turetskyneil

When I read a brief synopsis of this film for the Jerusalem film festival, I feared it might be a political screed about the besieged Uygher people oppressed by China. Instead it was primarily a lovely human story of two families going through changes to their to their impoverished agricultural lifestyles. Yes, some political implications, with Mainland Mandarin language and pressures dominating their lifestyles, but the focus here is much more on simple eternal issues of illness, growing old, marital discord, its effect on children, big city "progress" vs. simple family values, the "importance" of education (maybe?). The children here are just wonderful. Beautiful, non affected, funny, utterly believable, apparently some non professional actors. The cinematography lush at times, always simple and captivating. Haunting music and some lovely poetry. Listen to the beautiful song the father sings to his wife. These people lead very different lives than most of the westerners who will see the movie, and yet all the conflicts, problems, and joys seem so touching and real. A special gem, methinks.

That Linda Cardellini as Delores was absolutely luminous and very real and touching in every scene she was in. Her welcoming hug of Shirley, after the stunned Italian family funny reaction, I found wonderful, perfect and believable. I agree with many other excellent reviews, the lead actors perfect, music great, story right on, although when I first heard the theme expected it might be trite. The only scene I felt a little artificial was the black bar scene near the end, but they kind of got away with it anyway. Yes, stereotypical reactions of southern life, but I suspect fairly well depicted when we see what still remains today. Totally enjoyable film. Excellent nuanced performances by both leads.

Based on excellent writer Ian McEwan novel, this film managed to balance very nicely two themes, a troubled marriage and exploration of religious freedom in life and death health decisions. Issues of sexuality dying in middle age couples, overwork's effects on intimacy quietly and maturely looked at. No easy answers given. What to decide when a religious family refuses to permit a medically needed blood transfusion for religious reasons. A really remarkable acting tour de force by Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci very good as beloved but sexually frustrated spouse, and very amusing spot on character acting by the "clark". Interesting peeks into England's legal system, and some very good cinematography of English countryside.. Slightly flawed by some melodramatic and poorly explained plot turns, the movie is still a must see, very smart and entertaining.