Les Misérables (1862)

Author: Victor Hugo

I am usually hopeless at writing the book reviews. Each time when I have finished reading the book and I am ready to give my opinion I am completely lost. I don't know what to write and what not. I don't want it be a spoiler but at the same time I have to give at least a small insight into the theme of the book because otherwise it is useless and what am I really doing here?

Les Miserables is the "biggest" (I hope you know what I mean) and the most deep-felt book I have ever read. It seems to me that nothing is going to be the same. Ever. The more I read, the bigger my claims on the books are. And from now on they are as high as never before.

But let's return to the book itself. The main character Jean Valjean deserved the forgiveness. Even though he was a convict, Jean tried to grow better and forget the past but, unfortunately, it always came back and never left him alone like a shadow in the middle of a sunny day. No matter what Jean did and how good he was, the criminal's ma, stamped by the society, followed him non-stop.

People do change. And so did Jean Valjean. Even the ruthless policeman Javert could not swallow that everything (the rooted opinions, the whole world) he had always believed in was suddenly falling apart. And that all because a former convict proved to be a kindhearted man. It was something the society of the 19th century would never imagine to happen.

I truly suggest reading "Les Miserables". It is one of those books that should be read before you die...because it is the world classic and it is too amazing to be left behind.(Alright I'll try to be as objective as possible.)...because its subtext, idea and language are nothing like the ones you can find in the books like "Twilight". Believe me.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

 

Director: Mark Herman

Having watched the entire film, I am sitting here, in front of the keyboard, ready to write a review but I do not know how to express my emotions. It was just too shocking, the ending was a shocker not the historical background or events. History was one of my favourite subjects at school, therefore I understood what was going on but still... From my point of view, it is a good film when you are interested in it and it does not bore you but it is a great film when you cannot wait to see the next second, minute, episode of it.

It is kinda funny how young, inexperienced children perceive and interpret the actions. Bruno was the son of the German commandant at a concentration camp. He was a very curious kid. After Bruno and his family moves to the countryside so that the father could do his job ( for the sake of Nazi Germany's prosperity and wealth), the boy finds out that there is a nearby "farm" where he might find new friends. What Bruno did not know and did not understand at that time was that this "farm" was not a traditional farm but a human farm, to be more precise -  Jewish concentration camp.

Despite prohibition, the boy manages to escape from the custody (it was forbidden to leave the house) and reaches his long expected goal - "the farm". There Bruno finds Shmuel, an eight-year-old Jewish boy, makes friends with him. Innocent Bruno does not understand why everyone at the farm wears a striped pajama and why each of them has a number. He also does not realize the danger that this friendship will cause. I do not want to steal the surprise now that is hidden at the end of the film, therefore I will not reveal what happens to Bruno. But do not worry, it will take you by surprise for sure and might even make you shed a tear.

All in all, I would really suggest seeing "The boy in the striped pajamas". I know that enough is enough (enough of calling up the dirty past) but this film is nothing like before because the story is seen through the eyes of Bruno. The boy whose curiosity brought him to hell.

The impossible (2012)

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

Only when you lose something, you understand the real value of that. It had to be an ordinary holiday trip to Thailand just with Christmas gifts around but for many families it turned out to be a disaster. Something you would love to forget but you cannot.

It was the morning of December 26, 2004 when a dream land became hell. Maria, Henry and their three kids (Lucas, Thomas, Simon) where hanging around the beach when a sudden monstrous wave shocked them and washed away everything that got to be on its way. Lucky to have survived, Maria and the oldest son Lucas find themselves separated from the rest of their family. 

The film focuses on the strength of human spirit. Barely alive Maria never loses hope to reunite with her family, on the other hand, Henry would climb any mountain or would swim any river (because ain't no mountain high enough) just to see his wife and Lucas again. Eventually, after overcoming a series of obstacles and pain, as well as managing to keep body and soul together, all family members get together and happily find their way back home.

All in all, I would not say that this film is an artistic masterpiece but it does bring the right emotions. From the beginning until the end you can fell the desperation and happiness (after all) from all the characters.  Otherwise how can you justify bursting into tears at the end of the performance?

