1996
Directed by Anthony Minghella
I keep meaning to read this book, as it always seemed like a story that would work better in print. I didn't dislike this, but I can't say that other people's complaints about it (that it is too long and boring) aren't valid.
Towards the end of World War II, Hana, a French Canadian nurse, takes care of a badly burned man in an Italian monastery. At first, the dying man cannot even remember his name but slowly, his past is revealed through a series of flashbacks. We learn that he is a Count who fell in love with the beautiful, but married Katherine Clifton. As Hana tends to the Count, she has a love story of her own with a British soldier.
Did this really have to be three hours long? It's strange that even with such a lengthy running time, I still wish there had been more scenes between Kip and Hana. This is, in part, due to the fact that I have an intense crush on Naveen Andrews. But more than that, I thought they were a much more interesting couple than Katherine and Almasy. I mean, really, what was K and A's hook? That she was married? Not very compelling.
Still, I think this was a beautiful movie. The cast was excellent; I will never stop gushing over Juliette Binoche. Every shot in this film was gorgeous. Was every shot necessary? Definitely not. But I still don't think this was the Academy's oddest pick for Best Picture.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Ralph Fiennes' make up took five hours to apply.
I feel you, Elaine:
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