Nolan's List: 22 out of 30 - You can't tell a Heart
Adjustment: 22, not 21. I skipped at first from the general list of Saving Private Ryan, which I already watched.
“Ryan’s Daughter” tells the story of a girl Rosie, who is looking for her happiness and trying to figure out her desires. The film deals with the events of the First World War, which affects the atmosphere of the plot. The melodrama in the picture is woven gradually, introducing the personal life of the girl.
It’s a nice, quiet town where everyone knows each other. The plot introduces several key characters who act as an escort of the girl on the path of an open heart. A priest who understands all the desires of a restless soul. Retarded in development Michael, who immediately makes it clear that he will play an important role in this story, as well as the innkeeper Ryan.
The story begins to wrap after the exhibition, when the viewer is immediately shown the division of the film into parts. Timekeeping is three and a half hours, so we meet the introduction, intermission, and pauses. In some editions, the film is divided into two parts initially, but the story is fully absorbed in one sitting (with interruptions). The plot builds a pleasant full life: desire, love, wedding. It seems that the situation develops wonderfully, but the first notes of doubt come immediately after the wedding. It's like "the carriage turned into a pumpkin." Dances, songs, drinking – all this was left behind.
Director David Lin draws a clear line between marriage and the arrival of a young major, so conveniently found himself at the door of a friendly Irish town. The military accent adds color to the British officer, betting on alienation, pariah and contempt. You already know what is going to happen, so the signs and hints are visible to the naked eye. It's a pity for Rosie, but the less attention from her husband, the more chance encounters with the major.
The film gradually introduces dramatic experiences, opens the soul to the choice of a girl, while resorting to magnificent camera plans: a beautiful forest, as if magical; a horse drinking water. We see the development of feelings, the attention, what has become so much missed heroine. The author shows the change of priorities, and the time frame itself becomes the judge in this case, because society does not accept infidelity, treason. A predictable situation with the mentally retarded comes into play, why you expect an explosion of emotions, exposure, but so far only catch small references.
Parallel to Rosie’s personal life, guerrilla warfare develops. Slowly and faithfully, enemies prepare to strike at the heart. The emphasis on the major and his true intentions clashes with Rosie's feelings and dedication. The picture gradually brings elements of doubt. When the viewer knows the truth, the little details of exposure have a very emotional effect. The very atmosphere of the town and the inhabitants refers to the novels of Charles Dickens, when life and culture conveyed positive, instructive features. Inspired perception combines joy for an interesting presentation of the story by director David Lin, and sadness from the torture of the girl, from her husband’s guesses, from small investigations of her wife’s infidelity.
David Lin likes long canvases that “Lawrence of Arabia”, that “Ryan’s Daughter” paintings are deep, the characters are worked out, a long period of time is shown for which the characters change and go on fatal acts. “Ryan’s Daughter” in its second part is rapidly transferred from melodrama to drama, accompanying partisan sorties with resistance and revealing the true identity of many characters. It is possible to draw a parallel between the major, between Rosie's husband, but comparative characteristics are clearly visible, which will have more influence on the condemnation and contempt of others, but will not disturb the feelings of their neighbors. Hence the reflection of the behavior of the girl on angry citizens.
It is the understanding that the major is the enemy that gives a well-developed structure of attitude towards the girl. The final part forces to reconsider their views on this place, and the heroes to understand their mistakes and face the stigma. The picture slowly and measuredly presents to us the desires of the girl, we follow her path to dangerous places. Against the background of the general environment, Rosie's life is full of pain and inner devastation. Thus, you can feel the whole cocoon of her emotions and experiences, shame and struggle with herself.
A coastal western Irish village in the middle of the First World War. The English Empire on the continent is conducting the bloodiest war in its history, but it so happened that the local burrow-eared Irish with all their heart worry exclusively for the Germans. They are actively preparing for their Irish uprising. Meanwhile, in the village there are no less grandiose love passions. A young girl, Rosie, the daughter of a local tavern owner, at her own insistence, married a no longer young, but decently correct school teacher-widower Charles. But the wedding night was very disappointing for Rosie. It turns out that in reality, it may not be as cool as it happens in girls’ voluptuous dreams. And here on a visit to the local garrison directly from the front comes concussed and lame English major Randolph. And the romance between an Englishman and a married Irish woman began even without the traditional “word for word”, and with a run – with a passionate kiss. And the locals will not like such a double betrayal - adulterer + traches with God-awful Englishmen.
