HISTORICAL

I have placed "sizzler ratings" next to movies to give you an idea of how good they are

AN IDEAL HUSBAND (1999)

Starring: Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver, Julianne Moore
The plot: The London Season has just opened in 1895 and the rich and available are elegantly dressed and strutting around like peacocks trying to attract those of the opposite sex and oh-so politely put down those of the same sex... Amongst these peacocks, Lord Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett) would have to be the one with the brightest feathers. However, even one as vain as him has friends like Robert Chiltern - and Robert is finding himself in bit of a spot of bother. It would appear an old friend from his past, Mrs Cheveley wants to let the world know how he got his political career jump-started - and if that comes out, his wife would leave him.
Comment: In true Oscar Wilde tradition, this movie wants to make you froth at the mouth with such adjectives as "witty," "delightful," and "charming." From the opening moments, Everett delights us with his portrayal as the utterly vain but warm-hearted Goring - and he is amply supplied with superb one-liners by Wilde. Julianne Moore is divine as the scheming woman from Chiltern's past, and plays the role very smoothly. Cate Blanchett seems very at home in this role as Chiltern's potentially wronged wife, so much warmer (obviously!) than in "Elizabeth." The only blights on this film would be Minnie Driver almost cartoonish character who really only appearing for some witty repartee with Everett and Jeremy Northam as Chiltern - who doesn't seem as polished as his role implies. But then, given the 'scandal' maybe that it is how it should be. Be warned though, the little circles in the plot towards the end of the movie can get a bit tiresome and a bit disappointing.
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BELOVED (1998)

Starring: Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover
The plot: Sethe and her daughter live in a haunted house; haunted because of a terrible shame that befell Sethe soon after escaping slavery. 18 years later, Paul D, also an escaped slave, pays a visit. The spirit in Sethe's house resents the appearance of someone who will take Sethe away from it, and suddenly all are forced to face their secrets and fears.
Comment: This is one of those films the critics rave about because they don't understand it therefore it must be good... However, it is a very heavy, convoluted film that progresses very slowly - all 3 hours of it.
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GLADIATOR (2000)

Starring: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielson, Oliver Reed
The plot: It's 180AD and the Caesar's are at their height within teh Roman Empire. is at its height. In a huge battle, General Maximus delivers the last barbarian holdout, Germania to the dying General Marcus-Aurelius Caesar. However, Marcus-Aurelius doesn't have the strength for the final battle and wishes Maximus to return Rome to its people. However, Marcus-Aurelius' son, Commodus, doesn't like this notion, and kills his father. Maximus suspects foul play and refuses to swear allegiance to Commodus which sees him being led off to be executed. However, Maximus escapes and returns home where he is left as a broken man to find Commodus's men get there beofre him, and kill his family. He is left for dead when a wondering slave train picks him up and puts him at that disposal of slave owner and former gladiator, Proximo...;
Comment: An Oscar film? Probably not (except for some special effects). A film which entertains? Absolutely! You'll defintely get your money's worth with this Hollywood return to the Roman Empire. Over the top, massive special effects, loads of people, tons of money, and a whole generation of movie-goers who have not seen such a film on the big screen all assures this movie of being successful! The film is a hefty 150 minutes long, and can drag on a little bit in places, but all the actors are wonderful and the presentation is very atmospheric. Well worth the effort to see.
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GODS AND MONSTERS (1998)

Starring: Brendan Fraser, Ian Mckellan, Lynn Redgrave
The plot: This movie is a fictional depiction of the twilight years very reclusive director Jimmy Whale. In his heyday, Whale directed the first two frankenstein movies (really!). However, now he is a recluse recovering from stroke on a flower-filled estate in America. Although his body appears fine, he suffers many flashbacks and hallucinations which are slowly driving him insane. During good moments though, he indulges in youthful homosexual fantasies.
Comment: Well, I saw this film because it won so many awards for 'Best adapted screenplay.' Based on this film, I would not bother to read the book... Somehow, for a film where someone is having flashbacks to a wondrous past, this film makes it seem that after all, it was a rather dull life this director lead. The film pootles along and eventually, you will most likely hit a point where you'll go, "Where is this film going???" At least I can safely say that most people I know hit this point at the same time - and the film resolved that issue within minutes with a gratifyingly swift ending.
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HIMALAYA (1999)

