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Reviewed by Helmut Erxleben |
Unlikely Pilgrimage
THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY is a charming book by first time author Rachel Joyce. Harold, a retired beer salesman, lives a quiet life with his wife Maureen in Kingsbridge in the south of England. One day he receives a letter from Queenie Hennessy, a former co-worker. She is dying of cancer in a hospice in Berwick, a town close to the Scottish border. Rather than drop his letter of compassion in the nearest mailbox, Harold becomes convinced that by hand delivering the letter and trekking the 600 miles or so on foot, he can somehow delay the fatal progress of Queenie’s cancer. Thus begins an incredible journey for the ill prepared Harold. As the novel takes us through the English countryside, we meet an assortment of colourful characters and experience the highs and lows of Harold’s long walk. Finally we discover that, like many pilgrims before him, at the end, Harold will have gotten to know himself a lot better.
QUARTET
Reviewed by Harold Erlendson
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Quartet
This movie probably will not appeal to the acne age group but the Probus age group will love it. The action takes place in a Senior’s home for retired classical musicians situated in the idyllic English country side. To help finance the home , they are putting on a fund raising performance. The plot sounds a lot like the old Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney films in which they inevitably say “Lets put on a show”, and it is. The home is abuzz because of the new resident “Jean” who was a famous opera star, wonderfully played by Dame Maggie Smith. Also, at one time, three of the other residents sang with her in a quartet. A reunion of the group would be perfect for the concert, but Jean does not want to perform because she is not in top form. Predictably, she finally agrees and the film ends with a stirring performance of the quartet from Rigoletto.
This was Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut and he handles the subject of aging and fading talent in an uplifting way. The four main characters are played by veteran British actors who know how to act. Many of the other actors in the home are played by real life musicians. The final credits show their pictures now and when they were in their prime. This is a sweet, sentimental movie that I am sure you will enjoy.
LES MISERABLES
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Les Mis
Many readers probably have seen the stage production which came to Toronto several years ago. The story is based on the Victor Hugo novel that takes place in 19th century France. It is an extravagant melodrama of poverty, injustice and suffering made as an Opera. There is not one word of spoken dialogue. Every line is sung by actors who are not known as singers, such as Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman. There was no lip syncing or voice dubbing. The movie has been nominated for awards and probably will win in some categories. But I did not enjoy the experience. It was far too long at 2 hrs and 37 min. If you want to smile or feel uplifted when you exit a movie, this is not for you.