Movie Review: The Abduction Club (2002)

Title: The Abduction Club (2002)

Director:  Stefan Schwartz

Starring: Alice Evans, Sophia Myles, Matthew Rhys & Daniel Lapaine

My Rating: 10/10

"I pity those who have not looked upon your face. How barren their dreams must be."

 - James Strang (The Abduction Club)

Synopsis:

"A fast and furious period romp, The Abduction Club is inspired by a series of real events that took place in Ireland during the late 1700's. With wealth and title destined to go to their elder brothers, the younger sons of wealthy Irish families resorted to abducting young society ladies in an attempt to secure their financial futures. When Byrne and Strang , two handsome and dashing abductors in their mid-twenties, target the feisty Kennedy sisters, they bite off a little more than they can chew!"

My Opinion:

This film is a period drama fan's dream! It has action, adventure, romance, a little comedy, exquisite costumes, dashing gentlemen, feisty young ladies, gorgeous scenery and a Irish-styled soundtrack.

The Abduction Club is a beautiful and relatively unknown period piece, based on true events. It revolves around an abduction club which is a secret society comprising of the younger sons of wealthy Irish families. At this period of time it was law that the estate and inheritance past in all entirety to the eldest son- leaving the younger virtually sons penniless. These young men, in most cases had but two choices- the priesthood or marry a heiress. The Abduction Club was formed in order to help these men literally abduct heiress' and charm them into marrying them. Before the abduction took place the man would meet the lady at various social events (balls, races etc) and engage her in conversation so that by the time they abducted her she was already half in love with them (well...so say the men).
This concept is very interesting- which is what lead me to viewing this film in the first place. Why would these young ladies of fortune and consequence want to marry these scoundrels? Well, many found that the action of 'abducting' was romantic. At first I thought that was a little sketchy but after watching this film, I must admit if I lived in Ireland in 1780 I would have thought it very romantic too. 

This film is beautiful, it is well structured and presented. The actors were all so well suited to the characters they portrayed. Sophia Myles gave a great performance as Anne Kennedy, she was independent, funny but still extremely cute. Liam Cunnigham was the perfect villain, he gave Mr. Power so much authority and...evilness. The chemistry between the characters was something that really stands out, I particularly enjoyed the scenes between Anne (Sophia Myles) and Strang (Matthew Rhys).

The scenery is absolutely captivating which brings me to Ireland- if you love the Ireland you simply must see this film, the cinematography is beautiful. Some of my favourite scenes are those when the main characters are riding on horses across countryside, its breathtaking.

I absolutely adore this film (it is one of my very favourites) and  I really can't say one negative thing about this it, it is a little predictable as times but I think that is part of the reason I love it. I would recommend this film to anyone and everyone I know. I literally begged my Mother and Sister to watch it and although I don't think they thought much of it at first, they both love the film now!

If you would like to know more about this film you can head over to my "Abduction Club Blog", this week we are having a special week to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the release of the film. You are most welcome to check it out!

Much Love,

Mel xx

Movie Review; Miss Potter (2006)

Film: Miss Potter (2006)

Directed by: Chris Noonan

Starring: Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor and Emily Watson

The life of Beatrix Potter was the most enchanting tale of all 

"Miss Potter" is a beautiful film based upon the life of Beatrix Potter, the talented author who introduced the world to Peter Rabbit and his beloved friends. Beatrix (Renee Zellweger) is thirty-two years old, single and still living at home with her parents. Much to their disappointment, Beatrix shows no interest in the many young eligible men they have introduced her to, prefering to pursue a career as a children's novelist. That is until she meets her publisher Norman Warne (Ewan McGregor), whom she finds her self falling in love with.

This film is a favourite of mine, I have been in love with Beatrix's stories since I was a very little girl. I loved Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle Duck and all of the other characters and how they seemed to come to life with every turn of the page. When I first heard this film was coming out I was so excited but as it drew closer to being released, I was a little worried that it might change my view on the stories. Thankfully it didn't, this film is simply charming, the setting, the clothing, the actors, everything was just gorgeous!

