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Reviews
Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002)
The plight of half-cast aboriginal children in Australia becomes our journey
Rabbit Proof Fence is an heroic effort to bring to light the inhuman policy of the Australian government to remove half-cast aboriginal children from their natural families and raise them as domestic servants. They did this as a way of "saving" them from the "poverty and ignorance" of their primitive lifestyles. Kenneth Branagh, best known for his Shakespeare adaptations, gives us a chilling performance as the head of the government department responsible for the "well-being" of half-cast children. The story follows the miraculous journey of three girls determined to cross Australia, following the rabbit fence, to try and return to their home. No matter what I say, there is no way I could "spoil" this movie for you. You will be there, with these three girls and their extended family. Based on a historical account and written by one of the daughters of the three brave subjects of this film, it is as gripping a tale of human drama as can be told. Stunning performances by the three novice actresses in the lead roles. It is well worth getting on DVD to watch the documentary segment.
Celebrity (1998)
A playful look at the lives of the rich and famous and the hangers on
I just loved this film. It's been a long time since I have been able to make it through an entire Woody Allen film, and I am a big fan of his earlier work. The only criticism I might have for this film is its length, but the continual surprises, excruciating embarrassments and screams of laughter more than make up for it. Brilliant performances by the astoundingly "famous" cast. Besides Woody Allen, only a few other writer/directors can draw this kind of participation. First of all, Kenneth Branagh, known chiefly for his Shakespeare adaptations is hilarious as basically, Woody Allen. With absolute flawlessness he creates the speech pattern, the accent, and the self deprecating persona. Judy Davis gives us an amazing transformation from jilted house wife to TV talk show host. Her scenes with Branagh are priceless. In each scene another celebrated person appears to take us on a roller coaster ride of delight and terror. Along the way, Branagh's character, Lee Simon, tries to sleep with most of them. To sum it up, it is a comedy of epic proportions. Don't miss it.
Love's Labour's Lost (2000)
Love's Labours Lost is Just great Fun
If your looking for stirring Shakespearian dialogue, then no, I admit you will not find it here. But you will find a smile on your face. This movie is hilariously fun to watch. It is meant to be outrageously silly. Watch it once and you will see that Mr. Branagh is having a laugh with himself and everyone else. It is a comedy of great proportions. So get off your high horse and put a bag of pop corn in your hand and sit your keester down and watch this, with your whole family. Even my teenage boys love certain very sill parts and I must be sure to call them in to see their favorite scenes. And don't forget the out takes. Well worth the time. Maybe funnier than the film!
Five Children and It (2004)
Five children spend a rainy summer with a crazy uncle,and discover a door to another world
I am a big fan of Roald Dahl and CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. In terms of the spirit of adventure and fantasy and of the children out-witting the adults it reminded me a lot of that. It is mercifully brief and the dialogue is highly amusing and surprising. Kenneth Branagh is hilarious as the dotty and self absorbed math professor. I found myself laughing so hard at some lines I had to back up to pick up the dialogue again. Eddie Izzard is "hip and irreverent" as "IT". His voice stylizations reminded me very much of Robin Williams. It is a delightful family movie that will be enjoyed by kids and adults. Even little kids should not be scared (by much)and older kids will like the sassy sand fairy voiced by Eddie Izzard. I have two boys 11 and 14 and they liked it.