job of demonstrating what sucks about the book! The film offered a too-aggressive Gatsby found in DiCaprio, who was all wrong for the role (by contrast, the original film in 1974 offered a Robert Redford Gatsby who was handsome; appealing in behavior; and you were sympathetic of him). The film's version of Daisy was bland (Fitzgerald's character was unappealing to begin with; Fitzgerald's story does not do justice to flappers. Read, Gatsby's Flappers in Ms. Magazine). Also, Daisy in this film is just as bad as the one in the 1974 version. Shi embarks on loving another man; betrays Gatsby; is dishonest; and lacks depth and dimension. In other words, the story and film suck!

The politicization of this film adds insult to injury! Instead of the film bringing us back to the roaring 1920s with music from that era, we hear aggressive hip hop and rap music, ruining any hope of setting any enjoyable mood. I would avoid this flap crap by not watching the film.

Thank you LWT (London Weekend Television) and (eventually) ITV Studios for offering this magnificent television expédition! Poirot, brilliantly portrayed by Sir David Suchet, is one of the best television shows in the world, ever! Even Agatha Christie's books are not as good as the writing in this show (thank you Poirot writers!). You haven't been gobsmacked until you've seen this elegant, suspenseful, well-written, and well-acted marvel!

Art Deco became appealing because of this television's well design elegant sets. The soundtrack naturally complements the refined, stylish and nostalgic approach to murder mysteries that Poirot exhibits. The acting of the cast is incredible! The friendships of Poirot are gassers! There is the comically brazen off the cob bazoo, Inspector Chief Japp (Jackson). There is the attractive and fun timidity of our piece of cake, Captain Hastings (Fraser). I especially like the dedicated, organized, and caring tomato, Miss Lemon (Moran). Lastly, there is the hilarious Abercrombie whiz , our Ariadne Oliver (Wanamaker). They hold respect for one another; fret together through the maze and horror of murder; can still laugh; and never forget to recognize and value the nice in this world. Their working relationships and persinal friendships are a model for all.

Sir David Suchet is the best Hercule Poirot, a butter and egg man! His acting is as impeccable as M. Poirot's criminal detection. Mr. Suchet is so good being M. Poirot --- which he did for around (25) twenty-five years --- that it is hard to believe that he isn't really the world's greatest detective from Belgium (please remember, for Poirot's sake, that he is not French). The way Mr. Suchet walks; meticulously cares for his moustache; experiences the dirtiness in the world with the same disgust and need to clean as the rest of us; insists on the best of everything, as a consumer (like the rest of us); and dances with his little gray cells is amazingly real!

I miss the early 20th century roadsters and fashion. I miss traveling in style with Poirot around the world; xplring the great and trying to understand the terrible; and seeing Life through his intelligent yet innocent lonely eyes. Abyssinia from this road sister!

Today, humin rights violators can have one under ongoing surveillance. Then, the lawbreakers see you wherever you go; violate privacy, and obsessively watch every second of your daily Life. Because of this type of surveillance, escaping them as Enrico was able to in In Love and War is nearly impossible. While Enrico had assistance from others, nowadays people around you who know you are a crime victim go along with those crimes and don't wish to be around you. While Enrico had the fortune of finding love in the midst of his storm, nowadays a normal relationship with another persin is not possible leaving you isolated and without hope.

In Love and War offers the happy reality that, during WWII, there were some people willing to help prevent the devastation and death of others. In this film, some even went out of their way to be neighborly to Enrico despite themselves facing danger. Wow, how lucky was Enrico to have a home and love in Italy (some crime victims today facing humin rights violations are not so lucky). Today, there are no heroes, only criminal enablers. The film's pace is both calm and inviting, leaving you to wonder what will happen next. The modestly handsome Callum Blue does a natural job portraying the film's writer, Eric Newby, the lead role.

I am glad that Enrico had the better experience. At the end of WWII, many were rescued by the USA (What if your humin rights violations today are happening in the USA? Who will rescue you?) If the Nazis had the technology then that exists today, WWII would never have ended. In the end, Eric and Wanda were fortunate indeed!

