George e Frederic

Lines like that are what really made me fall in love with "Impromptu". It is a movie that incorporates an array of delightful characters (and actors) that just suck you into the story. Though "Impromptu" is a period piece, it still has this certain modern air that other movies in this genre just don't have. The dialogue is superb in this, the character of George Sand (portrayed by an amazing Judy Davis) is one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Of course, this movie isn't going to be for everyone, but if you're interested in watching a different type of romance/comedy/drama, I truly recommend this. It is unique, it is real, it is wonderful.

This film is a little different than most "period" films in that its characters, although known historical figures, are real people and certainly not above swearing, throwing fits, drinking, smoking or carousing. A wonderful comedy romance with an outstanding performance by Judy Davis as George Sands.

It is also interesting to note how closely the plot of this movie resembles that of Renoir's classic "Rules of the Game": 1) group of romantically and socially inbred cityfolk go to the country, 2) romantic and social inbreeding continue in the country, 3) people slipping from room to room, 4) mistaken identity, 5) hunting in the woods, 6) big hunting scene, 7) gender-bending, 8) poking fun at the upper classes, and 9) climactic theater performance chock full of satire and causing some conflict. This similarity can be no accident.

Well, I saw this movie yesterday and thought it was good; since it told us about Mr. Chopin's life. I really liked the way this movie told us his life because we realize he was a very timid person, which perhaps was the truth. I certainly like the way Hugh Grant stars as Chopin. I never thought he could act so well, he envelops himself into the role quite well. I think this is definitely his best performance; this is the only Hugh Grant's movie I've liked so far. It was completely delightful to listen to the way he played the piano. It's also remarkable, as Madame George Sand fell in love with him because of the way he played it. This movie has a good plot, and you'll find out many interesting things about Chopin's life over the course of the movie. I truly found out a lot of things about his life after watching this. As for Judy Davis; I think she carries out her role admirably, she really knows how to act. The costumes and the scenery were completely fitted to the movie.

Overall, I think this is an enjoyable movie that tells us about Chopin's fears, happiness, sufferings, etc. it's great as he shows George Sand he could love her without dreading it. It also shows us that injustice will always be plotted out. It's worth watching even if the ending was somewhat disappointing. 7/10

I came to this movie looking for a glimpse into the lives of the four artists: Chopin, Sand, Delacroix and my favourite Liszt and got much more than I bargained for.

The setting is Paris of the 1830s, where the kids play "Cowboys & Indians" as "Revolutionaries & Noblemen", where hysterical aristocrats are back to hosting soirees and honourable men are fighting the last of the duels. Obviously no possibility of spoilers, with the narrative based on actual events, so most of the entertainment arrives in the form of fabulous performances, a terrific cast and of course gorgeous piano notes.

But the biggest surprise is the humour. Ranging from subtle to farcical, it serves to gulp down the dose of human emotions and failings nicely. Watch it if you like literature or art or classical music or history, but watch it if you like subtle entertainment on a Sunday afternoon.

Whenever I get tired of the typical summer movie featuring highly evolved apes, genetically engineered dinosaurs, and other such foolishness, I pull out my (well-used) copy of "Impromptu," and all my blues go away. Far from an expensive, smug, carefully marketed blockbuster, "Impromptu" is a thinking person's film. The plot is cleverly constructed, the costumes are lovely, and most important: What A Cast!!! Any film that puts Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin together is a winner in my book (those of us who are theatre junkies are aware of their previous marvellous collaborations), but this film manages to include Emma Thompson, Judy Davis, Julian Sands, and Hugh Grant. What fun!!!