Good Woman - Ein Sommer in Amalfi

Hi everyone... This is my first ever review, so I'll see how it goes... I just saw this a few hours ago here at the Rio Film Festival and I have to say, it was one of the most charming films I've seen this year. Those who know Oscar Wilde's work should know that it is mostly based on dialog, and this is no different.. but most of it is so hilarious that even people who can't stand talk-based movies should have a good time. The real star of the show here is, in my opinion, Tom Wilkinson. Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johansson are both very good (as is most of the cast), but Wilkinson is so endearingly silly that you can't help but care for him more than the others. So what keeps it from being a stunner? The same thing that makes it good: it's the type of film you forget very easily. Nothing is ever too serious about the film and even though that is a pivotal thing in making it such a good time, it also makes it very easy for the film to slip out of your mind once it's over. Also, another thing I noticed (and thought was kind of weird, actually) was how uneven the cinematography was. You'd have one shot that was really beautiful and lush followed by one that seemed a little rushed, and not particularly worked on (those who have seen Barry Lyndon should notice that some shots, in my opinion, are incredibly similar, though sunnier - hopefully a reference, not a rip-off). But, by all means, go see it. It is a wonderful film to see with someone special, and should provide some very quotable one-liners once it comes out.

A romantic comedy that is as sleek as it is clever? If that's not enough reason to go to the movies, I don't know what is. Thanks for reading, bye!

I almost knew nothing about the movie before I saw it (including that it was an adaption of an Oscar Wilde play), so I had no expectations at all. But I must say that I was pleasantly surprised!

It had a very good script with some fine dialogs. (Although I think the German synchronization didn't work out that well -I would like to see it again, in English). But let me tell you more what I thought about the movie:

The movie creates a superb atmosphere with it's grandiose costumes, the great scenery and really good cinematography. The story is quite simple and a bit predictable! But the actors are fun to watch at, especially Scarlett Johansson and Helen Hunt. They both really act well and look unbelievable!

I can only recommend this movie...

I thought I would treat myself to two Scarlett Johansson films this morning and I am glad that I did. As lovely as she was in Lost in Translation, she was dazzling in A Good Woman.

This film requires that you invest your full attention or you will miss most of the really great gems:

"I like America. Name me another society that's gone from barbarism to decadence without bothering to create a civilization in between."

"You're so fond of gossip you don't give the truth a chance to put its pants on."

"Every man is born truthful and every man dies a liar."

"Crying is the refuge of plain women. Pretty women go shopping."

Oh, there were so many many more. That was what was so great about this film - aside from staring at Scarlett, of course. I have always liked Helen Hunt, and she played magnificently here. I remember her fondly from "Mad About You." The only other movie I have seen her in was "As Good as it Gets," but I will be looking for "Bobby" to see her again.

I won't go into the details of the story as that would spoil it for you, suffice it to say that it makes for a very interesting background to this film about love and morals. It is sweet, funny, tender, and imminently fun.

This film is about how upper class gossip based on unsubstantiated facts can ruin two couples happiness.

This film is thoughtfully constructed. It has breathtaking scenery, which makes me wonder how long it took the location scouts to find them. It also has great sets, highly visually appealing and suits the tone and setting of the film.

Helen Hunt's acting is great. She plays a flirtatious woman to a great effect. The plot, though I imagine is not original, has a nice twist at the end that makes my heart warm.

Though set in the 1930's, the film does not seem over the top in trying to create a retro feel, unlike the other Scarlett Johansson recent film The Black Dahlia. it is comfortable to watch and heart warming.

Interesting movie! Probably to the contrary of many other viewers, I went to see this partly because I was intrigued by one of the supporting cast - Mark Umbers, a young British actor who plays Mr Robert Windermere. However, I was pleasantly surprised by all the cast. Tom Wilkinson is, as ever, a joy to watch - it's certainly impressive how he can persuasively portray both fantastically nice characters such as Tuppy, and also villains like Lord Queensberry in "Wilde". Helen Hunt was surprisingly beautiful as Mrs Erlynne, and a mention should go out to Stephen Campbell-Moore too. The locations were superb, the 30s vibe worked gratifyingly well, and in general I feel it did the Wilde original justice beautifully. Definitely recommendable.