Sometimes, the soul longs for the dramatic artistry evidenced on stage, such as Zoe Caldwell in Medea (1982 - Cort Theater in New York City). Other times, the mind seeks to escape into the comedic stylings of an actor you really respect like Melissa McCarthy. Spy espies our desire for adventure, action, and righting the wrongs of our world and is not to be missed!

Susan Cooper is like many of us. Shi is intelligent and seeks to do the right thing. Shi can be kind, giving even, but doesn't wish to be stepped on by anyone. Shi is fun and funny. In the end, shi surprises us with her street smarts and well-trained (yet scary) moves. Susan is our womin. Shi is simultaneously us and who we wish to be. Rose Byrne shocked me with how well shi played the sociopathic (yet farcical) Rayna. Byrne and McCarthy had the right on screen rapport. McCarthy was excellent in portraying Susan as a sympathetic Arctic fox.

The handsome and wonderful Jude Law plays the clever and professional Bradley Fine, who we believed had betrayed us. In the end, he remains fine indeed. I had zero clue that Jason Statham could be so hilarious! I usually don't like his films or characters. Rick Ford is the exception. His timing and believability were incredible! I have seen this film twice and twice delighted in it. I hope you do.

This film could have been more diverse considering 50% of its viewers were femel. Despite excellent acting from an all-star cast, there was a lack of femel characters with leadership roles, acting as prime deciders. Femels have done great deeds in the world since ancient times. Relegating femels to support roles, as in the 1950s, is sophomoric in the 21st century. The title itself, Return of the King, is symbolic of the desire of many (past and present) to be kings of their own castles, with the little ladies as helpmates, as in this film. The Lord of the Rings trilogy ignores one vital fact as the society in which it was born. Solving problems and achieving goals is an all-hands on deck endeavor; both halves equally partnering. It was never a beneficial idea to have a society run by only half of us. Utilizing the brilliance and gifts of both halves of huminity makes better films and a better world.

Partnering with the other half of the country, the film might have been shorter; the action might have been more imaginative instead of predictable; perhaps, we would have had less machismo; and the violence would not have been graphic at all. The world of film is about our collective imagination, not just the imagination of half.

The special effects were awesome and I appreciate Sam's notion that, "There is good in this world and it's worth fighting for." I liked the main story of being on a challenging journey to achieve or solve, like real Life. I am glad the journey of these films has ended.

This film captures you from start to finish, like the music! The lead actor is handsome; the pace is deceptive; the mystery is jazzy yet confounding; the cast's acting is done well; and our faith in the goodness in some stays alive through the end. This clever and entertaining film is a must see!

The Spanish Prisoner was intelligently written and simply directed, a deception. The handsome and genuine Joe Ross --- naturally portrayed by the equally handsome Campbell Scott --- was your friend from the start. He is kind, easygoing, and neighborly. An inventor who trusts too easily, he is a loyal employee. His employer is portrayed by the wonderful Ben Gazzara, a master of unassuming and skillful dramatic arts himself. Steve Martin (famous comedian) was a surprise as Jimmy Dell, a jazzy crook. I would have chosen a different actor for the role of Susan; I think Joe deserved a beauty. A beautiful womin he resists would have magnified the nice guy quality.

Who wouldn't want to be on the beach with Campbell Scott? Who wouldn't want their boss to fairly compensate them for a great invention? How do you escape the inescapable being cornered, framed, and chased? You really must see this neat mystery!

What a lavish show is Hotel Portofino! If you love period shows, especially from the early 20th century, you may like this one. But, beware, PBS Masterpiece has become politicized and a bit depressing. Those of us who have enjoyed Masterpiece of the past and period film-TV, usually seek to move away from humin ugliness and the day's politics. It is possible, when we do xplr humin ugliness, to do it in a way that doesn't look or feel ugly. Let's hope Portofino survives.

PBS has changed; elegance is rarely experienced there anymore. Gone are the operas; gone is jazz from around the world; gone are the Nutcracker ballets; and gone is top talent and any hope of multiculturism. PBS is now mostly for those who wish to see only their as-is selves and their Now Culture lives unfold --- in some version and in any state --- on screen. Despite that, Hotel Portofino manages to capture my attention. I like its xplration of the past in set design, fashion, cars, and jewelry. I like visual appeal of some of the actors (can anyone say, "Mark, you light up my Umbers?"). The acting of the staff is wonderful. I'd like to see some of them on stage. The tv show's music is as inviting and colorful as its cinematography.

