caruby69

(2012-04-27 18:46:30)

An intimate tale of past meeting present

Real gems are rarely appreciated or understood by everyone. They shinebecause they deliver and demand something 'more'. They linger in theimagination because they convey understandings we are only beginning torealise. This is certainly true of 'Belladonna', an increasinglyintriguing tale which emerged unexpectedly as a cult triumph ofAustralian cinema. The movie opens with the unseen guiding voice of an hypnotherapistalongside imagery of contemporary alternative medic Luke and past lifescenes in Polish woods circa 1600. The story chronicles the build-up to Luke's proposal and marriage toKatherine, a lawyer so driven that she even answers her mobile duringhis proposal. Even so, she emerges thanks to a fascinating performance,as a slightly off-kilter, often unintentionally amusing force to bereckoned with. Luke is also beautifully played, and as his past lifelove affair is recalled, so do powerful shifts begin to occur in hislife. Changes which challenge his choice of bride and readiness tochoose his heart's true calling. More than this you will have to savourwhen you watch the movie yourself. The movie has been criticised for its slightly 'abrupt' ending, andthis misses the point. This is a tale depicting sudden innertransformation and in truth, profound realisations can change thingsabruptly as a new chapter begins. Also, the suddenness heightens theemotional impact, so much so that I could hardly speak for a minute orso. I was so moved.The soundtrack is a wonderfully eclectic mix, taking cues from thescript to fuse the contemporary with seemingly modern vocal play at theclimax . . . except this exceptional piece was amazingly written byPurcell centuries ago, and while it is taken from his opera 'KingArthur' it fits perfectly here, as if it were an evolution of a momentin Sally Potter's mesmerising 'Orlando' when Lord Orlando becomes LadyOrlando! While that movie was a tale of feminine sexuality emerging viaandrogyny and self-knowledge, Belladonna is an unusually tender tale ofan endearingly average guy opening to intuitions and heart-feltcallings. Both films play with time and consciousness and are linked bytheir exploration of feeling out of place.Whether a viewer believes in reincarnation or not is secondary to thetransformative power of the metaphor, and 'Belladonna' has anenveloping truthful resonance which will find the right people. I amthankful that I am one of them.I give it a ten. I loved so much about it . . . the soundtrack, itsshimmering central performances and it's thoughtful depiction ofstructured lives disintegrating deliciously in order for something newto emerge. Belladonna is a truly affirming, diverting and unusual taleto be savoured. Open your mind and your heart will enjoy it. LetBelladonna find you too.

Rose Myers

(2012-04-27 15:31:52)

BELLADONNA was a complete surprise and one that changed my life

I really had no expectation of the film. Someone had recommendedBELLADONNA to me in a conversation and the general subject is ofinterest so I watched it. I was absolutely mesmerised by this film, tothe point that I watched it 3 times in one week. Apart from it being abeautiful love story, it is such crafted film making. The interwovenstory lines between the 16th Century and the 21st are remarkable, theyare like a tapestry that reveals itself beautifully. The characters arecomplex yet funny, at a really crucial point in their life. It is theturning point, the place where they have to make some major decisions.The whole theme of a love that lasts centuries may seem a little"unrealistic" yet somehow Glac manages to make you feel that it ispossible and beautiful. I loved the fact that watching the film waslike constructing a puzzle. With clues dropped along the way so by theend of the film you are stuck to the seat because what you hope willhappens - happens. Finally the Cinematography is stunning!! the greenin the European forest is breathtaking and the Australian part is verysmart and stylish. WOW. It really is a remarkable film.