To Rome with love (2012)

Director: Woody Allen

Woody Allen has shown his love to Europe cities many times before and in a very good manner ( like Midnight in Paris) but this one is kinda messy. Until the last minute of the film I could not figure out what was the key idea that connected all the stories.

In short, there is a young American girl who falls in love with Italian and wants to marry him but not before her parents come to evaluate her fiancé and his parents. Than there is also newlyweds who have come to Rome for a honeymoon but eventually do not have time to spend with each other. Another story is about a simple office worker who has become a national star in one day and everyone wants to know what he is doing now and then. And the last but not least is the part which belongs to a young boy whose girlfriend's friends comes to visit them to overcome her heartbreak.

Everything seems fine and even funny many times during the film, actors are good, even excellent but the lack of connection between different stories and Alec Baldwin's mystical role are two things that hold me back from giving 5 stars to this film. 

I really suggest seeing this film for those who love traveling (all the beautiful places of Rome are shown again and again) and for those who love romance, funny and ambiguous situations and of course Woody's talent of making fun of himself and laughing about serious things.

The Painted Veil (2006)

 

 

Director: John Curran

Probably, one of the saddest and the most emotional films I have seen in a while.  I almost burst into tears at the end of the "The painted veil". It is one of those films, you know, which you want to watch again and again, and again. You might have understood that I love history and I love romance but when both collide - it is a perfect combination.

Kitty was from the upper-class, Walter - kind of in the middle, doctor. He fell in love from the first sight, she - thought love will come by the time (younger sister could not marry to someone before her). Walter went crazy for Kitty, she - crazy for Charlie Townsend. Nothing to do, scandal was not needed, everything had to be just fine, like nothing had happened. They went to a small, cholera ridden village (in China). Walter - to fight off the deadly pestilence, Kitty -  to fight off her feelings for Charlie. Eventually they find their way back to each other, but, what a pity, too late.

"The painted veil" is a must-see film for all of you who believe that true love can overcome any difficulties. Beautifully captured, invincible emotionals, historical background. Despite everything, it is a love story - magical and romantic. Edward Norton reveals all the hidden emotionals of Walter in a very good way, nothing to add. Naomi Watts would keep up with him, if only she did not hold her mouth open always when Kitty had nothing to say.

I definitely recommend watching this film for those who are like me - hopeless romantics and history lovers.

The Lucky One (2012)

 

Director: Scott Hicks

Guess who has grown  up, huh? The Disney star Zac Efron has finally turned to serious things. From a high-school singer-basketball player he has become a soldier who is not afraid to kill or fight against the bad guys. Who would have thought that it might happen one day?

The film is based on another successful Nicholas Sparks novel (the same author for the number one love story "The notebook", "A walk to remember" and "Dear John"). Yes, another romance that actually portrays the current situation - so many brothers, husbands and just friends have gone to Iraq to fight....for nothing. 

At first, everything seems like in all this kind of films - the girl is  suspicious and do not like the guy at all, but as time goes by and Logan helps Beth with every day works, no wonder, she eventually falls in love with him. Things are going pretty well, until a major secret comes out.

This film would be fine, even very good, if there were not so many deaths and tragedies - too much for rather short footage. I know that Sparks likes to play with characters, throw them under the rocks and then bring them kind of happy ending after all. I can honestly say that I am not fan of this film and I do not wish to watch it one more time but still if you like simple romantics without a deep byplay, than "The lucky one" is not a bad choice.

The torrents of spring (1871)

 

 

 


Author: Ivan Turgenev

I have turned to classics as you may have guessed...

I have just read the book and cannot express how much the main character Sanin has filled me with disgust. He is not a man, ok, he is, but he does not deserve to be called so because Sanin's way of thinking is made for young boys not for grown ups. I do not think that any gentleman ever would leave his fiancée without saying a single word. Just disappear for no apparant reason... He is gone, that is it.

At first I was like - oh, how nice and sweet, and helpful Sanin is and he and Gemma, this young and beautiful Italian, would make a great couple. But...after reading the last chapter, I thought, thank God, it did not happen, Gemma should have felt very lucky and full of happiness.


