marcyg68

The story is inspired by the portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle Lindsay and her cousin Elizabeth Murray. The portrait is currently housed in the Earl of Mansfield's seat in Scone Palace, Perth, Scotland, and was formerly attributed to artist Johann Zofanny. It begins with Captain Sir John Lindsay becoming acquainted with his daughter Dido, his illegitimate child with a former African slave. Capt. Lindsay takes Dido and places her in the care of his uncle, the Lord Chief Justice and Earl of Mansfield, and his wife. Lord and Lady Mansfield have no children and already have their young niece Elizabeth in their care. Elizabeth is the daughter of their nephew and heir David Murray and was left to their care by her father after he remarried.

Dido and Elizabeth are raised together and become inseparable companions. They are both educated, accomplished and spirited young women. They are then thrown into the company and attentions of eligible young men, most notably James and Oliver Ashford. Their mother Lady Ashford sanctions the match for James and Elizabeth, assuming that Elizabeth is heiress to the Mansfield estate. In truth it is Dido who is an heiress while Elizabeth is a relative pauper, having been abandoned by her father. Oliver becomes attracted to Dido. Another young man, John Davinier, is introduced into the household as a protégé of Lord Mansfield. John, the vicar's son, is an ambitious, intelligent but impoverished young man who wishes to make law his profession. Lord Mansfield is set to rule over a legal case that is in the forefront of London society at that time - the Zong case (aka Gregson vs Gilbert), which involves the death of slaves on a ship bound from Africa. As Lord Mansfield takes him under his wing, John becomes involved in the case. Dido develops an interest in the case and she and John form a friendship. As Dido and Elizabeth embark on a trip to London for the season, Lord Mansfield prepares for the one of the most controversial cases of his time. Love inevitably follows them there as both young women discover that the path to love and marriage is often full of complications.

While this film includes all the necessary ingredients to make it a topnotch period drama - a brilliant cast, beautiful locations, sumptuous costumes, fine acting and high production values - what makes it stand out to me is how it is told from a very different point-of-view. Instead of one of our fine Jane Austen or Dickensian heroines, we have a young, strong-willed and intelligent bi-racial heroine. Dido faces the same challenges as other young ladies at the time in terms of social mores and customs as well as the inevitable necessity (at that time) of finding a suitable match. But her challenges are exacerbated because of the color of skin, as certain restrictions are placed on her and some in her society deem her "unsuitable" as a wife. Those that do find her suitable raise suspicion as to whether they love her for herself or for her wealth.

The storyline is one of the main reasons why I love this film. It is well told, inspiring and engaging. The other is the wonderful cast. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is the perfect Dido. She is lovely and with such a bright spark that makes her entirely convincing as the intelligent, engaging and strong heroine. Much like "Pride & Prejudice's" Elizabeth Bennet or "North & South's" Margaret Hale, her Dido is no shrinking violet. Sarah Gadon is charming and lovely as Dido's vivacious and lovestruck cousin Elizabeth (Bette). She is the yin to Dido's yang. The young ladies could not be more different and yet they share a bond and friendship as sisters would. One of my favorites, however, is Sam Reid who plays the idealistic, intelligent, ambitious John Davinier. John is no mere cipher. Sam infuses such passion, personality and charisma in his role that he commands the screen even as he goes up against Tom Wilkinson's formidable Lord Mansfield. Tom Wilkinson is always brilliant in whatever he does, and his Lord Mansfield is convincing as both the imperious Lord Chief Justice and the protective and gentle "Papa" to Dido and Bette. Emily Watson plays Lady Mansfield, who balances her motherly responsibilities to her nieces and is the rock and support for her husband. Penelope Wilton plays Lady Mary Murray (sister of Lord Mansfield) who has never married and takes charge of the Mansfield estate. Miranda Richardson is Lady Ashford, James and Oliver's mother, whose main objective is to seek eligible (i.e. wealthy) wives for her two eligible sons. Harry Potter's Tom Felton is James, who initially pursues Elizabeth, as the Ashford's assume that she is an heiress. James detests Dido while his brother Oliver (James Norton) feels otherwise. Matthew Goode has a small role as Dido's father, Captain Sir John Lindsay.

Credit to the strong screenplay, Amma Assante's directing and the talents of these actors that every one of the characters has a personality that jumps off the screen. And may I say that I love the chemistry between the two leads? You have all seen the trailer so it will not be a spoiler when I say that the electricity when Dido and John are on screen is palpable. Within the first few minutes of the movie, I knew I made the right choice in purchasing this film. It is engaging from beginning to end and I have to admit I watched and re-watched this many times since. I wish this movie was longer because I did not want Dido's story to end. If you enjoy period dramas such as Pride & Prejudice, BBC's North & South and Downton Abbey, then I highly recommend this movie. It has become one of my favorites in my British period drama collection and I hope this encourages others to see this film and take that chance as I have. I am so glad that I did.

First of, let me start by saying that anyone going to see this movie and expecting a testosterone filled action film is in for a HUGE disappointment. The title "Princess Diaries 2" should be a big giveaway. And if you're still not sure, then check out the original "Princess Diaries" on dvd or video.

