worldzen
Joined May 2006
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Reviews10
worldzen's rating
Rarely do I see a film twice and when I do, especially many years apart, it's usually a disappointment. I loved this film the first time when I saw it decades ago and loved it. I saw it a second time many years later - from a completely different perspective in the evolution of film, life and history - and loved it just as much.
With a simple plot twist the film makes us view all of society - and our expectations of it - from a completely fresh perspective. I have remembered that fresh perspectives so many times in the years since I first saw this film and it has only reconfirmed its simple brilliance.
With a simple plot twist the film makes us view all of society - and our expectations of it - from a completely fresh perspective. I have remembered that fresh perspectives so many times in the years since I first saw this film and it has only reconfirmed its simple brilliance.
People are giving 8, 9 and 10 to this film? Really? I suppose if you are the Tourism office of Napoli, or the jewelry company who paid for product placement on the lead actress, you would be pleased. Personally I sat through the entire film and thought "if when I get home I don't learn from google that this film is based on some deep mythology and history about Napoli which I don't understand, then it is a total joke." Ridiculous moment after moment, zero plot... My wife and I walked out after the film and were both just frustrated. My first comment was "that seemed like a two hour advertisement for a new Versace perfume." When I got home and googled the director I was not surprised to learn that two of the last things he directed were advertisements for Bulgari and Hennessy cognac! Sorry to be so brutally honest, but this one is a must miss!
Beautifully shot, well directed and fantastic performances by the two leading actresses. The film feels both intimate and realistic in its portrayal of a beautiful friendship, and the raw humanity in the face of the massive pressure of succeeding in a creative and competitive world.
So often this type of film goes overboard in the drama of exaggerated characters in the world of the arts. This director kept a narrow, retrained and very realistic focus on the arc of the main story lines and allowed the friendship to develop naturally, with many poignant moments.
I'll remember this film and the two actresses for a long time to come.
So often this type of film goes overboard in the drama of exaggerated characters in the world of the arts. This director kept a narrow, retrained and very realistic focus on the arc of the main story lines and allowed the friendship to develop naturally, with many poignant moments.
I'll remember this film and the two actresses for a long time to come.