Why did I change my mind? Go and find by yourself. "The torrents of spring" is definitely a book that is worth reading. Not only does it has a great language but also there are used many sayings and words from Italian, German and French. So it is a good way to learn many languages at the same time, to kill two birds with one stone ( reading with delight and learning).

Actually I chose to read "The torrents of spring" not because I had heard good reviews before but because I saw the book in the book store the other day, read the annotation and felt that this was for me. If you, just like me, like romantic novels with a little bit of melancholia (Not the one Lars von Trier talked about.) and a surprising ending, then "The torrents of spring" is a must for you.

Bleak house (1853)

Author: Charles Dickens

The last lines, the last words and I have finished. I have read the book I have never believed I would. About 900 pages is not something little. When I started reading, I really was not sure whether I chose the right book or not. I have always been a very romantic person, I like love stories with happy or sometimes unexpected endings, but this book "Bleak house" was something completely different from what I have read before. I am interested in history but did not know that the judiciary in England was so ridiculous and at the same time painful for so many people that were indrawn in it. 

This work can be divided into 2 parts (it is actually in two parts, but I will talk about something different) - 1. The story from Esther's point of view 2. The story from the author's point of view. The first one I loved more although in the beginning I thought that Esther was too naive and innocent (she did not change as the story went by) but as I was reading further and further, I used to that. Esther was a really good girl, a true friend that would never stab in the back, rather sacrifice her own wishes and feelings just to know that her beloved ones got all they wanted or needed. No wonders everyone loved her. She was the good spirit at the Bleak house and everywhere else. I know that I could never be like Esther as well as I do not believe that there is such a good, no, great person on Earth. She really deserved a good ending for her story and eventually got it. I honestly never thought that Esther would marry Mr. Jarndyce. That would be too weird without saying even more.

Talking about the second part, I have to admit that at first I was bored , I thought I would never finish this book because I had to push myself very hard to read even a single line. But, but...As there were more and more characters involved, I become interested in it, especially when the detective side of the plot brightened it. Then I just could not put the book away.

Amazing and old language is what will make you love "Bleak house", as well as the bright and colourful characters (each of them had his/her own special way of talking because of which you could not mistake him/her for somebody else).  After reading this novel I strongly believe that Charles Dickens is one of the greatest writers of all the time, let alone the ones whose works I have read.

Bel ami (2012)

Directors: Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod

Before I start discussing this film I have to tell you that I was really frustrated when I found out it was Robert Pattinson who got to play Georges Duroy. Yes, I had read the book by G. de Maupassant years ago and that is why I just could not imagine, I could not portray how the leading star of Twilight (I think it is one of the worst films, because of the plot,  I have ever seen) would play a man who is using women to gain success in the 19th century Paris. Now I have to admit I was wrong thinking that Robert is a bad actor. He is good but only when he plays in good films.

I have always been fascinated by history and I really want to go to France someday therefore Bel ami is the film exactly for me. I never thought that there was such dissoluteness at that time (the end of 19th century), wives cheated on their husbands and husbands cheated on their wives. But it was not so easy to do back then. Everything had to be a secret otherwise you would lose your status and would be ashamed in front of all society.

Georges Duroy was a free man who never really cared about his partners feelings, he cared only about himself, about what he can gain from this and that connection (many at the same time). Although this action is blameworthy, you can also understand why Georges did so. Ever since he remembered himself, Georges was always poor. Of course when you can smell money, when you feel that it is so close like never before, you just cannot resist the temptation to try and get it. Neither could Georges.

I have to adjudge that I waited something more from Bel ami. After reading the book with such a stormy plot this film was only a weak reflection. But, but... I still rated it very good because of the actors and my beloved historical/romantic theme. Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas and, yes, Robert Pattinson - that is a great actors company. If only the plot could reach their level...

My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Director: Simon Curtis

Marilyn Monroe was and still is a woman who is admired by so many girls and ladies and

desired by uncountable number of men all over the world.Colin Clark was not an exception. Though he was a newbie in the cinematography and did not know much about how to work with celebrities, Colin earned Marilyn's attention quite fast, he was one of few who she could trust. At first shy and intent on other girl, soon Colin realizes that he cannot resist temptation (like many of his colleagues) spending more time with Marylin.

