August: Osage County (2013)

Director: John Wells

It's a must for every film freak to watch all the films that have won an Oscar or have at least been nominated for the prize. Although throughout the years there have been many both interesting and surprising nominations, when you see that someone like Meryl Streep is a candidate to receive the award, you know that there must be something good for sure. The film "August: Osage County" is not an exception. 

The humorous and sad story takes place in an old house in Osage County during the hottest days of August. Violet, a tactless, but veracious cancer patient, assembles her scattered family members since her husband has suddenly disappeared and soon is found dead. After the funeral, conflicts arise one by one and deepest secrets are revealed as a result of inability to forgive past resentments and accept the truth. And once again the Weston family falls apart.

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.

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.