VividSimon Simply Perfect

Kidskycom It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Jackson Booth-Millard I spotted this title in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, and then I spotted that it starred the lead actor for Jurassic Park, so I was intrigued to see what it involved, from director Gillian Armstrong (Little Women, Charlotte Gray). Basically, set in 1890's Australia, Sybylla Melvyn (A Passage to India's twice BAFTA winning Judy Davis) is the headstrong free spirited heroine, her family have had some ups and downs with poor business decisions and her father drinking heavily. She is relieved to be sent to live with her grandmother on her property where things become more comfortable, and there she meets young wealthy Harry Beecham (Sam Neill), who at first she finds a little annoying. But he falls in love with her and eventually proposes marriage, but she is convinced she is ugly and too tomboyish, therefore she does not believe that he truly loves her. After dismissing the proposal Sybylla's father's drinking has caused them to become caught up in debt, so she goes to work for an almost illiterate neighbour and family they owe money to as a housekeeper. She becomes accustomed to this job to the point where she doesn't mind doing it, but she is relieved to be sent home and kept away from the son of the family who apparently was falling for her. Then Harry returns to ask her to marry him again, but she once again dismisses him saying that she will make him unhappy, and wants to continue her writing and successful, which of course she did and wasn't afraid to brag about in her text at the beginning of the film. The film ends with her concluding the book she started in the opening, and we see her posting the manuscript, this is the conclusion and seemingly a suggestion that the film is about her brilliant career, or rather how it starts. Also starring Wendy Hughes as Aunt Helen, Robert Grubb as Frank Hawdon, Max Cullen as Mr. McSwatt, Patricia Kennedy as Aunt Gussie, Aileen Britton as Grandma Bossier, Peter Whitford as Uncle Julius, Alan Hopgood as Father and Julia Blake as Mother. Young Davis gives a well assured performance as the leading female character, and Neill is pleasantly cool and relatively charming as the possible love interest for her, I will admit I may not have caught up with everything going, but from what I gathered it is a pretty watchable period drama. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Costume Design, and it was nominated the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. Very good!

kenjha A headstrong young woman comes of age in the Austalian outback during the early 20th century. There is hardly any plot to drive the narrative, causing the film to drag despite the relatively short running time. Not only does the plot meander somewhat, but also the motivations of the central character are unclear. She is supposed to be an ambitious feminist, but she comes across as a confused woman who's only goal is to stay unmarried. Davis is good in her first starring role, although it's hard to buy her as the ugly duckling that the film portrays her as. Neill is young and handsome but rather bland as her suitor.

adamshl Here is a beautiful film, exquisitely realized. Judy Davis heads an excellent cast bringing to life this rich story of an ambitious, head-strong girl seeking a professional career as a writer. In a society where women are not encouraged in these directions, Davis' character rings true in her commitment to her chosen craft.Gil Armstrong's direction is outstanding, as is the lovely photography and production design. The sacrifice necessary for embarking on a career is emotionally realized, and it is made clear such work must be done alone. The artists' life is that of freedom to work and bring forth the creative spark within. When it comes to women at the turn of the 20th century, such a choice isn't easy. The film movingly dramatizes this, along with the status (and plight) of women in general.While it's lovely to hear the theme from Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood," the number of repetitions did tend to become redundant. Otherwise, the musical score is quite effective.A thoughtful, touching film, most beautifully realized.

wheresmyoj If not to see a young Sam Niel or for the gorgeous landscapes of Australia that set the film, see this movie for an interesting viewpoint on feminism and the outback all in one. The main character, Sybylla, is constantly insulted by her alleged friends and family, though they don't intend it directly. Her character's flaky-ness doesn't help her plight as a female in a society hell-bent on marrying her off, but the character's story is worth renting this for.