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EdMorbius’s Film Reviews

11 Films have been rated or reviewed by EdMorbius.

Umbrellas of Cherbourg, TheUmbrellas of Cherbourg, The (1964)Aro Favourite
5 stars (Exceptional) Absolutely agree. I was blown away seeing it in the 1980s. Now I must see The Young Girls of Rochefort, which is also held by Arovideo.
King's Speech, TheKing's Speech, The (2010)Aro Favourite
5 stars (Exceptional) An almost perfect movie. Colin Firth is excellent as the initially reluctant monarch driven by circumstances. The eponymous speech, stage–managed by Rush (as Logue) is a masterclass in fashioning images, sound, & music into a stirring unitary performance.
Judgement at NurembergJudgement at Nuremberg (1961)
5 stars (Exceptional) Also a standout performance by Burt Lancaster, leading to his later title role in Visconti's The Leopard. Musical score by Ernest Gold, in the same year that Gold won the Oscar for Exodus. The soundtrack LP showcased speeches of Lancaster & Tracy.
Memories of MeMemories of Me (1988)
3 stars (Good Enough) Contrary to Aroview, I found this a life–affirming light drama about human relationships. Like Steel Magnolias, it has a rich musical score by Georges Delerue, and saves its best laugh for a funeral! Watch till the credits roll.
Steel MagnoliasSteel Magnolias (1989)
4 stars (Very Good) An excellent study of friendship enduring some tough times. Its intelligent, often subtle, humour avoids the risk of mawkishness, and the soundtrack music by Georges Delerue is worth the price of admission.
Three Worlds of Gulliver (1960)
3 stars (Good Enough) Notable for its delightful soundtrack music, by composer Bernard Herrmann (who also scored Citizen Kane, Psycho, Fahrenheit 451, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Mysterious Island, The Day the Earth Stood Still, to name a few).
Baby The Rain Must FallBaby The Rain Must Fall (1965)
4 stars (Very Good) A more subtle Mulligan/Pakula/Foote/Bernstein opus than “Mockingbird”. With its hint of abuse, the revealingly symbolic belt seen hanging on a door – like the shot in the last seconds of Polanski’s “Repulsion” – largely escaped its audience.
RaptureRapture (1965)Recommended
5 stars (Exceptional) Outstandingly acted & photographed drama, fulfilling Patricia Gozzi’s promising start (the unforgettable Sundays & Cybele). Georges Delerue's evocative score is one of his very best.
Sundays and CybeleSundays and Cybele (Les Dimanches de Ville d'Avray) (1962)Recommended
5 stars (Exceptional) In NZ – with the Christchurch Creche affair still an issue – its political point is bang–on. Acting is first–rate, & photography (Henri Decae) sublime. I saw it in 1963, & in 2022 it remains a favourite – joyful, thoughtful & unforgettable.
Leopard, TheLeopard, The (Il Gattopardo) (1963)Aro Favourite
5 stars (Exceptional) A rich blu–ray restoration. Yes, first viewing is hard work. Like 2001 it rewards further viewing. I enjoyed the commentary (in subtitled longer version) & English dubbed version featuring Lancaster's own voice. His best since Judgment at Nuremburg.
Month in the Country, AMonth in the Country, A (1987)
4 stars (Very Good) A beautiful & thoughtful film based on the eponymous novel. Colin Firth's first depiction of a stutterer (this time, one of two survivors needing to recuperate in the aftermath of World War 1). Great early performances by Firth and Kenneth Branagh.

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