My week with Marilyn is a biographical film that focuses not as much on filming "The prince and the showgirl" but more likely on Marilyn's character and personality. Michelle Williams deserved an Oscar for such performance. She embodied Marilyn to its fullest and just the difference in looks made me think back again and again that she is not the real showgirl.

But it is not only Michelle that brings us an outstanding performance. You cannot deny that experienced Judy Dench and Kenneth Branagh as well as not so famous Eddie Redmayne (who we all will be able to see in the new version of Les Miserables, premiere on 14th of December 2012) are on the right time and in the right place because their acting is believable. But that happens almost every time. If you have seen the film, you cannot imagine that that role could have played someone else.

With all my heart I suggest (no, I demand) you to watch this film. Even if you are not fascinated by Marilyn's life, you just do not care or do not like biographical films, watch it any way. Simply imagine that it is not Marilyn in the leading role but a girl who has achieved her dreams but still is not happy with her life. It is quite a sad story actually.

My blueberry nights (2007)

 

Director: Kar Wai Wong

You know that life likes to play games with us. One day you have everything and the other one - nothing you really cared about. This film is about a girl named Elizabeth whose life turns upside down after she finds her boyfriend cheating on her. There is no other way how to forget that except for leaving NY and going the farther the better.

I once read a novel by a well-known Latvian writer (but I will not tell her name because you do not know her anyway) and there was a good saying: "A person always gets the right companion whose importance he realizes only afterwards. In order to learn how to live." This quote can really be related to Lizzie's story. A policeman who drinks every night until he cannot walk because his wife has left him, a woman who realizes how painful it is to lose someone loved even if you seem not to care about him lately and finally a girl who teaches not to trust any one because she has failed so many times before - these are the people who Elizabeth meets while she is thousand miles away from NY. They really teach her different life lessons, in other words - what not to do.

And then there is Jeremy... The man who understands Lizzie and still makes a blueberry pie even though no one seems to like it (except for her).

My blueberry nights is the film that will make you relax and forget about your life problems or maybe the other way round will make you think over about it. Beautiful voice of Norah Jones will take you into a dreamy mood. You will definitely like this film if you like drama and romance united as well as happy ending.

The iron lady (2011)

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

You might like to know, what made me watch this film. The answer is easy - first of all, Meryl Streep has won the Oscar for playing the Iron lady Mrs Thatcher and, secondly, I have heard good reviews. As a history lover I had to watch it, I was so ashamed I did not know almost anything about Margaret before except for that she was the Prime Minister from the conservative party. This film made a lot of things clearer for me.

You cannot deny that Meryl is an awesome actress (and that make-up!!!! In some episodes it is hard to recognize her) but I would give Oscar to Michelle (My week with Merilyn - read here ). It is impossible to compare these 2 films as well as the main characters (both Margaret and Merilyn have made history only in a different way. Both' names start with "M"!!!)  but maybe I am just not that keen on Politics and prefer something playful, although either of them have quite a serious story.

The Iron lady tells us that you have to work hard to achieve your goals and always dream big because nothing is impossible. Margaret was not a party animal, instead she learned a lot and finished Oxford University, one of the best and the most prestigious university in the world. Margaret knew that she would not be like any other women who do the washing up, make dinner and take care of her children every day. It was not for her but Politics and especially Prime Minister position was.

This film follows the best and the most unpleasant moments of her carrier and also shows the modern Margaret, woman who is not the iron lady anymore, can be vulnerable and cannot control everything anymore. She is like many other elderlies just with bright past.

A dangerous method (2011)

 

 

 Director: David Cronenberg

Have you ever thought about what made you do this or that? Was it because you wanted or because some kind of power inside you made you do that? I have always believed that nothing happens without a reason and we cannot control everything we say or do. When we came into the world, mother nature had already given instincts to help us act right in the simple life situations. These instincts are lead by our subconsciousness.

Sigmund Freud and Carl Gustav Jung were the fathers of psychoanalysis theory. This is film is about them, how they competed with each other and became those men we all know. And of course about Sabina Spielrein, the patient of Carl, woman who was initially shown as insane and with rather sick desires (she was actually a masochist), but as time went by, she conquered her subconsciousness and became the first woman - psychoanalyst.