This aside, I enjoyed "Princess Diaries" and I'm a fan of Anne Hathaway so I was looking forward to seeing this sequel. I hoped that it was at least as good as the first film and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

"Princess Diaries 2" has the same charm, humor and sense of fun of the first film but this one is even better. First of all, the fantasy and romance quotient is higher. Secondly, many of the original characters (and the actors who played them) are back including Mia's best friend Lilly (Heather Matarazzo), Joe (Hector Elizondo) and Mia's mom (Caroline Goodall). Thirdly, some new characters are added including Mia's assortment of would-be suitors, the devious Viscount Mabry (John Rhys-Davies) and the colorful assortment of security guards, servants and footmen who populate the palace.

The story begins with Mia (the always charming and lovely Anne Hathaway) graduating from college and on the verge of turning 21. She arrives in Genovia with the intent of inheriting the throne from her grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews, perfectly cast). However, the law declares that she must marry before she rules and so the stage is set for her search for an appropriate husband. Mia then finds herself torn between two very different suitors - Andrew and Nicholas (played by handsome actors Callum Blue and Chris Pine) - and also the dilemma of choosing duty versus love.

I took my younger sister to see this film and we both enjoyed it...but on very different levels. She loved the princess-y aspects of the film and the humorous situations. I loved the old and young romance (and, yes, newcomer Chris Pine is a 'hunk' - reminds me of a cross between a young Brad Pitt and Josh Hartnett. He is certainly a BIG reason to see this movie), the fantasy elements (royalty, castles, tiaras...you get the picture) and the wholesomeness of this film. It is one of those rare films that the whole family can enjoy. It also has a heroine that every young lady would not be ashamed to look up to. Mia is intelligent, spirited, sensible and very much her own person. She has a good head on her shoulders and, despite the dilemmas she faces, she makes the right choice (at least in my opinion) in the end.

Those who enjoyed "PD1" will certainly enjoy this movie. "Princess Diaries 2" is a charming gem of a film that the whole family (especially young princesses age 3 to 16 and their moms, aunts or grandmas) will enjoy.

I am a Greek mythology addict and have been since childhood. To say that I was anxiously anticipating this film is a major understatement. Not only is it a story that has endured through many centuries but it also has the star wattage of Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom and Sean Bean - actors that I greatly admire.

I was prepared for disappointment but ,as the credits rolled, I found myself very satisfied with the outcome of the film. There were some shortcomings, to be sure: some important plot points were changed (who lived vs who died, who killed whom, the length of the war), a somewhat "hollywood-ized" ending and some clunky dialogue. But the positives more than outweighed the negatives: the impressive battle scenes (second only to "The Lord of the Rings"), amazingly good-looking and talented cast (men and women alike), almost flawless visual effects, sumptuous sets and cinematography, high production values, and the overall effort by the cast and crew to make this film as faithful to Homer's vision as possible while making it resonate to modern audiences.

Greek mythology enthusiasts, for instance, will appreciate the mythological traditions and customs sprinkled throughout the film: burial rites, the influence of the Gods in their daily lives, the temples and many statues of the Gods shown throughout the film.

A film wouldn't work, of course, if the story doesn't draw audiences in and Homer has not earned his reputation as one of the greatest storytellers of all time for nothing. The Trojan War is one of the greatest stories ever told - a tale of greed, ambition, love, glory and courage. Apart from the story, credit should also be given to its talented actors and director Wolfgang Petersen. Brad Pitt is the physical embodiment of Achilles - the perfect warrior. He moves with the grace of a gazelle, looks like a Greek god and fights like a lion. Eric Bana is flawless as the honorable, brave and heroic Hector (my favorite character in "The Iliad" and in the film). Orlando Bloom fits well into his role of the immature, selfish and naive Paris (the anti-Legolas). Diane Kruger is beautiful and luminous (if not rather placid) as Helen. Peter O'Toole is heartwrenching as the noble yet misguided King Priam of Troy. I could go on and on. In a film filled with great actors, Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger are actually the weakest link. The 'love scenes' somewhat pale in comparison to the powerful battle scenes and hand-to-hand combats. I was most impressed by Eric Bana. Hector was the one character that I truly empathized with. Finally, Eric Bana ("Black Hawk Down," "The Hulk") has been given a role where he can shine. I hope for great things for this handsome, talented and charismatic Australian actor.

Many films have been made on the Greek heroes and myths, and particularly the Trojan War, in the past ("Clash of the Titans," "Jason and the Argonauts," "Helen of Troy," to name a few). "Troy" is, by far, the best and most impressive. But instead of "Clash of the Titans," you get a film that is more akin to the realism and historical feel of "Gladiator."

If you are a fan of classical mythology or enjoy epics like "Gladiator," "Braveheart" and "The Lord of the Rings," then this film is for you. It is - to date - the must-see film of 2004. And even if classical mythology seems all Greek to you, this film is well worth seeing if only for its spectacular battle scenes and pleasing "eye candy." GRADE: A-.

This absolutely breath-taking piece of work is a worthy follow-up to the critically lauded and award-winning "The Fellowship of the Ring."