Hotel Portofino is disappointing due to the day's politicization and humin ugliness it contains (neither of which a patron of elegant lodging would appreciate in reality). Both taint what could be a magnificent, Merchant-Ivory-esque, period experience. Gay politics in post-08 America has led to a gay character; black politics in post-08 America has led to a black character, both for the umpteenth time in contemporary entertainment. Instead, Hotel Portofino could have done the honest thing and showed care by introducing us to 1920's Itlay's panoply of people: the French, English, Japanese, German, Albanian, North African, East African, and Eastern European. This is the problem with politicized entertainment; we do not learn from nor connect with the humin family. Worse, ecco la nostra bruttezza! Domestic violence, marital infidelity, and criminal activity dirty the Hotel. In these challenging times, where is the care and decency?

Hotel Portofino just completed its second season with words whose essence I hope the show weaves into successive seasons, "In a dark and dangerous world; when an unknown fate awaits us all; to encounter honest, decent people who take pride and show care, is the most that we can ask for."

The Ladies' Paradise is a paradise for television (and film) lovers anywhere! Thank you to the men and wymin writers and directors for offering us this elegant yet down-to-Earth splendor. Il Paradiso delle Signore is one of my most loved tv shows, ever.

Prima, we are introduced to the beautiful and frustrated Teresa, brilliantly portrayed by Giusy Buscemi. I admire that Teresa is an independent thinker and doer; cares about the world around her; and has a keen business sense (wish shi started her own business). Her Life is exciting but I think shi deserved a better man (Seasons 1 & 2).

Secondo, we are introduced to the quiet and determined Pietro Mori (Giuseppe Zeno). Though he struggles to severe his relationship with the past; and to achieve the type of success he dreams, I can relate to and admire him. Can you imagine, a low-income womin in America relating to a successful man in Italy, of the 1950s no less? Mr. Mori also cares about the world around him; is a focused professional; respects his staff with kindness and by trusting their professional instincts; and seeks and gains the success of which I daydream all the time.

Terzo, we have the handsome, creative, and well-dressed Vittorio Conti (Alessandro Tersigni)! As Mr. Mori's Chief Advertising Officer, Vittorio passionately helps steer Mr. Mori's business, until he doesn't (good for him). He is joyful, fun, and an independent thinker and doer himself.

Scorsa, Il Paradiso delle Signore invites us into the elegant world of wymin's fashion in 1950s Italy. Each time the camera takes us inside, I feel as if I, too, am entering a wonderful world --- where I'd love to work or shop --- where anything is possible. The music is as fun and determined as the characters and as steady as each of their stories; I find it amazing that each character has an interesting story (and wonderful lines). Watching this show, you are with them all each step of the way, cheerleading and laughing and wondering. Ora, la fine! Spero che per te questo sia l'inizio.

Is this who men are in the 21st century, making a boat load of money at the expense of "others?" In the case of entertainment, the "others" can be characters, story, actors, inspiration, and good deeds done. While the Avengers franchise occupies four of the top ten spots on the list of highest grossing action films, "others" were sacrificed in eleven ways:

1, who is Steve? The first film could have been, 'Captain America: Steve' for us to learn the heart and soul of the entire franchise; to honor the Steve Rogers spirit in the men and wymin around the world; and to inspire in us all that spirit potential to come alive;

2, these films could have offered Steve more than one beauty. Hayley Atwell's character was not a beauty, inside or out. A man like Steve deserves a few loves who are simply beautiful;

3, Hayley Atwell's character was one-dimensional. To respect and honor the wymin in American military during WWII, her character could have had dimensions; been likeable; and been more attractive;

4, these films could have lifted the world soul by being been more positive and uplifting instead of offering the usual 'man's world' doomsday;

5, these films could have offered Steve Rogers a Life outside of his work (e.g., loving parents, a hobby);

6, the first film made the mistake of killing-off the German doctor. He, too, had the spirit of Steve Rogers; you don't remove those characters;

7, where are femels in top roles in this film (executive producers, directors, composers, etc.)?

