michaelpatrickcogan

Amazing cast, amazing soundtrack! As other reviewers have said I'm bemused as to why this film didn't have more publicity, had more glowing reviews, etc. but then again based on films like Baron Munchausen and Princess Bride that also didn't receive great reviews I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. This is an amazing film, Neil Gaiman is an amazing author and I would definitely recommend reading the book. I feel embarrassed having to say that the actors are all amazing (just look at who are in this!!!) . It's really impressive that they are all in this film pick one of the known actors and they are iconic. Shooting locations are great as well if you're in the UK have a look where they are and visit them if they are near they really are as pretty as in the film. I really wish that film makers continue to make films like this. These will be your legacy (although let's face it Matthew Vaughn has a lot... a lot of amazing films)

The story although more detailed and requiring more concentration than a lot of films is very well spliced together taking the traditional Munchausen stories making them more coherent. Production design is amazing and you can see why it was so expensive to produce. The musical score is magical and the cast is full of famous actors that manage to work well together without outshining each other. It is a shame that this did not have more commercial success as in my opinion it has meant that reviews generally are more critical translating the poor box office performance into a negative of the film rather than of the investment in publicity for the film when it was released (my understanding is that the film had been taken over by another studio and they were trying to limit any more costs on this film). This is my favourite Terry Gilliam film.

I haven't read the book however I liked the series as a genuinely honest depiction of how the French and English get on. I have visited France many times and my parents now live there half the year. In a way I think the series may have been influenced too much by the French cast for English viewers tastes. The episodes are very innocent but really are about a couple getting on with their lives in a new environment and the obstacles they overcome. It saddens me greatly that people don't warm to this series more but I think it may have been a bit too ahead of it's time. With greater understanding of language and culture I believe this will appeal to viewers more as the years go on.