Starring: Thilen Lhondup, Gurgon Kyap, Lhakpa Tsamchoe
The plot: Tingley is a Nepales elderly village chief who's world is darkened by the news of his son's death when the son took the wrong turn on a mountain. He is bitter about the bearer of the news, Karma, and doesn't want him to take over the ruling of the Village. Worse, Karma wants to go against tradition and do the annual pilgrimage to take grain to the markets ahead before the traditional semi-magic conditions dictate. Angrily, the youths of the village join up with Karma and leave ahead of the schedule while some devote ones remain with Tingley and leave on the ordained day.
Comment: It's hard to go wrong with a film made in Nepal - it doesn't matter how flimsy the plot is - the mountains will steal the movie anyway. In Himalaya, not only does the mountain steal the plot, so does the marvelous cinematography. High praise goes to the cast of mostly Nepalese people who probably did a marvelous job - although one wonders if the film's producer, Eric Valli, found a way to show them the results of his work. Thilen Lhondop deserves high praise for his extremely energetic portrayal of the wronged chief, Tingley! His energy is just staggering and liable to make everyone in the audience feel out of shape! A pleasant and will filmed movie that successfully brings Valli's work with the Nepalese to life as he portrays the real-life caravan that leaves every year for these villagers to to trade supplies to be able survive the long winter
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LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL (1997)

Starring: Robert Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi
The plot: A jewish bookseller moves to a nice town in Italy and falls in love with a women destined to be the wife of high ranking official. With delightful humour, the Dorais wooed away by Guido's infectious love of life. Meanwhile, in the background, Hitler's armies are preparing to invade Italy...
Comment: An absolutely stunning and beautiful movie. Admittedly, what woman could resist the exuberant humour exhibited by Benigni as he seduces Braschi? But it's 's Benigni's portrayal as he protects his son from the horrors of the war that is really touching - right down to the bittersweet end. An absolute must see for a lighter, yet equally serious, look of the effect Hitler's armies had on everyday life in Europe during WWII.
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MANSFIELD PARK (2000)

Starring: Frances O'Connor, Johnny Lee Miller, Embeth Davidtz, Harold Pinter
The plot: At a young age, Fanny Price is seperated from her poor family and sent to be raised by a relative who works for the rich Bertram family. Fanny grows up not much more than a glorified servant for this aristocratic 19th century family whose fortune is dreived from the slave trade in Antigua. However, as in the vein of all Jane Austen novels, there is a tug of hearts and Fanny must choose between her principles and her unrequited love.
Comment: Some people love this adaptation of this classic Jane Austen coming of age story; I felt it was terrible. I spent the first 30 minutes wondering if Fanny was a lesbian (which would most likely have been terribly risque in 19th century literature!) as there was so little chemistry between Frances O'Connor and her male co-stars... The script seems to focus more on social commentary and the tough life led by those at the time, than the romance. Furthermore, the introduction of Henry's love for Fanny seems completely wrong from its conception to final demise, which does not add substance to this film. Eventually, all became clear but I wouldn't say the film ever developed any character. Frances O'Connor is marvelous in scenes where she is not requried to be displaying affection, but the otherwise leaves a lot to be desired as a romantic lead with this cast. While watching this film, all I could do was think how lucky Emma Thompson was to have got the right to do Sense and Sensibility - and do such a magnificent job. Therefore, my recommendation is if you want to see a Jane Austen novel on the big screen, see Sense and Sensibility!
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MOULIN ROUGE (2001)

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Richard Roxburgh, Jim Broadbent
The plot: Christian is a struggling writer who comes London to Paris to seek fame and fortune, but instead, falls in love for Satine, a courtesan at the famous bawdy club of Moulin Rouge. Satine, initially mistaking Christian for the Duke, a potential patron who can turn the Moulin Rouge into a theater and Satine into an actress, tries to disentangle herself from Christians charms but ends up in his arms, much to the Dukes great displeasure. However, in the end, greater forces are at work, threatening to end Christian and Satine's love.
Comment: The film opens with a kaleidoscope of colder and noise and music. There is a fairy tale element to the entire story, and the cinematography and production design emphasize this at every chance. Either you are going to be enchanted by the lavish production that is Moulin Rouge, or come away focusing on its floors (and if you see the film in a large theater, possibly, tinitus...). Baz Luhrmann's vision to reintroduce the world to musical's on the big screen is unlikely to produce copycats films (thank goodness!), and it probably caters more to the music video generation, but is notheless a fantastic and dynamic film.