8, the filmmaker made the mistake of killing-off The Black Widow. Out of respect for femel viewers, I would have kept her alive until her 90s; and made three or four Black Widow films;

9, films could have boosted itself with Grand Merchandising. Multiple different art collections, sculptural-fine-photographic-visual; costume balls where we can arrive dressed as our favorite character; film-inspired fashion collections for men and wymin; and hired a top jeweler to make the Infinity Stones real, exhibited in a special way, and auctioned;

10, out of respect for their enormous contribution, the filmmakers should have offered the executive producer role to Robert Downey Jr (by The Avengers) and Chris Evans (after film #2);

11, some films were politicized. Is it because America had an African American president 2008-2016 that the story turns to Africa for help? In real Life, Africa struggles to help itself. I would have turned to Asia for characters to assist The Avengers; Asia has experienced incredible growth and acts as an example to us all.

How lucky it is to have a Lifetime of felicity and assurance and friendship! I think this film is worth watching because it is soothing and delightful (mostly). Also, I am glad to have supported the femel work of director Marleen Gorris and screenwriter Aileen Atkins.

Mrs. Dalloway was a slow-moving film that seemed to wander aimlessly from the horror of a veteran's ghosts to the lavish glees of Clarissa's world. I would have preferred remaining in Clarissa's world despite its lack of traditional storytelling and any deliberation. I did not read the novel, Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Wolff; this film does not now inspire me to xplr it. I liked some of the cinematography and admired the early 20th century British fashion. Though, I would have made different choices with this film:

1) Clarissa, Older/ I would have chosen a 60-something supermodel still radiating visual awe to portray the older Clarissa (Natascha McElhone was beautifully cast as the younger version) 2) Peter, Younger / I would have chosen a handsome actor 3) Story / I would have done a film only inspired by Wolff's book, one that is closer to traditional storytelling and deliberate in action and outcome 4) Soundtrack / I would have chosen Rachel Portman, English just like Virginia Wolff

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Dalloway placed an Edwardian mirror (Beaux Arts, I'd prefer) in front of me and required me to see the less than Beaux Arts that my own Life has become. The film led me to unwanted thoughts about aging causing only a Janet Foss of unwanted, gray emotion. Whether or not Mrs. Dalloway inspires a better persinal experience for you, how splendid it is to peak into the nice that another is living!

I wouldn't waste time on this big letdown. It is a manic, poorly done film that portrays poor folks as innocent victims. Not one sector of society was innocent in the 2008 global financial crisis. Some poor folks sought something for nothing; some legislators were lax; some investors were careless; some banks were unethical; and media in general was irresponsible (I would have held accountable, criminally and civilly, ALL of them! I am sorry for those of us who really were innocent).

The faux capitalism in this film does not mean that there is something wrong with capitalism or money. The wrong is the behavior and choices of each of us when we enter the marketplace and either violate laws or act unethically. Democracy and capitalism will live despite us. For those who think they are the smartest in the room like the mentally unwell main characters in this film, seeing doom in the distance, they are the same as those who don't see it all and as bad as those who don't care.

This film does a good job of portraying the massive amount of unhealthy folk in our countries who should never be allowed to do much in the community sphere. While most banks repaid their TARP loan PLUS interest (meaning taxpayers made money, thanks to banks), this film shorted us big time!

Richard Madden as David was excellent! His acting alone had me on the edge, wondering. Accompanied with compelling, up-close directing, Bodyguard cannot be missed! I loved this story and was not able to predict what would happen next. I have not seen anything like this story before and wish the show had lasted for more seasons.

I was glad to see Gina McKee and The Commander. At first, her character seemed to be on the right side. Then, I was suspicious. Anjli Mohindra was new to me but did a marvelous job as Nadia, which I only fully discovered again; I would like to see more of her. Keeley Hawes was marvelous as the Home Secretary was convincing as an ambitious but dedicated politician (Warning --- one of her private scenes was not at all marvelous).

This show seemed so real and scary and thrilling and why not return?

The direction and story had me watching non-stop, all episodes consecutively. I could not have predicted, from moment-to-moment, what was going to happen. This show was addicting, the story was refreshingly different. I wish that this show had continued for more seasons. There isn't anything on television, especially in the last few years, that can compare to this spy splendor!