It certainly has its faults (especially in terms of changes made to the book), but anyone who has seen this film at least once cannot deny that this film is visually stunning, superbly crafted and utterly majestic. It deserves to be considered one of the top 5 films of the year (personally, it is one of my favorite films of all time and certainly is tops for me this year).

Director Peter Jackson has already acknowledged that, of the 3 films, this film departs most from the book. The treatment of the character Faramir certainly bothered me (what I like to call "the rape of Faramir") and I still could not (even after repeated viewings) come to grips with the scene involving Frodo and the Nazgul in Osgiliath. However, these small "gripes" are minute compared to the film's many "hits."

For one, Gollum is fantastic! Andy Serkis deserves to be recognized for his amazing work on this character. He infuses Gollum with the perfect amount of creepiness and sensitivity. I actually felt sorry for Gollum (which I never felt in the book). Must I also say that the Helms Deep was stunning! And that the Ents storming Isengard was my favorite scene of all! I was also extremely pleased to see that characters who were "slighted" in FOTR (Sam, Gimli and Aragorn, for one) finally come to the forefront in this film. Whereas Frodo dominated the first film, we actually spend a bit more time with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli this time around. The entire cast is superb - from the creepy Grima to the cynical King Theoden.

Needless to say, I CANNOT (cannot!) wait until "The Return of the King." It is my favorite book of the trilogy and Peter Jackson and producer Barrie Osborne have declared it their favorite film of the trilogy...it is going to be AMAZING! If the battle of Helms Deep is any indication, then the Battle of the Pelennor Fields is going to blow us away!!!

I disagree with the earlier comments on this adaptation. As a matter of fact, I very much enjoyed this version of Dickens' famous novel! Charismatic and handsome Hugh Dancy turns in a warm and sensitive portrayal of David Copperfield. Sally Field and Michael Richards are memorable and over-the-top performances as quirky Betsy Trotwood and funny, good-hearted Mr. Micawber.

This adaptation came in the heels of the Ciaran McMenamin and Bob Hoskins version but deserves our attention as well. It is at times funny and light but also gives us an insight into the dark side of human nature, most especially through Anthony Andrews' cold, brutal Mr. Murdstone and Frank MacCusker's creepy Uriah Heep. Hats off to Hugh Dancy for giving us a David that we can emphatize with and admire. I highly recommend it!

"Wives and Daughters" is adapted from the unfinished Victorian novel of Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell and is produced by the same creative geniuses that gave us A&E/BBC's 1995 "Pride and Prejudice."

"Wives and Daughters" is adapted from the unfinished Victorian novel of Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell and is produced by the same creative geniuses that gave us A&E/BBC's 1995 "Pride and Prejudice."

This story centers around girl-next-door Molly Gibson (Justine Waddell of "Mansfield Park," "Tess" and "Great Expectations") and her father, the town doctor (Bill Patterson). Their idyllic lives are turned upside down when Mr. Gibson remarries the selfish, self-absorbed Claire Fitzpatrick (Francesca Annis) and her beautiful daughter Cynthia (Keeley Hawes of "Our Mutual Friend") join the household. The brothers Osborne (Tom Hollander) and Roger (handsome newcomer Anthony Howell who reminds me of a young Mel Gibson) Hamley add romantic interest to the tale. However, the Hamleys come from old English stock and the squire Hamley (veteran actor Michael Gambon) desires his sons to marry into "wealthy old English families." Before long, Molly falls for Roger and Roger falls for Cynthia and we, the viewers, find some surprising discoveries along the way!!

Memorable supporting characters include the goodhearted Browning sisters, town gossip Mrs. Goodenough, mysterious Mr. Preston (Iain Glen) and the aristocratic Cumnor family. Justine Waddell is luminous as Molly and Michael Gambon and Francesca Annis turn in memorable performances. The scenery, costumes and production values are all excellent. Screenwriter Andrew Davies - who also penned P&P - gives us a satisfying, romantic new ending that would make Mrs. Gaskell proud. I loved every moment of this adaptation! If you are an Anglophile, enjoy a great love story or are a fan of Mrs. Gaskell, this is the film for you!!

This is a splendid adaptation of Catherine Cookson's 1950s-era novel.

It centers around rich, strong-willed Vanessa Ratcliffe (Emilia Fox) and poor, ambitious Angus Cotton (Ben Miles). Vanessa and Angus are good friends despite her snobbish parents' objections. When Vanessa becomes pregnant, Angus is wrongfully accused and Vanessa's life begins to fall apart. Angus comes to her rescue but the events that bring them together also threaten to tear them apart. It is a wonderful, heartwarming story of love, revenge, ambition and the determination to succeed against the odds. A must see!!

This is an adaptation of the Catherine Cookson novel and stars Jack Davenport ("The Talented Mr. Ripley") and Juliet Aubrey ("Middlemarch"). Jacks plays Robert Bradley, a poor carpenter who falls in love with the daughter (Aubrey) of his affluent employer. Class differences and family obligations stand in their way in this tale based in 1940s England. Will their love prevail? See for yourselves! It is a romantic story of class conflict, love, hatred, obsession and courage.