PhilippaS

I was flipping through channels when I came across this movie. I had no idea what it was about but Nighy's name attracted me. Having seen him in "Love Absolutely" and in various cameo roles, I knew he was an accomplished actor. I was not disappointed. As the plot slowly developed, I was entranced. The mystery behind the girl in the café was intriguing. I wanted to know more about her. What led her to continue a friendship with a lonely older man she met by chance in a café? When the couple, dare I call them that, arrive in Iceland, the plot becomes more political despite the sleeping arrangements. The girl's outspoken comments to the politicians made me want to applaud. The simple act of clicking her fingers every few seconds to represent the death of another child from poverty was heartbreaking. I think this movie should be compulsory viewing for all politicians and all those who vote for them.

This series is TV at it's best. The plots are full of twists and turns, none of the predictable formula plots of the American hour long dramas. The attention to detail is extraordinary, from the costumes, the cottage interiors to the whiskers on a character's face. One of the pleasures of watching a British drama, such as this one, is the quality of the acting. The actors are not chosen for their flawless white smiles or their silicon enhanced bodies but for their acting talents. The scenery and the quaint English villages are idyllic but underneath the seven deadly sins fester. The viewer can enjoy piecing together the clues to uncover the main villain but it is also fun to guess who is going to be the next victim. It is one of the few TV offerings that my husband and I can watch and enjoy together.

I have watched this movie at least ten times and each time I notice nuances that I missed before. The story is a little confusing at the beginning but all the strands come together as the characters' lives intertwine. It is very romantic. One of the most moving love scenes occurs between the Colin Firth character and his Portugese cleaner. They talk to each other without being able to understand the other's language. They don't even touch but the passion is lying just beneath the surface. The movie covers most aspects of love, from unrequited love, selfless love and betrayed love to first love, optimistic love and shy love. The movie is funny but at the same time sad. It's serious but contains moments of farce. The pacing of the action works well, keeping the viewer interested. The musical score adds to the enjoyment. This is a "must see" movie