You will totally love this film because of its actors and their outstanding performances as well as if you like history with a bit of drama and romantic (relationships between Carl and Sabina).

I have to say that I was not sure if I understand this film, before I started to watch it, I am still not sure. But that is the power of good films - you want to watch them again and again and you never get bored because every time you find something you have not noticed before.

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind (2004)

 

Director: Michel Gondry

This was one of those films you want to see ever since you saw the trailer or commercial on tv. I was not so lucky because every time it was shown it was either too late, I had to go to bed (I was rather young then) or I simply did not have the opportunity to see this film. Now I can say that really good things come to those who wait. I have no regrets that I could not watch it until now because maybe I was not grown enough and would not understand everything at that time.

Clem and Joel, Joel and Clem... Who would have thought that such a shy person like him could fall in love with such a spontaneous and crazy person like her. 

It was hard to understand the plot in the very beginning of the film. I did not understand why Joel was so sad about breaking up with Clementine if had just met her. And then everything became clearer. I am not sure whether it is possible in real life or not, but, you know, in films nothing is impossible, so maybe you can erase memories from your brain. Oh well. Clem did it first, Joel did it afterwards. What a strange feeling has to be waking up in the morning and not remembering a part of your life. They both wanted to change something, one of them more then the other (one - 100%, other- 10%?).

Joel could not live without Clementine, but what do to do if she does not remember him and flirts with another guy? 

Flashbacks helped me to understand the whole story and made me realize that Clem was really happy living together with Joel, she was just a way too impatient and wanting to solve each problem as fast as possible. (If that was not true, why would then Clem help Joel to run away from the memory cleaners?) 

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind is one of the best romantic - drama films I have seen and clearly one of the extraordinary ones. (Something like Camille) You will definitely like it if you believe in true love and the fact that you can erase a person from your brain but not from your heart.

Sherlock Holmes (2009), A game of shadows (2011)

Director: Guy Ritchie

It's been a long time since I have written something new. I've seen some good films lately and Sherlock Holmes is one of them. Yes, I don't know how could I not see it in 2009 already. I guess I was not really sure if I liked it. But now I know for certain. Sherlock Holmes is one of the best detective and action films I've ever seen. After being so agreeably surprised I decided to watch the second part (Sherlock Holmes: A game of shadows) too. They both are really good and can be valued equally.

What makes Sherlock Holmes so  priceless are actors of the leading roles. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are great partners and real friends. Or should I say Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson? That would be more appropriate. I guess there are no mysteries or crimes our lovely detective couldn't figure out. The question is not whether Holmes will find the real villain or not, but how much time will it take to complete the mission. Where there is Sherlock, nothing is impossible and everything is explainable.

I wasn't really turned to Irene Adler's (Rachel McAdams) character. She helped a little bit but it was all firstly because of her own interests. Herself to blame. Maybe Irene would still be alive if she was strong and unbendable enough.

However, besides the intense plot and unexpected solutions, the "thing" I liked the most was humor and sometimes "very friendly" relationship between Doctor and Holmes. Sometimes you just have follow the stream not worrying about anything and take life or incidents not so deadly seriously. 

Laughter is what will make us live forever. (The end?)

The Vow (2012)

 

Director: Michael Sucsy

"The vow" is another chick flick that might not has the ending we all have waited for. The main characters Paige and Leo are played by our loved romantic films actors Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum. The storyline is divided into 3 parts - before the accident, the day of accident and after the accident. Yes, car crash and its created consequences played a major role in the film.

Paige, a successful artist, and Leo, a self-founded record company's manager, are happily married when suddenly happens the worst. After the car accident Leo emerges unharmed but Paige.... doesn't remember anything that happened during the last 3 or even 4 years (that means she also doesn't remember that she is married.) . Now Leo has to make his wife to fall in love with him again. 

The road to Paige's heart is very long. I can understand her however I never want to know how does the lose of memory feels like. Waking up and finding out you are married to a stranger and know nothing about your current life is a big deal. But I was more sorry for Leo. He was even more hurt because he knew the truth. How would you feel if one day your wife/husband or girlfriend/boyfriend remembers only the time before she/he met you?