Olga and Oona were wonderful as Kara and Maddy. They were smart, gutsy, quick-thinking, and, caring. It was surprising that the world-hardened Kara could be caring; what a rare and nice touch. I was glad of Maddy's eventual confidence, healthy suspicion, and initiative. I liked what these two characters did toward the end. How awesome it was to see the other wymin in this show: the beautiful and talented Alex Kingsley; and the new and interesting Tracy Ifeachor.

If you want to see something new and exciting in the world of spy thrillers, Treason is it!

We all agree; atrocities are atrocious. We all agree; individuals who violate laws, commit crimes ought to be held accountable. We all agree; we would like to save all victims and prevent bad stuff from happening. But, in the words of Spock, "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one." Unfortunately, unchecked idealism only leads to more trouble. But, you decide. Was Mr. Jones an idealist or misguided? Did Mr. Jones make the right choice? Do you wish to be Mr. Jones?

The Director, Agnieszka Holland, did an excellent job of bringing us close to attractive, determined, and feeling Mr. Jones! We even heard the detailed sound of his starvation, eating. Because of the directing, I could not stop watching a film I should have stopped watching (crying right now is not helpful in my own dead-end "atrocious" circumstance). The music was wonderfully paired with the compelling directing and the heart wrenching, predictable story. Ms. Holland offered us what I have never seen before, a detailed look at this one horrible moment during the 20th century (not the only horror then).

James Norton WAS Mr. Jones. He was naturally curious; courageously persistent; and someone who cared, a lot. I could identify with Mr. Jones' discomfort (and tears) with the disgusting realities in our world (Warning --- there is a scene with slovenly nakedness). James Norton made Mr. Jones likable and pitiable by the end. It is always a joy to see Vanessa Kirby; shi is a wonderful actor. As Ada, shi had a relatively small but noticeable and gripping role.

Stalinist Russia was a "goose who laid the golden egg" at a vital time. He modernized Russia; helped the world to defeat the Nazi regime; and allowed for a balance of power on the international stage after WWII. The relatively "few" (unimaginable) casualties of Stalinist Russia and the "one" (heartbreaking) story of Mr. Jones will always be tolerated and ignored by the world who is focused on the "greater good." I wish Mr. Jones had made a different choice.

To fight it all seems useless to me. Sometimes, idealism in reality is nothing but trouble. But, you decide.

So few femels have the opportunity to direct and write films, even today. When one invests in the film work of femel directors and writers, one could choose the best and the brightest, especially stories. This film could have been a hero to femels the world over regarding the most important outstanding issue we femels face from birth to death, safety.

The main character was an opportunity to demonstrate to femels around the world --- a place that places little to no value on the safety-security of us --- how we can keep ourselves safer in an increasingly unsafe (and unreliable) world. How do we travel, especially alone, safer? How do we socialize with men, safer? The main character could have been a captain of her own ship. Shi could have demonstrated how we femels can learn safety tips before we travel, especially overseas. The film could have had the main character incorporate their safety tips in order to be steps ahead of unsafe men and careless cops. The film could have introduced real organizations around the world that assist with femel safety during travel. The film could have incorporated key tips from law enforcement. The film could have shown how we can build street smarts before socializing with men, especially men we do not know.

The one good thing about this film was the femel cop. I am so sorry to hear not even femel filmmakers value femel safety.

The acting, from all, was excellent. It was hard to believe that each actor was not their character. Scarlet Johansen has found her niche, in these type of action-thriller-adventure-futuristic-type movies. MacGregor never disappoints me on screen. His approach is down-to-Earth yet draws me in.

The directing kept me watching from start to finish without wanting to stop. The futuristic technology was fascinating and scary at the same time. The story was compelling. Who wouldn't want to be a client? I would. How would I do that with respect and consideration for the other? What is the future of health and longevity?

The music worked well with the directing. In the end, I was happy to stand side-by-side with the Agnets. Long live the value of Life, all Life!

At the start, Wheatley's direction sails us around an elegant coastal hotel in this lavish period drama. With enviable period fashion and classic cars, a wicked, obtrusive employer is easily replaced by a quietly confident Maxim, handsomely and splendidly played by Mr. Hammer. How lucky is the beautiful (yet daunted) lady's companion to have met him. Or is shi?

