Insel der Frauen

When I put this video into the VCR I noticed that the previous user had not rewound the tape, and that it was not at the end - this has happened before and the movies were duds. We did not finish this movie since it was so so slow and uneventful.

This film promised to be quite good, after all it is an Australian movie filmed on a Greek island, with Irene Papas. The cinematography was very good and the acting was OK, but it was a big mistake to invest so much in the weak story. My wife did not like it either, so I don't think my comments are regarding a man not liking a woman's flick. It was just so slow and dull. Maybe we were not sensitive to the issues involved, whatever they were...

For Chris Hayward's performance, an excellent ensemble, grand cinematography and the delicacy of the story I have given this film 8/10.

It's Chris Hayward though, that makes this film for mine. His portrayal of character and the depth he applied to the role is reason enough to see this film.

Paul Cox is also an under-appreciated filmmaker in Australia. His European sensibilities with his film making see him fly underneath the radar of the usual obsession with making films that also double as tourist promos. The best Australian films are character driven and Cox is a master of his art. Island gives us an Australian story through the prism of the Greek island. Like many artists, their most accurate comments on home are usually made from afar - a place where context is everything. This also applies to the characters in this wonderful film.

I personally found this film to be an excellent story of three women thrown together by life on a small Greek island. I was very impressed by the acting abilities of all the women and the villagers who played most of the other roles. In this regard, I was especially moved by a scene between some real villagers in their home and Eva. They were not professional actors but they were obviously wonderful people. The film is full of such wonderful moments.

I was also moved by the tender care shown to Eva by a deaf-mute handyman on the island and by the splendid understanding that developed between the three women. The ending was deeply moving.

The music and the cinematography were magnificent. I recommend this film. (8 out of 10)