62-year-old David Lin, after 5 years of downtime, tried to remove another epic canvas, which somewhat intersects with his last Doctor Zhivago. Love. Revolution. Crowd. In general, parallels can be drawn, but the plot canvas, taken by Lin this time, was quite decrepit. A love triangle and revolutionary passions developing geographically in a single village. The director caught up in the film visual beauties in the form of a spectacularly shot storm, picturesque panoramic views of the beach and other sweets. But all these techniques exclusively enrich the picture, but not the plot. Meaningful filling in the film pulls on an hour-and-a-half story, but certainly not for three hours with a gack, with which Lin is monotonously abused over the viewer.
However, the camera plot brightens up not poorly selected cast, which, though not sparkling, but quite focuses attention. The role of the Irish Natasha Rostova, who got confused among two trees – an old Irish oak and a young English pine – went to Sarah Miles. For 29-year-old Sarah, this role became a swan song in her not the brightest film career, although for the Oscar nomination, as for me, she still did not play. But she lit up her thin tits, which was very fashionable and tendentious in the early 70s. By the way, Miles’ husband was just the screenwriter of the film Robert Bolt, who this time coped with his work admirably. But the movie husband-teacher Miles played a very old 53-year-old Robert Mitchum and the role he managed very average. Still, the feeble patient characters are not Mitcham’s profile, which is more associated with courageous and brutal men. There would have been some Gregory Peck... but that was on hand.
Another interesting actor in this film is 29-year-old Christopher Jones, who closed the love triangle in the plot. The actor with the appearance of our Sergey Bodrov Jr. was remembered for the futuristic fairy tale “Savage in the streets”, and in general, Jones as a concussed major looked very fit. In fact, it was his last film role. The next time he flashed on the screen as early as 1996, and, frankly, it is unclear what he left with the cinema. It was not a bad thing to do...
From another audience, I note the already elderly Trevor Howard, who got the colorful role of a priest. David Lin pulled this actor into people back in 1945, when he entrusted the unknown and unsightly debutante with the main role in the love drama “Short Meeting”. Since then, he remembered his creation, and she, as you can see from this work, did not let him down. Well, the only Oscar in his career at the end of this film grabbed 62-year-old John Mills, who got the brightest role in this boring production – crazy fool. Mills took over all the flavor, brightening up the monotonous plot with cheerful appearances of a toothless and lame fool.
The main problem of this film is the plot and director's style. According to the plot, this story is drawn to a budget hour and a half drama, but David Lin tried to make an olive salad from one cucumber, tomato and bulb. It did not work out, although the form, like the acting, is quite satisfactory.
6.5 out of 10
The picture sins excessive timekeeping. The identity of the lover is not sufficiently disclosed. The main character, sorry, just a fool - does not know what he wants and throws beads. The musical series is like a different movie - sometimes it seemed like watching a comedy. And no, it's a drama - epic heralds, what a drama! There is cognitive dissonance.
There are only two positive moments in the picture - Robert Mitchum and the Sea.
These are the two main themes when watching. How beautiful the sea took David Lin, for such waves can be forgiven. Mitchum, like Sisyphus, realizing that there was no one else to drag the film, he took everything on his shoulders. And he did it perfectly. What does it look like after a sleepless night in the kitchen? Or sadness in the eyes when Rosa is torn apart by a crowd. Mitchum is a lump. Overall, the film is good quality, you believe it all. And to the priest, the true Irishman, and to the foolish crowd, which, for once or twice, is ready to condemn, give the slightest excuse, and easily carried away by the Rose-sheep. When you do not know where to stumble, cheat on your husband. She made it.
Separately, I want to note the renewed feeling of lostness and doom as I look at the picture. Is it just me, or is it Lin's skill? Life is gone, and the waves will last forever.
7 out of 10
As young people, many people want to start a family. They fall in love without looking back, hastily decide to get married faster, but after a while, either both or one of them may be disappointed in what has been done, because their dream has not become true. Someone, perhaps, begins to seek consolation on the side, not particularly thinking about the fatal consequences that this act may entail. This situation is presented in the melodrama “Daughter of Ryan”.
Synopsis World War I, a small coastal village in Ireland. Young and dreamy Rosie falls in love with local teacher Charles Shaunnessy, whom she soon marries. However, Rosie is disappointed in a boring family life. Suddenly, a young war hero, English Major Dorian, arrives in the village. Against the background of the fierce struggle of the Irish Republicans with the British, feelings begin to develop between Rosie and Dorian.
Game of actors Overall, I liked the game, despite the simple story. Sarah Miles, who played the role of Rosie, embodied the image of a young girl raised on romance novels, whose ideas about love and family life are limited by utopian fantasies, and who through her own fault made a fatal mistake that almost cost her life. I would also like to note the secondary role of John Mills, who played the local dumb fool Michael, unrequitedly in love with Rosie.
