strangely compelling
Added 8/18/2009
This movie wasn't what I expected or even wanted. However, it was compelling and interesting to watch. I didn't like where the plot ended up going, but hey, I didn't write the script and just because I like happy endings is no reason to criticize an otherwise well done movie. I was on the edge of my seat for most of it. Not the best movie out there, but I'd recommend it.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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Your place or mine?
Added 11/14/2007
If you're reading this review, you probably see a lot more movies than I do. Today I chose PERFECT STRANGERS because of my sentimental attachment to all things New Zealand, and it didn't disappoint me.
The movie starts with a routine plot -- Melanie, a working-class New Zealand girl, goes home from the pub with a sexy stranger. "Home" turns out to be a remote island and the sexy stranger turns out to be mad, bad and dangerous to know. While trying to escape, Melanie wounds him fatally.
From there the plot goes bizarro -- or perhaps, just deeply disturbed. Although it's twisted, this movie is not heavily plotted or deeply suspenseful, nor is there intense dialogue to occupy the viewer's attention. That feels like a good thing in this movie because there are other elements to absorb you.
The first attention-grabber is New Zealand native son Sam Neill. He frightens and reassures with mesmerizing tone and expression. His best line, the one in which his obsession is revealed, is his sine qua non for sex: "You have to love me! Do you love me?" The rest of the cast (Australian Rachael Blake, New Zealander Joel Tobeck) give reasonably convincing performances though without the depth of character seen in a more elaborately written movie like Whale Rider.
The second delight is the sound track. The New Zealand film industry is a wonderful showcase for local musical talent, and I was pleased to hear tracks by Neil Finn (Crowded House, Split Enz), Don McGlashan (Front Lawn, The Muttonbirds), Barry Saunders (The Warratahs), Janet Roddick (Six Volts) and R & B guitarist Hammond Gamble. There is even a Puccini aria by Dame Malvina Major performing with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. The music is well integrated to the rest of the movie, and I'd watch the movie again just to listen more closely to the track.
It's easy to film a visually satisfying movie in New Zealand (The Piano, The Lord Of The Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Full Screen Edition), Heavenly Creatures) and this movie is certainly moody and beautiful. The cinematographer, Alun Bollinger, worked on those projects and knows how to get the most from the sometimes daunting land- and seascapes. You'll need to actually watch this movie, as much of it happens visually and not with dialogue.
Writer/Producer/Director Gaylene Preston put together a package that was just ambitious enough for her resources, and for me it all worked beautifully. I've admitted my biases so while I recommend this movie, please decide for yourself whether it might work for you. If you DO choose it, be sure to stay for the unexpected ending: it's done in that campy Down Under style (Strictly Ballroom; The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert).
Altogether a rewarding little movie from an ambitious little country.
2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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Quirky to the max
Added 4/9/2007
I saw this movie on Air New Zealand last summer and it still haunts me. Sometimes you are so tired on that flight you are not sure if you are dreaming or if it is the movie, but if I remember right, it has beautiful scenery and strange characters doing odd things. Love conquers all, right, even death in this case. A must see if you like odd little character films with a dash of thriller.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
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The real Cast Away !
Added 11/7/2005
Don't listen to those giving it a one *. Try to watch this movie on a big screen TV in a dark room with a decent sound system. I guarantee you will be lost for 2 hours. Visuals are just stunning! You won't see visuals like this in your typical run of the mill Hollywood flick. And don't worry about the plot, its complexity , or lack thereof..you will be totally immersed in this movie. There are critics who think there have to be twists and turns in the plot, propane tanks exploding, cars jumping off bridges, and other things to make a movie watchable. Pay no attention to them. Just go and watch, you won't be disappointed.
10 out of 10 people found this helpful.
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Possibly one of the most overrated movies ever!
Added 8/20/2005
I have seen many bad movies but this one has to be one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Imagine the following scenario: a woman gets abducted by a complete stranger and taken to a deserted island. Her deeply disturbed and unstable kidnapper is madly in love with her and is willing to do anything to keep her imprisoned on this island. At first, she is trying to escape from him but since he is the only one who can actually operate a boat she soon realizes that this is futile.One day after an altercation she stabs him and he eventually dies from this wound due to a great loss of blood. Paradoxically, she then gradually falls in love with this maniac who mistreated her both physically and mentally. Note that this takes place after he dies!
This preposterous and completely bizarre story made me sick. How can anyone fall in love with a lunatic whose idea of love is so disturbed? It is beyond my comprehension. I was looking for a solid thriller but it turned out to be nothing but rubbish. I am so angry with myself for selecting such a lousy movie. It is pointless, unintelligent and excruciatingly boring. I am going back to the videostore for a refund. You should get paid to see this movie. It is a complete waiste of time!
6 out of 16 people found this helpful.
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