I have to admit that I cried a little bit and that's huge for me because I've never cried while watching Titanic or The Notebook. I am emotional but the plot has to be really sad in order to make me cry. I was also amazed by Channing. He's not so poor actor as I firstly thought he was. (Despite that, in my opinion, he's still part of the middle class of acting.)

This story was inspired by true events. The "real life" Paige never regained her memory. You have to watch the film to find out how she spent the rest of her life. One thing now I know for sure - nothing can cause bigger pain than losing someone you truly love.

All in all, I waited from "The vow"  so much more, I was kinda disappointed of how the story was going. And, as far as I know, I'm not the only one. You can watch this film but don't wait anything creditable. I actually don't understand why it was released just before the Valentines day because it's more sad than joyous, however "happily ever after" did happen.

Leap year (2010)

Director: Anand Tucker

I found "Leap year" by "googling" similar films to "Letters to Juliet" and the people who suggested it weren't wrong. Of course you can't compare one film to other but there were some similarities. Once again a girl who is about to marry on her journey meets another guy who is more suitable for her than her groom-to-be. 

That's what happened with Anna this time. After a very successful day at work she is asked by Jeremy (her boyfriend) to have a dinner together, because there's something special he wants to give her. Anna is surprised when she finds out that it's not the engagement ring (she expected) but ear rings, yet more Jeremy had to immediately go to Ireland, Dublin.

Anna got to know that there is such an Irish tradition - in the leap year on 29th of February a woman can propose man and he has to accept it. However it seems that Irish themselves don't take this tradition serious and think it's stupid. On the contrary, Anna finds it very romantic therefore she goes to Ireland. 

Because of the powerful storm over the "green land" Anna is forced to get off far away from Dublin. Luckily she finds Irish guy Declan (ooohhh his gorgeous accent) who consents to drive her to the capital city. On their way both have to overcome their differences and funny situations that leads to exploring each others characters and feelings and falling in love. 

In the end Anna realizes that marrying Jeremy is a big mistake. If she had only 60 seconds to run away from burning house, Declan would be the only one she would rescue. I guess you have already perceived the ending so I won't tell it.

This film made me think about the real values in my life. Material damage is not as serious as losing a really important person. And also... Over thinking and planning all the details of your daily life - that's not how you can enjoy your lifetime to it's fullest. Try to do something on impulse not thinking about what to do next. That's how you will really taste your life!

Really, really good romantic comedy both for women and men.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Director : Sofia Coppola

Being a queen's daughter isn't as sweet as we might in the beginning think it is. Being a queen - neither. Marie Antoinette was just 14 years old when she was forced to marry Louis XVI. And that's all because of required improvement in relationship between France and Austria. 

I actually think that the court of Versaille was the one that made Marie who she after all was. From my point of view, Antoinette wouldn't become so profligate and reckless (I remember that after her first night in Versaille she thought that all the official things were totally ridiculous and unnecessar.) if not the countess and other courtiers.

I think that Marie didn't deserved such fate, she's still an iconic woman in my eyes. Even though Antoinette was responsible for the big expenses, but why Louis XVI couldn't be wiser and more decisive? In the end they both were guilty.

Let's talk straight about the film now. In my opinion, Sofia Coppola did an amazing job. Capitally captured inner world of Marie Antoinette although we also have to thank Kristen Dunst for such good dramatics. 

One thing I liked the most was the soundtrack. I really enjoyed watching film because of it. Relatively small impact of the music of 18th century but mostly modern pop and alternative rock. That's what kept me alive while the plot was kinda sad eventually.

I don't hold this film in high regard but I must admit that it helped me to finally understand the reasons of The great French revolution. I wouldn't be satisfied either if the king and queen lived in prosperity but the nation had to starve.

Letters to Juliet (2010)

Director: Gary Winick

Sophie and her fiancé Victor decide to spend their vacation before wedding together in Italy, Verona. Very soon it's obvious that they aren't made for each other. All Victor thinks of is his future restaurant, he's totally uninterested in how Sophie is doing. (He clearly doesn't see this until she says it to him). 

