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karlbogdan
Reviews
The Enchanted Cottage (1945)
a noble enterprise
What a wonderful small cinematic treasure this is.. filled with human understanding, compassion and grace. From a script originally developed under a British government contract to boost the spirits of maimed and disfigured veterans returning from WW1, it was redone in this version in 1944 with the same intent. By all accounts it had a profoundly uplifting effect on those recovering from the trauma of war and facing lifelong physical and psychological scars. Superbly and subtly crafted in acting, music, cinematography and direction. If cinema has ever been used to better purpose, or with better dramatic execution, i am not aware of it.
Shades of Black: The Conrad Black Story (2006)
black out
A worthy effort, given the limitations of TV docudramas. It is well acted, and narrates to complex life and character of Conrad Black. Black is a personna of tragic resonance. Gifted in intellect, insight and discipline, brought to the precipice of impending bankruptcy and imprisonment by an overarching narcissism, arrogance and disdain for others, especially those unlucky enough to have worked for him.
Toronto residents will not only recognize the upper class environs of their city, but the parochial ambitions of its elite.. and the stuffy colonial quality of its clubs and boardrooms. It a cautionary tale of those who take their circumstances in life as divine license to step on the well being of others. That will only provide enemies with a thirst for revenge.