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Recommended.


Shakespeare it isn't!   March 9, 2002
This film definitely has merit as well as an all-star cast. It may well be an updated version of King Lear, but I found the topic less than entertaining...and I was not thrilled with the ending. As for Colin Firth's performance as an American drifter... he successfully portrays a Mr. Wickham from his P&P days. He is charming, available, and easy to like ~ except he is definitely not going to be around for the duration. And what sort of cad sleeps with sisters of the same family...simultaneously?


When Majesty Doth Stoop To Folly   January 14, 2002
I saw this when it came out on televison and I must say I thought it was just awful. How can anyone win any literary prize for something that is little more than Shakespeare...? While this is a majestic production with great acting, direction, and cinematography I confess I found it much too predictable as it seemed to follow Shakespeare's KING LEAR almost act for act and scene for scene. The only persons missing were Kent, Glouster, Edmond, Edgar, and of course the Fool. Had the story line varied sufficiently as to be a mere suggestion of the play, I would have enjoyed it very much. It bothers me that the the author received accolades for a mere re-write! It is as Kent said "when majesty doth stoop to folly!"


Brilliant performance of Lange saves it....   September 25, 2001
First of all, I should say that if it was not for Pfeiffer and especially for Lange, this film would directly go to video. I believe this movie can be quite dull for those who have not grown up in a dysfunctional family.....So if you have not experienced it in real life, you can directly skip this movie. It would mean nothing to you.
As a final remark, I can say that Jessica Lange deserves an oscar with her performance in this movie. It is a very difficult character that she plays and her gestures are fantastic...If they gave Ginny to a less experienced actress, the movie would easily turn into an absurdity. She really saves it. You can watch this movie just to observe Lange`s excellent performance.