Gwen

So this is a strange, dark, and brooding film. I admit I chose the film because of the blurb, once again. Luckily, this time it worked to my favour. The promotional text states this is a folktale set in Wales and for this, I picked it up. However, it's not. I cannot see this story being passed down from generation to generation as there's little morality within. There's also little superstition which is also a major element to folktales.

I should have been upset as I chose this for my Friday Night is Fright Night viewing pleasure. As the story progressed and nothing supernatural happened, even though it is hinted at, I still couldn't feel let down. This is due to one main fact. This is a good film.

It is a strong historical drama that exudes atmosphere, all of it dark. The director, William McGregor is a master at his art. I would gladly watch more by this man if they're all this good. The only drawback is the story, written also by McGregor, which is basic, to say the least. However, that isn't too big a hindrance as the direction and acting lift the film above the story.

McGregor uses his cast ascetically. For the most part, there's very little dialogue the characters tell their story through their actions. You know the sisters are close and loving as they sleep in the same bed. The older one tickles and plays with the younger. When the family walk anywhere the two girls are side by side. You even know who the bad guys of the play are even though they seldom speak. In fact, it's because McGregor records some of their speech in hushed tones, too quiet to make out, that your mind informs you they are up to no good. You also know that this small family isn't completely trusted or thought of in high praise by the community from the furtive glances they receive. I think it's because your mind engages to pick up these nuances that this film is so powerful.

All of this also adds to the oppressive atmosphere of the film. Even the slow pace of the film works to add an unease and an eerieness to the proceedings. Though the tempo of the film is slow it never feels sluggish. Truth be told, when the film ended I was surprised. I hadn't even realised I'd been watching for an hour and a half. I wanted more. I wanted it to continue.

This is not only down to the wonderful direction of the film - the iconic shots, the use of light, the landscape, and the constant howling wind - but also with thanks to the great cast.

Maxine Peake is a wonderful actress and I will check out a film or a series should she be in the cast. Unfortunately, this included the dreadful Keeping Rosy, of which she was the strongest cast member - should've had this guy directing. However, she's on top form as the stoic mother, Elen. This woman gives new meaning to strength. Being alone in the Welsh wilderness bringing up two girls and running a farm... her portrayal is worth watching this film for alone.

Though it's Eleanor Worthington-Cox as the title role, Gwen, who shines the strongest. Life for a teenage girl was much different back then. Cox superbly embodies the strength required to survive in the dire conditions, as well as showing love and concern for her sister and mother, both of which are different. She also expresses the eagerness of youth. All of this is performed subtly and falls perfectly into the context of the movie.

I would highly recommend this picture to historical drama lovers and lovers of film alike. I would also say; if there are any filmmakers out there who want to know what atmosphere looks like, sounds like, tastes like, feels like, then watch this film. I am so glad I did.

Look... It's a grim story, I get it. But once you decide not to use that as a criticism there's a lot to commend this movie for. The acting is utterly convincing. Peake and Worthington Cox are at their best. It takes its time. At one point the camera stays on Gwen as she falls asleep - her eyes gradually closing and her breathing getting deeper - that's typical of the pace. It's not overly dramatic (I can barely remember the musical soundtrack - which is sparse and acoustic). But it is desperately brutal. The cinematography is beautiful - reminiscent of softly lit 17th century Dutch master interiors - no glaring light or colour - muted pallets. Story wise I know nothing of the background but you can bet someone discovered the terrible way some small farmers were treated by the Welsh mining corporations in the nineteenth century and thought - "Right - I'm going to tell their story - people need to know about this!" And if that's true - great job! Summed up in the movies pivotal line: "If you steal a sheep they take your hand, if you steal a mountain they make you a Lord". Writing this review has made me realise I enjoyed it more than I thought! This struggling little family stay with you...

A while back, Maxine Peake starred with John Simm in a TV series called "The Village". The latter was effectively single-handedly trying to keep the family farm going as the world had changed. I had to stop watching as it was just too depressing.

If anything, this film takes a similar theme (and Maxine in a similar role) and could have made an even more depressing film, were it not for the stellar performance of Eleanor Worthington-Cox. Despite *all* the setbacks and the misery, her stoic determination to keep farm and mother together in anticipation of her father's return carries the mood for a good portion of the film, and maybe us with it.

If you watch it (and, beware, it's tough going and certainly not for animal-lovers) then be prepared to either feel emptiness or hope at the ending. It could be read either way, provided you've already factored in the "man's inhumanity to man" context and content to that point.

Not recommended, really, as it's not a fun watch at all, but worth it for Eleanor's performance.

How on earth does this only rate a 6? The cinematography is absolutely gorgeous. The storyline is highly suspenseful, the underlying message is compelling and outrageous. Perhaps it's not wise these days to portray unbridled capitalism in a negative light. Granted, there were some dramatic liberties taken, but the brutal enclosure movement, the rape of the countryside, and the outlandish greed and cruel masochism of early unregulated industrialism is no fairy tale. I recommend this film.

Not all that much happens in this one... and yet I still really enjoyed it.

First off the entire movie is visually breathtaking. Every shot I would hang up on my wall. The acting is also superb, the mother and older daughter really killed it. This is by far a slow burn and kind of lethargic but very atmospheric and still somehow engaging.

I want to say I would have loved to see the plot beefed up a bit, and I do ultimately feel this way... however, there was a real charm to the way this was executed. Some people will say this is a bore fest, and they should stick to their Marvel movies. Would recommend.