 Renee Zellweger was delightful as Miss Potter, I think she really captivated all that Beatrix was and made her such a loveable character. Ewan McGregor was fantastic as Norman Warne, he is a favourite actor of mine and I particularly love him in this film! Emily Watson played Millie Warne, Norman's sister and was just amazing. Other notable performances were:  Beatrix's parents played by Barbara Flynn (you may recognise her from Lorna Doone and Wives and Daughters) and Bill Paterson (Wives and Daughters, Amazing Grace, Little Dorrit). Norman's brothers were also well cast with Anton Lesser (Lorna Doone, Little Dorrit) as Harold and David Bamber (most recognised as Mr Collins in Pride & Prejudice 1995) as Fruing Warne. And last but definitely not least the young Beatrix was played by Lucy Boynton (Ballet Shoes, Sense and Sensibility 2008) who acted the part so beautifully!

The great thing about this film is how it allows the viewer to enter the mind and thoughts of Beatrix, seeing her drawings and the famous characters which we have learnt to love come to life on the screen. Beatrix truly was an amazing woman who captivated the world. One thing I would say though is Beatrix did experience some heartache during her lifetime so I recommend that you watch this with tissues at your side, I cry in just about every movie, but I have a feeling I won't be the only one when it comes to this film.

Below I have included the trailer for the film which I found on YouTube. Enjoy :)

Movie Review; Giant 1956

Film: Giant (1956)

Directed by: George Stevens

Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson & James Dean

Based on the novel Giant written by Edna Ferber

"The most effective declaration against racial intolerance ever shown on the screen. Best Picture of the Year." -TIME, 1956

This film spans three generations of land-rich Texans and their struggles within their family, against racial intolerance and the oil industry. Jordan "Bick" Bennedict (Rock Hudson) is a texan rancher who on a business trip to buy a horse meets a beautiful socialite Leslie (Elizabeth Taylor), they almost immediately marry and Bick returns to Texas with Leslie. Leslie soon finds that things work differently on a ranch than in her hometown and quickly sets around to change things. Over the course of the film, many difficulties arise- particularly due to the differing opinions of Bick and Leslie but the resounding feeling is that their love is enough to pull them through.



James Dean as Jett Rink

 This film is one of my favourites, when looking at the old style hollywood films this one, for me, is up there with Gone With The Wind, Casablanca and My Fair Lady.
I first watched this film just because I love James Dean and wanted to see everything he had been in- but what I didn't account for was that this movie would become my favourite James Dean performance (beating out Rebel Without A Cause).

The Texan scenery is gorgeous and the costumes are beautiful. I also think that the make-up was exceptional, I have yet to see a film that equals Giant in how well they aged the actors using makeup, hairstyling and clothing, it appeared that the actors actually aged as the characters did- it was so realistic!

Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor were particularly moving in their roles and had such chemistry. James Dean was a standout! He had me crying by the end of the film because of the way he allowed his character to reach beyond breaking point. Every time I watch the film however, the performance that always "Wow's" me is that of the young Dennis Hopper, he was amazing as the son of Bick and Leslie, and the way his character stood up and fought against racial bigotry during the film was touching and heroic.





If you love watching classic hollywood films, this is definitely one I recommend checking out. However I do warn you the film runs for about 3 1/2 hours, but it goes ever so fast and never gets dry.

Older Bick (Hudson) and Leslie (Taylor)

Luz II, Bick & Leslie's youngest daughter in a beautiful
Queen of the Parade costume



Jordan Benedict III (Dennis Hopper), Bick & Leslie's son


Much Love,

Tristans _Isolde xx

Movie Review; The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

Film: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) 

Directed by: Kevin Reynolds

Starring: James Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris and Dagmara Dominczyk

Based on the book 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas

The Count of Monte Cristo is the story Edmond Dantes who although not rich has almost everything a person could want; a beautiful fiance, many friends, a loving father and the promise of a captaincy. However his jealous best friend, with a lot of help conspires to destroy him. Edmond is then locked away for the rest of his life in the Chateau d'If. After a miraculous escape and with a lot of help from a priest, Edmond tranforms himself into The Count of Monte Cristo in order to uncover and face those responsible for his false imprisonment.

