One of the biggest movies of 2008 is already in the theatres (release dates). Sweeny Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, a huge Broadway musical success, tells us the story of the scary Benjamin Baker who returns after years of imprisonment to get revenge against the judge (Alan Rickman) who punished him for a crime he didn’t commit and stole his wife and daughter. This is a must see for all those who like Tim Burton’s world and who are curious to see Johnny Depp sing.
Silk is a story about love and regret. A 19th century French silkworm trader, Herve Joncour, travels to Japan in hopes of bringing back some silkworm eggs for breeding, instead he falls in love with a mysterious Japanese concubine. After returning to his country, the two lovers continue to exchange letters while his wife starts to suspect something… This is the cinematographic adaptation of Alessandro Baricco’s Silk, a magnificent book that should not be missed.
The movie was released last year in most countries but some of us are still waiting for it to arrive to our nearby theaters (release dates). The DVD will be released next month, for those who might be interested.
I know it’s not a historical movie, but I’ve just been to see The Jane Austen Book Club. I enjoyed it. Has anyone else seen it?
I didn’t like the book (found it terribly boring!) but was still curious about the movie. Now, I love Hugh Dancy (you have to see his Daniel Deronda) and only for him I have to see the movie. Have to check out when it’s released here. Did you read the book, Dee?
Yes, I got given it for Christmas a couple of years ago – two copies, one from a friend, the other from my SIL, they know me so well! I thought the book was fun chick-lit, but didn’t leave a huge impression on me. The movie was a fun chick movie. I think that part of my enjoyment was that I’ve just recently had a re-read and re-watch of Austen so I liked the references. However, my friend that I went to the movie with only knows P&P and she still enjoyed the film.
By the way, I recently watched Emma Thomsons S&S, I think I prefer the latest adaptation. I also watched a movie called Posession with Jennifer Ihle. Have got the Colin Firth movie you recommended here ready to watch when I next get some time.
I agree with Alex, I found the book extremely boring, the characters never came alive for me and there weren’t many chick lit details in the story, so they might as well be talking about something else other than Jane Austen and I wouldn’t have noticed. I hope the book manages to be better!
I keep hoping the movie will be better and sometimes, it happends.
About S&S, I rewatched the new version again this weekend and even if I like it a lot, it still lacks some of the best parts of the books and especially the funny ones. While Andrew Davies can spice up his adaptations, I tend to think he often forgets about humor, which is so important in Jane Austen’s work. Then the secondary characters are also almost forgotten and that’s a huge sin at my eyes. Of course, Emma Thompson’s version is far from perfect, like the age of the actors or even Brandon and Marianne’s distant relationship but I always have a good laugh each time I see Mr. Palmer or the silly and nosy Mrs Jennings. Also the “bad guys” are more charming, more deceitful and they strike when you are not looking. With Andrew Davies, you aren’t holding your breath for Willoughby or the sneaky Miss Steele.
I’ll probably have to wait for someone who can actually follow the book and Jane Austen spirit without any major changes and still keep the humor.
Did you liked Posession, Dee? I prefered the book and the parts with Jennifer Ehle and Jeremy Norton, the rest I kind of skipped.
Upon reflection, Ana, it probably isn’t that much better!!!
Perhaps my enjoyment of this film was in part due to the wines that I had beforehand?!!! …no, I did enjoy it but as I said, it was just fun and I wouldn’t rave about it nor recommend it except for an enjoyable night out with friends. I’d probably give it a 5 out of 10.
As you also say, Ana, the tie in between the characters in the book/movie and the Austen characters was tenuous at best.
Count me in on the “found it boring” club. I might give the movie a try though, if nothing else because it’s Jane Austen related and one can’t really get enough Jane Austen
I just went to see Sweeney Todd today
As for the Jane Austen, I found the book terrible boring too!
I loved Sweeney Todd. Johnny Depp is wonderful. Is such a wonderful actor. And cute too
Fantasma and Flor,
What’s your opinion about Sweeney Todd? Do you think there was too much blood? I have to confess that normally I don’t have a problem with it but I got a bit queasy during some scenes.
The young couple kind of got into my nerves, especially the little sailor, but it was such a great movie and I normally don’t like musicals at all.
Also, weren’t you impressed by Johnny Depp’s singing? I know he is an excellent actor and also a musician but I would never imagined he could sing that well. This guy is incredible!
Alan Rickman was also perfect in his tight golden trousers.
I admit I wasn’t expecting all that blood…. But it didn’t impress me much, and after all it was a Tim Burton/Johnny Depp movie
But I prefer his voice when he’s not singing 
I like most musicals and this one was a surprise as I didn’t know there would be so many singing. Johnny Depp really surprised me, he’s not a singer but he has a great voice! Excelent role!
As for Alan Rickman, he’s always perfect
Same here! I knew about the musical and the story but I could almost smell all that blood in the movie intro.
I can assume then that you are a big fan of the duo Burton/Depp?
Frankly, I don’t know why but I had this silly idea that Rickman was not singing in the movie. He only talks in the first scenes and when suddely he gets his song I was in shock for some seconds. Of course, he can only be perfect!
I’m not a big fan, actually. It depends on the movies. I just assume when I go see a movie of the duo that I must expect anything!!
Ohhhhh, Rickman…….
)
(well, I’m still in love with Richard Armitage since I saw N&S, of course!
Dee,
I just saw The Jane Austen Book Club and you were right, it’s not an outstanding movie but it’s perfect for an evening with your friends. While I found the book boring, the movie was quite fun and I really enjoyed it.
Glad you enjoyed it, Alex! I was out at a celebration last night and a woman there said she’d just seen the movie and had enjoyed it ‘cos it was ‘fun’, she said it had a ‘feel good’ factor!
[...] Sweeny Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street was also nominated for 3 Oscars: [...]
Adorei o livro ‘Silk’. É uma estreia que espero ansiosa.
Eu também gostei imenso do livro, Cenoura! Tenho é algumas dúvidas quanto ao casting do filme, sobretudo a Keira Knightley… Vamos là ver!
Sim, há ambiente difíceis de reproduzir. Especialmente aqueles que são criados pela nossa imaginação.
[...] Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (already discussed in this blog here) was also nominated for 3 [...]