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Almost Strangers

If you dig hard enough there are at least three great stories in any family.

When Daniel attends an extraordinary family reunion with his parents, he discovers a world he hardly knew existed. Seduced by the allure of this new world, Daniel adopts the role of go-between for his glamorous Aunt Alice and his dazzling cousins Rebecca (Claire Skinner) and Charles (Toby Stephens). But even the most honorable of intentions have the potential to go disastrously wrong.

Critiques des membres

Serene - nkm1

The mood of this film is very well established and consistent. Seemingly slow paced, it's driven by character, not action. If you love British actors like Matthew McFayden ( who is amazing in Pride and Prejudice) and Claire Skinner, (who is amazing in Mike Leigh's Life is Sweet), then you won't be disappointed with this show.

Gambon Great, Story Slight - Stitch

But it’s a somewhat different BBC ‘period piece’ in that it’s contemporary and concerns the moneyed class rather than the peerage. As to screenplay, I agree with my bride who feels it’s a little more soap than drama. So if you’re expecting excitement or a corpse in the study, this is not your bag. But there’s much to enjoy.

First is Michael Gambon whose interpretation of the grey sheep character is reason enough to hang in through some bits that do tend to drag. His oration to the assembled family is a personal tour de force--I suspect it was largely responsible for his winning a 2002 BAFTA best actor award. Lindsay Duncan as glamorous (luscious) Aunt Alice is equally effective and appealing and won a similar nomination but regrettably had a little less script to work with. The other principal worth noting is alluring Claire Skinner who marries intellect with sexual attraction. I was not immune.

There are a host of distinct plot lines as behooves a bunch of eccentric family members, with one theme emerging as possibly the dominant one. It’s no spoiler to say it’s not. Instead take pleasure in all the lesser characters and their interactions as you go along since most are relevant. There are two mysteries to be solved but don’t expect a crescendo of surprise at the end; they are mostly vehicles to explore nuances of behavior. And don’t ignore the three elderly aunts--a great story told through flashbacks.

The settings are an interesting blend of old and new. And the episodes that periodically display the current condition (and usage) of peerage estates and old family town houses provides a subtle yet poignant realization of just how much England has changed. I sensed at times a faint aura of sadness and regret.

So, fine performances within an interesting but not compelling portrayal of family dynamics. Quietly satisfying for one of those more contemplative evenings.

Critiques des membres Lire tous...

Serene - nkm1

Gambon Great, Story Slight - Stitch

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Almost Strangers

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