David Lin, of course, was a talented director who masterfully shot large-scale blockbusters and turned ordinary human stories into something great. On the one hand, “Ryan’s Daughter” is a good movie, which partly narrates from difficult times, when riots and the threat of collapse reigns in the country against the backdrop of a terrible war. However, the historical canvas serves only as a background, then the love triangle Charles - Rosie - Dorian comes to the fore. And this story is presented so flat and unoriginal that the ordinary viewer will guess how it ends. It seems to me that in love stories David Lin is weak, but in historical dramas he has no equal.
Scenario As mentioned earlier, the plot focuses on a love triangle formed against the backdrop of the confrontation between the IRA, which enjoyed support from the Kaiser, and the British, who persistently tried to maintain their power in Ireland. Dreamy Rosie falls in love with a teacher, whom she soon marries. However, raised on beautiful novels, Rosie is disappointed in the routine of real family life and strikes up an affair on the side, besides with the major of the local English garrison. It is clear that military vicissitudes interfere in love relations. To be honest, to give a brief description of the plot of the film, I would say that the film is about an ordinary fool who lived one day without thinking about the future.
Result Ryan’s Daughter is not a bad movie. It has its own morality, its own deep meaning. It is just built in such a way, and even stretched for three and a half hours that the viewer will find it difficult to easily perceive what is happening on the screen. However, this is only my subjective opinion, so for personal persuasion, I advise you to watch this movie yourself.
7 out of 10
The creator of "Daughter of Ryan" - English director David Lin - became during his lifetime a celestial, who was awarded recognition both among critics and filmmakers, and among the audience. Among his works are the soulful “Short Encounter”, the stunning military drama “Bridge over the River Kwai”, the majestic and mesmerizing “Lawrence of Arabia”. Some, however, criticized Lin's epic paintings, saying they contained a "gentleman's set" for the Oscars, reproaching the lack of depth in the characters' images. The attempt to tell a melodramatic story in the scenery of the Russian revolution (Doctor Zhivago) turned into a contradictory result - audience success along with accusations of simplification of literary material and heroes of the novel by B. Pasternak. The reason, perhaps, lies in the fact that the director took on a story that is not related to the heritage and spirit of the British Empire, which imbues his best paintings. The audience, however, liked the film, and it became a prominent event in the world of cinema.
The script for the new film Lin, who again decided to shoot a large-scale historical melodrama, wrote Robert Bolt, with whom the director collaborated for the third time. Initially, Bolt conceived to adapt for the production of “Mrs. Bovary”, but Lin suggested that he rework the plot of the novel by G. Flaubert, as a result of which the script “Daughter of Ryan” appeared. The main character is a resident of the Irish village of Rosie Ryan (Sarah Miles), to her misfortune, who has read more books than all the girls of the local parish combined, thinks that she will find happiness in marriage with the only thinking person in the district - teacher Charles Shaughnessy (Robert Mitchum). There is, however, another intelligent man in the town, but, alas, it is the elderly priest Father Hugh Collins ("Trevor Howard"), a wise spiritual mentor Rousey. The advice of the Holy Father, however, she perceives no better than she understands her dislike towards herself, the local fool Michael (John Mills), the only person from the village who without ostentatious hypocrisy accepts the authority of Father Hugh. Rough and slightly vulgar, respected in the village (due to the presence of a joint photo with a prominent figure of the revolutionary underground), but quite harmless innkeeper Thomas Ryan (Leo McKern) readily passes off his daughter for the only, I think, not a drinker and wife not beating groom. Unfortunately, brought up on sophisticated love novels, the girl soon becomes disappointed in her husband. And here so inconveniently appears the imposing English officer Major Dorian (Christopher Jones), seductive triple, because he is young, crippled in war, is an enemy and occupier, finally. And in a quiet village on the picturesque Atlantic coast, passions unprecedented since the conquest of Ireland are invaded, especially strong, since it is at this moment that the provincial town becomes the center of the struggle of the Irish against British rule.
The epic scope that gives greatness to this delicately told lyrical melodrama would not have been possible without the unique style given by the stunning camera work of Freddy Young and the magnificent music of Maurice Jarre, who also worked with Lin more than once. The skill of the eminent director is distinguished by remarkable massive large-scale scenes that alternate with moments of intimate solitude of the characters - and all this against the background of the exciting, extraordinary, mesmerizing Atlantic coast of Western Ireland. There is no doubt that careful work has also been done with the actors. There is a famous quote by Robert Mitcham about the rather tough and meticulous character of the director: “Working with David Lean is like building a Taj Mahal out of toothpicks.” Mitchum, however, acknowledged that the work under Lin was a unique experience, and the role of Charles Shaunnessy considered one of the best in his career. The acting, in my opinion, in the film is excellent; perhaps only Christopher Jones, who had a conflict with Lin on the set and, according to rumors, had a dislike for Sarah Miles, still looked too unsociable and cold (which, however, fits into the concept of his character).
