My Second Opinion...
May 10, 2007 10:20:15 GMT
Post by Companero on May 10, 2007 10:20:15 GMT
I went to see THIS IS ENGLAND on Tuesday night – this was the second time I’d seen it, having seen it at the LFF, last year. I was really up for seeing the flick again, as it had been six months and I really wanted my missus to see it…
For a Tuesday night and being the film’s second week on release, the theatre was almost full – with only the front row unoccupied. My local Cineworld isn’t the sort of place where you get much in the way of audible reaction from the clientele – with scarcely as much as the occasional chuckle or wimper but THIS IS ENGLAND managed to illicit a strong reaction, with loud laughter and almighty gasps in all the right places.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the film quiet as much second time around, as there was no element of surprise. How wrong was I? The film most definitely plays better on a repeat viewing – knowing where the narrative’s going, so you can just sit back and analyse the performances and soak up the film’s amazing eye for period detail. In my initial review of the film, I had praised Tommo, Steve Graham and Shimmy for their performances, but watching it again, it’s becomes so much clearer how the film works as an ensemble piece, with every character and performance being integral to the storytelling and ultimately, Shaun’s journey.
The film’s power is also more evident, too. While I was moved by the final act when I saw it back in October, I found myself succumbing to a variety of different emotions this time. There were scenes that I found so uncomfortable, I actually felt nauseous and the film’s ending had me welling up! Now, I’m a little desensitised by all I have seen, therefore I crave ‘feeling’ when I watch films but seldom do. However, the plethora of mixed emotions I experienced when watching THIS IS ENGLAND again really underline the reason why it’s such a great film.
I really cannot fault THIS IS ENGLAND – it’s a remarkable example of how all the elements combine to create a perfect whole. Shane’s direction, Danny Cohen’s cinematography, the selection of iconic tunes, Ludovico Einaudi’s deeply affecting score and of course, the amazing cast all contribute to create what I know will be cited as a major British classic in the years to come.
When I saw THIS IS ENGLAND back in October, I was undecided on whether or not I preferred it to DEAD MAN’S SHOES – now, I’m completely sure – THIS IS ENGLAND is Shane’s masterpiece - a film that has instantly become one of my ten favourite films…
…and my missus loved the film too.
For a Tuesday night and being the film’s second week on release, the theatre was almost full – with only the front row unoccupied. My local Cineworld isn’t the sort of place where you get much in the way of audible reaction from the clientele – with scarcely as much as the occasional chuckle or wimper but THIS IS ENGLAND managed to illicit a strong reaction, with loud laughter and almighty gasps in all the right places.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the film quiet as much second time around, as there was no element of surprise. How wrong was I? The film most definitely plays better on a repeat viewing – knowing where the narrative’s going, so you can just sit back and analyse the performances and soak up the film’s amazing eye for period detail. In my initial review of the film, I had praised Tommo, Steve Graham and Shimmy for their performances, but watching it again, it’s becomes so much clearer how the film works as an ensemble piece, with every character and performance being integral to the storytelling and ultimately, Shaun’s journey.
The film’s power is also more evident, too. While I was moved by the final act when I saw it back in October, I found myself succumbing to a variety of different emotions this time. There were scenes that I found so uncomfortable, I actually felt nauseous and the film’s ending had me welling up! Now, I’m a little desensitised by all I have seen, therefore I crave ‘feeling’ when I watch films but seldom do. However, the plethora of mixed emotions I experienced when watching THIS IS ENGLAND again really underline the reason why it’s such a great film.
I really cannot fault THIS IS ENGLAND – it’s a remarkable example of how all the elements combine to create a perfect whole. Shane’s direction, Danny Cohen’s cinematography, the selection of iconic tunes, Ludovico Einaudi’s deeply affecting score and of course, the amazing cast all contribute to create what I know will be cited as a major British classic in the years to come.
When I saw THIS IS ENGLAND back in October, I was undecided on whether or not I preferred it to DEAD MAN’S SHOES – now, I’m completely sure – THIS IS ENGLAND is Shane’s masterpiece - a film that has instantly become one of my ten favourite films…
…and my missus loved the film too.
