Willa Holland, Perla Haney-Jardine
Star Movies
Michael Winterbottom the director of "A Mighty Heart" aka the Daniel Pearl story regales us once again with a haunting tale set in Italy. Joe (Colin Firth) a professor and his two daughters move to Genoa after a car accident which claimed his wife's life. He believes the change in location will help them cope with their grief. Barbara (Catherine Keener) a friend and co-faculty member now based in Genoa help the family adjust to their new surroundings by finding them an apartment and touring them around the historical city. Ten year old Mary (Perla Haney-Jardine) and 16 year old Kelly (Willa Holland) adapt fairly well or do they?.
Little Mary who is still quite traumatized begins to see the apparition of her dead mother. While Kelly spends most of her time with her friends at the beach and at parties. She tends to neglect her sisterly duties. Joe, on the other hand simply strides along and he seems oblivious or probably in denial over the disturbing behavior of his children.
I was shocked with Joe's parenting style. He seemed really indifferent and didn't react more as his younger daughter was slowly losing her senses. And his older daughter was turning into a rebellious teenager. But perhaps, he himself was pretty despondent and he didn't know how to deal with his numbing loss. Heck even his friend Barbara noticed how he didn't do more to reach out to his kids.
The narrow alleys, beautiful churches and cavernous mountains of this Italian city provide an excellent backdrop to the subtle unfolding of the low key dramatic moments. The pacing of the plot is pretty slow as summer is in full bloom with the heat blistering away, the characters seem pretty languid and carefree. I believe that convincing acting from the entire cast and the gorgeous cinematography saves this film from complete doom.
Little Mary who is still quite traumatized begins to see the apparition of her dead mother. While Kelly spends most of her time with her friends at the beach and at parties. She tends to neglect her sisterly duties. Joe, on the other hand simply strides along and he seems oblivious or probably in denial over the disturbing behavior of his children.
I was shocked with Joe's parenting style. He seemed really indifferent and didn't react more as his younger daughter was slowly losing her senses. And his older daughter was turning into a rebellious teenager. But perhaps, he himself was pretty despondent and he didn't know how to deal with his numbing loss. Heck even his friend Barbara noticed how he didn't do more to reach out to his kids.
The narrow alleys, beautiful churches and cavernous mountains of this Italian city provide an excellent backdrop to the subtle unfolding of the low key dramatic moments. The pacing of the plot is pretty slow as summer is in full bloom with the heat blistering away, the characters seem pretty languid and carefree. I believe that convincing acting from the entire cast and the gorgeous cinematography saves this film from complete doom.
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