At the same time Sophie runs across more than 50 years old unanswered "letter to Juliet" (one of many which are left at the fictional character's courtyard and are mostly answered by "the secretaries of Juliet") and decides to write back. Sophie's letter is so emotional that Claire comes back to Verona where she 50 years ago met the love of her life - Lorenzo. (“What” and “If” are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: What if?) Now Claire is desperate to find him and fix past mistakes.And so the journey begins....

Sophie, Claire and Charlie (Claire's grandson) overcome their differences and after disappointment several times they finally find the real, one and only Lorenzo Bartolini. After more than 50 years memories are still living. ('Cause love doesn't have an expiration date). No time for one more mistake and that's why Claire and Lorenzo don't even think about leaving each other again. They are meant to live happily together ever after.

After such a journey Sophie realizes she hasn't find her true love. Victor isn't the one. Like, name me one couple who just before the wedding goes to the vacation but doesn't spent their time together and they don't even long for it. That's not normal! Therefore even after so many misunderstandings and mutual dislike Sophie conceives that Charlie is the one she loves and who loves her for what she is. That's the man she needs!

This filmed taught me that you're never too old and it's never too late to fall in love and if your love is really as strong as you think you should never let that one person go. One more thing - if you are really good at something, don't be afraid to show it to others too (like Sophie did... I mean the writing).

 "Letters to Juliet" also made me want to travel to Italy. The beauty of nature and old houses.Oh and the soundtrack.... Amazing Italian songs brought the right atmosphere. I wouldn't refuse to watch this film again. Really!

 

Angel (2007)

Director: François Ozon

Angel Deverell always knew that the only work that was suitable for her was writing. Even if she was poor, she would never do a service or work for others. That wasn't acceptable! Angel knew what she is capable of and the value of her work. 

Due to her persistence and determination Angel achieved her goal - she became a famous and loved by the people writer. Of course when you become famed, you need to be aware in choosing your friends. You never know who is really there for you and who - just lies to get the favor. 

Angel was wise and chose her beloved ones very carefully. But she, just as we all, failed. The only person who really loved her and stood by her side was Nora. Her brother Esmé fooled Angel very well. He only wanted her money although he was just as proud as his wife and tried to show everybody that he's become a real man. Angel's fame came as fast as her fall. Her novels, once so eccentric and unique, now were unreadable and needless (During the WW 1). 

I must highlight Romola Garai for  such an amazing acting. I really believed her character. I was so sorry for Angel (Her tragic fate). She achieved everything she always wanted and then after some time it was all useless. 

I loved the story (I love historical novels). It drag me into and I actually thought that Angel Deverell really lived in the beginning of the 20th century. (Later I found out that she's just a fictional character. The book was written by Elizabeth Taylor.). However some part of the film made me laugh. In my opinion you have to be really dumb to believe that, for example, the scenery of Egypt wasn't just a video playing behind their backs. Director could have worked better.

I would highly recommend watching "Angel" everyone who loves historical stories, romance but also for those who think they can't achieve what they desire. This film taught me that nothing is impossible. You just have to believe in yourself. Of course it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication. But when you reach your goal, you will be very satisfied. 

They say:"No pain, no gain."

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Director : Joe Wright

Before watching this film I had some kind of an advantage  because I had read the novel by Jane Austin previously. However you never know what the producers choose to keep and what - to throw aside.

For now I have watched "Pride and prejudice" 2 times and I still can't say that it's enough. It's one those films you  would never be fed up with. Just the beauty of the nature and the atmosphere of the 19th century made me fall in love with it. Director is really a master in finding the right place and time. (For example, one of the last scenes where Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy in the morning. Rising sun, mist, everything...Pure beauty.)

I'm one of those people who are hopeless romantics. I simply love happy endings. And this film was not an exception. Despite various obstacles, their pride and stubbornness Lizzy and Mr. Darcy eventually found their way back to each other. Although I waited for it to happen much sooner. How could Elizabeth not see that Darcy had affection to her since the day they first met? He just didn't want to admit it because how could he love someone who is beneath his class? Lizzy was just as obstinate as Darcy and denied her feelings too. Her reason - wrong first impression and others opinions. (This kind of reminded me of Gone with the wind, just not so passionate version).