I absolutely loved this movie. It was beautiful, the scenery, the costumes and the actors were excellent! James Caviezel's performance was spectacular, he really developed the character of Edmond Dantes throughout the film and captured Edmond's every feeling and emotion, he was perfect! Guy Pearce was truly amazing as Fernand Mondego, I had only ever seen him in the good-guy/hero role but I was shocked at how evil he could be.

Dagmara Dominczyk was simply beautiful as Mercedes, and I think was a very hard role to play. Dagmara gave Mercedes a soul and spirit, I loved that during the course of the film we were able to see both the heartbroken Mercedes and the fiesty Mercedes who still had a little fight left in her.

Another noteworthy performance to watch out for in the film are those of Richard Harris who played the influencial, wise priest and also that of James Frain who played Villefort.

And of course Henry Cavill, I have been a fan of his for a while and in this film he does not disappoint he is just so sweet! My favourite scenes were those between him and The Count of Monte Cristo, the way he admired The Count was gorgeous.

The scenery and costumes were so beautiful so I thought I would add a few screencaps from the film so you can see them. One particular scene I thought
was one of the most beautiful that I had ever seen in
any movie was when The Count arrived at his party and descended from a hot air balloon it was amazing!

 



I hope you enjoyed the review and I would love to hear what you thought of the film if you have already seen it!

Much Love,

Tristans_Isolde xx

Movie Review; Lorna Doone (TV 2000)

Film: Lorna Doone

*If you want to know more about the storyline of the film before reading the review check out my post here: Lorna Doone post #1

As I posted a few days ago, I recently bought the film Lorna Doone and I watched it last night and it was fantastic. I was so impressed! There were very few differences from the novel and which weren't even that noticeable. I was convinced this film would be a 'prettier', 'soppy', 'spruced up' version of the book however it had all the lovely grit, battles and darkness from the novel but were expertly balanced against the beautiful backdrop of the English countryside.

The actors were wonderful and I was surprised to see so many familiar faces. As soon as I saw Richard Coyle, who played John Ridd I couldn't help but exclaim "Mr Coxe" as I recognised him as the unlucky in love apprentice of Mr Gibson in 'Wives and Daughters'. Other notable actors/actresses were Barbara Flynn (Wives and Daughters, Cranford, Miss Potter), who was wonderful as Sarah Ridd- John's mother. Aidan Gillen was extremely impressive as Carver Doone who despite his evilness I found myself sympathising with, his performance was outstanding. Amelia Warner (Love's Brother, Arisocrats) didn't simply act her role she was Lorna Doone, she was beautiful, serene, kind and captured everything I always felt Lorna was in the novel.

I also thought John's sisters were both played beautifully by Honeysuckle Weeks and Joanne Froggatt (Robin Hood -TV series and Downton Abbey). And James McAvoy!!! Yes James McAvoy (Becoming Jane) had a small role, he is very cute and  looks so young- make sure you keep an eye out for him. Another smaller role I thought was played fantastic was that of Marwood de Whichehalse portrayed by Jesse Spencer, he did a wonderful job!

I was little worried about the chemistry between John Ridd (Richard Coyle) and Lorna Doone (Amelia Warner) before I watched the movie, they are one of my favourite literary couples- so I was quite worried but I loved them as a couple. Richard and Amelia were gorgeous together and despite never having thought Richard Coyle handsome or a great actor, due to the way he played the character I found myself falling ever so fast - in love with him :)

If you haven't seen this film, I highly recommend it. It is definitely one of my all time favourites (I wish I had seen it years ago) and even though I watched it only last night, I am definitely going to make time to watch it again tonight.

Have you watched any movies lately that you thought were pleasantly surprised with? I'd love to hear about it!

Love,

Tristans_Isolde



Richard Coyle as John Ridd



Aidan Gillen as Carter Doone



Amelia Warner as Lorna Doone



Jesse Spencer as Marwood de Whichehalse



James McAvoy as Sergeant Bloxham
and Joanne Froggatt as Lizzie Ridd