David Lean (1908–1991)

Simple & beautiful play by Harold Brighouse, which was changed up somewhat for the screen by David Lean. The protagonists are two very different 'types' of Englishmen butting up against each other and earning the love and respect due them. Sort of. Hobson's daughters figure into the mix in
a very interesting pre-feminist (this was 1880) way. This play has a great story, it's written for the whole family, you'll love it.

British POW's build a bridge for the Japanese while an American escapes.

It's a reluctant A; there are a handful of important moments scattered throughout the movie that don't play as well as they should. But it's an unique and exceptionally strong story, and really stands out among all the tedious and recycled Epic Movies of the time. In fact, it's the only movie of its type from this era that I've liked at all so far.

Concept: A
Story: A
Characters: A
Dialog: A
Pacing: A
Cinematography: C
Special show more effects/design: A
Acting: A
Music: B

Enjoyment: A

GPA: 3.7/4 show less

An ordinary mother/housewife imagines telling her husband about a man she fell in love with.

One of the best things a movie can do is to give you a look inside someone, and I don't know of any movie that does that more convincingly than this. Take the scene where she lies to her husband – something you see on just about every episode of every bad sitcom, not to mention almost every “romantic” movie ever made; this movie is probably the only time it feels as gut-wrenching as it show more should.

Concept: B
Story: A
Characters: A
Dialog: A
Pacing: B
Cinematography: A
Special effects/design: B
Acting: A
Music: A

Enjoyment: A plus

GPA: 3.8/4

(Jul. 2010) show less

Stunning Technicolor photography; beautifully clipped dialogue; artful direction; superb staging and sharp, stylised performances make for a dark, funny, comedic masterpiece.