Oh and let's not forget Mr. Collins. He wanted someone to love him too, although he was such a joke. In my opinion, he was more suitable for Mary. They both were socially awkward and with similar view of life. They were meant for each other but no one saw that. Sad...

I was a little bit disappointed that film didn't end with a loving kiss. There wasn't any kissing at all. I guess this film is one of few that doesn't involve it. (Weird, huh?)

Despite that, "Pride and prejudice" time and time again shows me that every girl needs her own Mr. Darcy, someone who would move mountains if he had to, would love her for being who she is. So... Who needs prince if you have Mr. Darcy?

Mamma mia (2008)

Director: Phyllida Lloyd

I've heard about the musical, then film Mamma mia a long time ago but never managed to watch it. Yesterday I finally did it.

At first I was like - great actors (Meryl Streep, Colin Firth), great music (hits by 70s group ABBA) but then I got bored. Although singing was great (I was very surprised when I found out that everything was sung by actors. I must admit I underestimated their ability to sing before, now I'll know) I'm not a huge fan of musicals and when there were only few conversations between two long songs I was really fed up. (But don't worry, I watched it till the end)

Besides the big amount of musical performances I really loved the story. A young girl Sophie, who is getting married, finally wants to find her father who then could walk her down the aisle. (How sweet is that?) There is just one big problem. No one knows who her father is, not even her mother Donna. (She was really wild in her 20s, dating 3 guys at the same time (just a few days difference). Sophie is so desperate that she invites all 3 of her possible fathers to her wedding. The funny thing is that her mother doesn't know anything about this. (Sophie sent the invitations signing as Donna)

When they arrive the crazy things start to happen, that leads to unexpected decisions, surprising couples and of course.... the wedding.

All in all I would rate this film with a plus. It's a great comedy accompanied by never-dying ABBA music. Some of the song I heard for the first time. ("Lay all your love on me" was my favourite) Oh and don't forget about the place and scenery where the film was shot. I wouldn't refuse spending holidays in such a beautiful Greek island.

The main idea – you are never too old to fall in love again, enjoy your life to its fullest and don’t waste it doing things you don’t like.

Midnight in Paris (2011)

Director and writer: Woody Allen

What can you expect before watching one of the Woody's films? Of course nothing boring, more like something unbelievable. This film is not an exception. In the first minutes of it I felt the Parisian atmosphere and charm. I was already interested before the story actually began.

The main character Gil (Owen Wilson), not very successful writer (the new novel is about Paris in 1920s), and his wife Inez (Rachel McAdams) have traveled to Paris to relax before the wedding. There they meet their friends (Paul and Carol) who are also Americans and decide to spent the free time together.

It's self-evident that Inez and Gil aren't born to be together. They are so different and have different thoughts of a perfect life. He loves Paris, specially in the rain, and feels that it's the right place to live and write a great novel, she - wants to return to USA. Oh... Who wouldn't love to live in Paris, at least for a while?

No wonder Gil wants to spend his time alone, apart from everyone, especially Paul, who thinks he knows everything about anything. (It seems he is more suitable for Inez.)

One day after an exhausting party Gil walks home alone and in the midnight suddenly a solid 20s car crosses his way and the passengers welcome him "on the board". And now the unbelievable things start to happen. Day after day Gil meets famous painters, writers and other great artists of the 1920s (what an amazing coincidence), including Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali etc. He is taken back to the "golden ages" and that leads Gil to developing his writing skills and revaluing the current life.

Woody Allen is a consummate master of his craft. Ho knows what he is doing. "Midnight in Paris" is like a cherry on the top of the cake. (Now I really must go to Paris in the near future) The film is so unbelievable that in the end you start thinking that it actually can happen (nothing is impossible) and what would you do in that case.

I highly recommend watching this film everyone who wants to get to know something more about life in the 20s and Paris by itself.  Oh and don't be scared, it's not a serious drama, I perceive it more like a comedy (we all know how Woody loves to joke) with a little shadow of nostalgia. Alluring!

J'aime Paris!