Mr. Hammer's Maxim is not cocky or patronizing as Mr. Olivier's in 1940; Mr. Hammer is quite appealing at the start. Miss James offers as brilliant a performance as Joan Fontaine's in 1940. I also prefer this pleasant and proper 2020 version (instead of the 1940 version). I expect as much from the British and from the 'lady and gentleman' dance of the director (Wheatley) and the screenwriters (Goldman, Shrapnel, Waterhouse).

All the characters have depth; some have brooding; Hammer and James' characters develop nicely throughout; and the cinematography and music were compelling. While watching this remake, I gladly no longer cared about the book or the original film. I think there should have been award nominations, too. How I envy the love some have to "walk through flames for .."

Good Christian Belles is one of the few television shows I like. In fact, I loved it! Each episode's story is funny and uplifting. I like the Christian lessons xplred in each. The lead character, Amanda Vaughn, is well-acted by Leslie Bibb. New to me, her timing was impeccable; her reactions were real; her complex yet lovable way was admirable; and shi is very pretty. In fact, this all-star cast is unmatched. I could not help but fall in love with Mark Deklin's Blake Reilly (who cares if he's gay --- hahaehahao!).

It's not easy for contemporary entertainment to make me laugh, especially on television. With GCB, I did and all the time. The relationships were interesting and fun, too. I like that the characters were successful; rich; driven; competitive; humin; and try. Don't we all? My only critique is that the show did not last long enough.

This story is fundamentally disgusting! A Nazi war criminal (Werner Schultze) was never held accountable for his part in WWII atrocities because of one womin. Shi decided not to terminate the pregnancy that resulted from rape by the war criminal. I don't know how shi was ever able to live with herself carrying a Nazi child who appears as a replica of his monster father.

The hypocrite Wiesenthal chooses not to prosecute a Nazi, spitting on the graves of many! The acting was not that good. The directing was meager, it didn't do anything to aid with any possible compassion for the two separated lovers.

I am a crime victim and I wish I had never seen this film.

The elegant, grand cinematography seduces your soul and attention throughout the film. The august natural environs and splendid humin environs complement one another. The modest yet haute fashion is desirable. The sailing, soothing, splaying theme song --- which announces, "Quelque choses de magnifique arrive" --- returns to us and I am pleased.

What a splendid cinematic jaunt to the British aristocracy of the early 19th century! The soundtrack is an accurate reflection of the uplifting and joyful tone of this film. Love has been gained; births and growths have occurred; understanding has been reached; and those who have sought to settle, have. Now, enters the hectic and intriguing world of early 19th century film. Now, enters a Crawley secret of the past. Now, enters a never anticipated good-bye yet surprise for the future.

Wonderfully acted, the direction could have been better; it was too choppy. I would have hired the team of Merchant Ivory, known to deliver smooth, quietly uplifting, and nostalgic film direction. Also, I would have allowed the film to be two hours, instead one-hour and a half. I would have created a more femel-inclusive film with a femel director (or, at least, a femel director for the film within in the femel); femel composers; and an all-femel big band. But, few have the moxie to go all the way with the nice stuff in Life, like Count Viktoria!

Holy wow! The direction of this film was so compelling, I was glued to my television. Karl Urban, Wentworth Miller, and James Marsden offer on-the-edge-of-your-seat acting. How appealing to the eye they are, too.

As the murder mystery unfolds, this film tricks me at every turn. This is a must-see film and one of my favorites.

Despite being a commitment phobic, falling in love with Robert Redford's character was easy. Denys is handsome, gentle, adventurous, and realistic. Meryl Streep's character was, at first, envied. Karen is independent, rich, and gutsy. The chemistry between the two was quite nice.

Then there is the seductive melee of panoramic scenes of early 20th century Africa; the brilliantly romantic soundtrack by John Barry; and the careful yet exciting steps of uncertain love. This is one of the best films in the world, ever. A must see, especially in these times.

Christopher Plummer's performance was excellent! His was the key that caught my attention and kept it to the end. Angie Dickinson did a wonderful job of portraying the helpless wife; shi did a better job than Grace Kelly in the original.

This film is better than the original and a must see for thrill, suspense seekers!