bethelagcy

I saw this truly extraordinary film last night ... and know now that it will be with me for a long time to come. The story is totally compelling and the acting is superb! Emily Watson is always a wonder to watch and she does some of her finest work here -- perhaps her best performance ever. The supporting players are, without exception, highly gifted and each finds his or her character to the point where you feel, at times, that you are watching a documentary, so fine are their portrayals. Based on the true experiences of social worker Margaret Humphreys (that will leave you with your mouth agape often)and with a beautifully written script that moves briskly ... and, at many turns, into frightening territory, with terrific direction, this is a must-see! Put it on your list! If there is any justice, this one will figure when the awards are handed out!

I was very young when I first encountered Agnes Newton Keith's book of the same name (and very nearly got into trouble with my wonderful fourth grade teacher when, at her request but without her prior review, I read my book report before the class). I thoroughly enjoyed this film. The performances are on the mark, including Colbert's and that of Patric Knowles (an under-rated actor) as her husband, and the remarkable Japanese actor Sessue Hayakawa. The supporting cast of character women is superb. Well-cast and totally believable, their contribution to this very fine film is enormous. There are brilliant scenes which show the interaction between the captive British wives (with Mrs. Keith as the lone American woman in the camp) and the Japanese military. The scene, which shows the "visit" of the Aussie men, is truly very funny, albeit that it ends tragically. This film is a rarity ... it stands up well under multiple viewings.

I've just seen this film earlier tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it! Eli Wallach should be a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Cameron Diaz might have gotten away with this "too often over-the-top" performance ... were it not for the brilliant work of Kate Winslet, who (unfortunately) mops the screen with Ms. Diaz. Jude Law proves that he is, truly, not "just another pretty face" and Jack Black (for the most part) does his best work here. The cinematographer earns high praise, too ... great care is taken with many production details. There is also a very fine performance by a relatively unknown actress in a small role early in the film; watch for the work done by this talented woman, who plays Winslet's good friend from her office, during the office holiday party scene.