The Girl in the Café

A beautiful and moving film. I didn't know what it was about as the trailer didn't reveal much other than the relationship between Nighy and McDonald so I was thinking it was just a gentle love story, a British 'Lost in Translation'.

But what transpired was so much more than that. I thought the way the enormous issue of global poverty and the few people who hold the political power to affect change was dealt with intelligently and sensitively and interwoven poignantly with the strange romance developing between the two leads.

I'm not too familiar with the background of the film but I would hazard a guess that the seeds of the project were sown when Richard Curtis wrote 'Love Actually' which included a subplot where the British PM (Hugh Grant) publicly opposed policies brought forward by the American president (Billy Bob Thornton).

Since 'Love Actually' was a light-hearted romantic comedy, the politics were never elaborated on but I'm sure that 'The Girl in the Cafe' was the opportunity for Curtis to put this topical issue into terms that anyone could understand and empathise with. The timing, of course, is impeccable, with the G8 summit to be held in Scotland within 2 weeks and widespread attention of the summit brought to the masses by Sir Bob Geldof and the simultaneous Live 8 series of concerts.

It goes without saying that the performances of the two leads are spot-on, Bill Nighy is the king of understated pathos as Lawrence and Kelly McDonald is gracious as the mysterious but steely Gina.

The film is shot in (literally) cool locations and makes a fantastic ad for the chilled aloofness that is Reykjavik.

But at the heart of this love story are the nameless, faceless millions who suffer daily and the ease with which this fact is taken as statistic. Africa has never before been on the forefront of social issues as it is today and to anyone who might be under the impression that poverty is an issue for politicians to sort out around the conference table, 'The Girl in the Cafe' is a potent reminder that the power to affect change is more immediate than we might think. Superb.

Make Poverty History

WOW! I just watched an absolutely brilliant film on HBO tonight. "The Girl in the Cafe" stars Bill Nighy and Kelly Macdonald in what I am sure will be one of the very best films of the year.

The film will, with 100% certainty, appeal to those who loved "Lost in Translation" and it will probably resonate with many of those who didn't like the characters in that film as much as the rest of us.

The two characters in this film are adorable, seemingly mismatched and yet a perfect relationship forms. Nighy & Macdonald deliver Oscar worthy performances... it is shame that this TV movie won't qualify!!! The film is also rife with political intelligence at it is set against the backdrop of a summit being held in Reykjavik, Iceland.

This is a spectacular screenplay, delicately balanced and bittersweet, insightful and poignant.

THE GIRL IN THE CAFE is superb in every way.

Look for it on HBO right now!!! I believe it plays twice on the 28th and will assuredly be repeated many times this month!!!

This movie is all about plot and character development. The two principal characters have a lot of depth. We learn more personal information about them and what motivates them as the story unfolds. The main male character was profoundly lonely and the enigmatic young woman was quite fascinating. The plot has a very compelling message about severe poverty and the toll it takes on some of the world's population.

This film resonated with me. I am still naive enough, at 45 years of age, to think that people or a person can make a difference. In spite of the daily realities we all face, I think it is important for people to at least feel that what they do matters. This movie sold that message in a way that had no hint of being superficial or patronizing.

The only criticism of the movie is the pace. It is a slow pace, but I found the plot interesting enough that it didn't detract. I am interested in global politics, and I found that part of the movie interesting in spite of the pace. My wife was bored with the pace and doesn't share my enthusiasm for the movie.

If you are interested in global politics and like movies with a strong character focus, this is a good one. If you need an energetic pace to your film, this movie suffers a bit.

Two films in one Jekyll and Hyde package. A marvellous performance by Bill Nighy well supported, or rather, accompanied by Kelly Macdonald. The rest of the cast seemed just right with their supporting 'pattern' characters.

The dialogue of the romance must have seemed odd to read but is made utterly believable by the main players. Great writing.

The bad part is the moral message. Clumsy, lumpen, mawkish. If it were possible to put on film the sentiment behind the 'humanity' interest as well as was done with the love interest then it would have really been something. It was a sledgehammer trying to move a continent - with about as much of a lasting effect on those who were actually taken in by it in the first place.

Switching from a beautiful and believable story of two lonely people to Sesame Street mentality scenes at a G8 conference doesn't spoil it completely, it's well worth seeing. You just know when to zone out to avoid the PC bits second time round.

Marvellous but flawed and not marvellously flawed, which is a pity.

Well worth several viewings.

This is an extremely well crafted film by David Yates.

It is very rare that I get all passionate about a film. But this is one such film that virtually demands that!!

Yes, like the previous critic said, it is quirky and it can be looked upon as a comedy.. but the best thing about it is if you look at this film as a separate entity. It is about two characters, the civil-servant and the nobody girl (.. in the café...), who meet by chance. Both from such completely different worlds! One speaks with that the propah British accent and she speaks with the crude Scottish brogue. However, its that Scottish brogue that enraptures you from the start! I mean, Kelly MacDonald put in such a fine performance of her character, I admit, I was taken aback, i wanted to personally hand her the golden man!! The beauty of this film is the subtlety with which director David Yates weaves together the sweetness of romance with the ugliness of world poverty, and the rich world politics etc.. It is an absolute treat of a film. I am surprised this wasn't released in the theaters. Isn't that some kinda of irony in itself!! You must watch this film!!! YOU MUST!!