For the most part, the musical talent is up to par, including many cameo's by Australian actors. Ewan McGregor belts out his songs with enthusiasm and Nicole sounds a little thin, but both are passable - as long they are backed up by the cast. One wonders how much sound engineering went into giving these two actors a bit more 'oophm!' in their singing. However, that said, this is the first time in a long time that movie goers get to see Kidman ACT instead of being a vapid accessory - and she passes the test with flying colors. The supporting cast as are magnificent and colorful, although Canadian fans of Kids in the Hall will no doubt be thrown slightly by the resemblance between Richard Roxburgh and Scott... This is not a film for everyone, but most will probably be surprised that it is better then they hype.
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SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS (2000)

Starring: Ethan Hawke, James Cromwell, Sam Shephard
The plot: Its post-WWII and the American-Japanese are rebuilding their lives after being kept in compounds during WWII. Then one foggy night in the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest, a fisherman is found dead, wrapped in his own fishing nets. A blow to his head suggests murder and very quickly, the local police arrest a decorated American-born Japanese soldier under the suspicion of murder. As the trial unfolds, so does the truth.
Comment: Well, being of the camp that usually movies made from books aren't as good, I approached this movie with caution, despite the accolades Scott Hicks (The Shining) has received for his faithful adaptation of the David Guterson novel of the same name. To my surprise, he really DID do a faithful adaptation! He creates a haunting atmosphere which blends the horrors innocent people endured during the war, the irrational prejudices of the captors, and the torture of lost love battling with justice. Mind you, missing the poetry of Guterson's words, the story unveiled was a little slow. But, the visual depiction, strong acting and haunting music create a nice dramatic piece.
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TEA WITH MUSSOLINI (1999)

Starring: Cher, Judi Dench, Joan Plawright, Maggie Smith, Lily Tomlin
The plot: "The Scorpioni," a collection of several eccentric British dames, enjoy art and life in pre-WWII Italy. However, naive in their belief that the British have a special bond with the Italian dictator, Mussolini, they end up caught with a couple of flamboyant American ladies and a young Italian boy as Hitler moves his forces through Europe.
Comment: Word of warning: Total Chick Flick. I can imagine men appreciating this movie if paid to see it or under duress, but for the most part, I suspect this lovely period piece will only be appreciated by women. Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith turn in delightful performances as the different spectrums of aristocratic women in retirement. Judi Dench is passionate as an average artist preserving Italy's work. Cher and Lily Tomlin are wonderful contrasts as the brash, rich American women. On top of the fine acting, a tidy little plot with lots of snippets of gentle humour entertains you from start to finish.
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THE PATRIOT (2000)

Starring: Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs, Joely Richard
The plot: It's 1776 and the colonists of America are getting restless and resentful about sending taxes back to England. Unrest breaks out which eventually begins to touch the peaceful settlers of South Carolina. Benjamin Martin is a plantation owner just quietly trying to raise his family of 7 children after his wife died 3 years prior when he is brutally touched by the war. The dead and dying of a battle between the British and Americans see the wounded being tended to on plantation. However, then Colonel Tavington, the leader of the British offensive, makes it all personal by shooting Benjamin's son, Thomas, as he abducts another of his sons, Gabriel.
Comment: I didn't rate this film so low because of the contraversial portrayal of the English and the gaping holes in historical inaccuracy, I rated this film so low because it just dragged on... and... on.... and.... on.....The wait was just annoying! I swear, in the never-ending wait for the final battle scene, I rehashed all the previous scenes and must have mentally edited this film to a much more watchable 2 hours - which probably wouldn't have offended so many people either as that would mean less chance to show all the annoying historically inaccurate scenes...

But, you probably want to hear more about the film. It is annoyingly too long, the script has its powerful moments - and some terrible cliched moments (which I mentally edited out of my perfectly edited version). Jason Isaacs portrays his evil character of Tavington with an menacing glint in his glacial eyes and despite how absolutely horrifying his character is, provides some of the more adrenalin-inducing scenes. Particularly when having to face up to Mel... Mel Gibson rather exudes shades of Braveheart and Lethal Weapon in The Patriot, and although he is marvelous in these roles as the soft-hearted individual with the battle skills of a genetically engineered warrior, it is getting a bit tiring. Heath Ledger goes from strength to strength proving he is more than a Perth (Australia) boy with a pretty face. Watch it for Mel or Heath or to just see a really mean villain, but don't watch it for a history lesson or pure entertainment...
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TITUS (2000)

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Jessica Lange, Alan Cumming
The plot: A classic Shakespeare play of the 16th Century brought to 20th Century movie standards. Titus Andronicus is a Roman General who is betrayed when he magnificently gives up the chance of ruling Rome to the heir of Emperor. Revenge is slow but thorough in these ancient times...
Comment: It has action! It has colour! It has incredible cinematography! It has a powerful cast! And that is about all I can say about this film as somehow, all these elements combined to result in a dreadfully dull and slow-paced movie which I can only assume is quicker when acted out in theatre as we don't have to endure endless arty shots of jazzed up cinematography...
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