Unfortunately, this remarkable picture of David Lean received cool, even sarcastic reviews; the audience, judging by the box office, more than twice the solid budget of the tape, treated it more favorably. The epic drama, centered on “little people,” has puzzled some. The reaction of critics negatively affected the career of a number of actors (Lin himself after the completion of “Daughter of Ryan” did not shoot for 14 years!). Film reviewers, people generally of liberal persuasions, have been offended by the portrayal of oppressed Irishmen as heartless and ignorant villagers. Around Lin formed a kind of halo of the singer of the British Empire, although in his works sounds not a solemn hymn in her honor, but rather a sad requiem for her inevitable and natural collapse. Strangely, few people noticed that the British in this picture are even more unsightly than the Irish. This applies to the cowardly officer, who was replaced as head of the military base Major Dorian, and to the hero Christopher Jones, who did not think about what threatens Rousey even a hint of adultery. He is the image of the "lost generation." World War I, whose life was cut short by the war; after him and such as he would begin England decadent, England Jeeves and Worcester. In the new Britain he has no place, he will not live in it. In turn, Rousey Ryan to some extent reflects the fate of Ireland: despite the abuse and trials that have fallen to her lot, which have become atonement for her own mistakes, she finds the strength and courage to start a new life. His wife has forgiven and supported him. And the crowd, of course, is the same everywhere. But she may have some hope as long as Hugh's honest, straightforward and wise father lives.
The timing of this picture can frighten many. But the movie deserves to be watched.
David Lin shows a master class in staging family dramas. So, 1916. Britain is actively involved in the First World War, and in Ireland everything is calm. Is it still? The British protectorate clearly irritates the local population, which quietly sympathizes with the Germans.
Before us unfolds the story of the marriage of a simple girl Rosie Ryan and a rural teacher Shaunnessy. He is much older than her and she treats him with respect. But soon, she begins to realize that everything goes wrong. She has no inner joy.
Soon an English soldier, a war hero, arrives in the town. He is the British representative in the city. Soon enough, she and Rosie find each other and a passionate romance begins. There are no secrets in a small town. The husband knows everything.
Meanwhile, the millstone intrigues are tightening more and more.
This film is about a very simple and banal situation, but Lin’s directorial talent is aimed at making the film interesting and memorable. Lin is not moral in any way, this is indicated by the end of the film, while he tries to look at the situation from the position of both all participants in the triangle and from the side of others.
Separately, I must say about the actors. Everyone played well, which is rare. Sarah Miles is just excellent - sensual, accurate, reckless.
Trevor Howard, who plays a priest, creates a very precise character. Sharp, rude, but at the same time intelligent, sensitive and able to defend their principles. This role certainly deserved an Oscar.
It was also a great performance by Robert Mitchum. He used to play heroes. His unflappable look and gait became a cinematic brand. “Ryan’s Daughter” will be different. Mitchum appears as an ordinary person: doubting, experiencing, jealous, suffering.
Ultimately, this is a wonderful film in which David Lin perfectly recreates the atmosphere of an Irish village of the early 20th century. The focus is on the affair of the wife of a rural teacher with the British military and the consequences of this act. Despite the very solid timing, the movie looks very easy.
Unbearable memories. War. The hands involuntarily embrace the inflamed head. An atmosphere of total, pervasive chaos, hopelessness. Yes, it was cruel... But what is it? Someone touches his hand. Their views overlap. Her is gentle, loving. His is the look of a tortured man, longing for tenderness, thirsting for love.
A woman. Lights. A breath of fresh water.
Ryan is a bar innkeeper whose main achievement was his daughter, Rose. A trembling flower that sensitively captures every moment, event and feeling. It is an inexhaustible source of love. This woman is adorable. She seems to be able to feel more than the entire village. There comes a time when she realizes that it is no longer possible to restrain her desire to give light.
Cold beach. Meet a tall man, her former teacher. Greetings.
She trembles with the desire to tell him about her feelings. Reticently listening to her words, he judiciously tells her that there may be no future in this relationship and her feelings are only a pale reflection of what she should be experiencing. She disagrees.
Touching his hand. Kiss. Wedding. Boredom.
The English major is being transferred from the front line, it seems, with the intention of giving him a rest, to sort himself out. His soul and body are crippled by war, sometimes unable to control himself. Once in the tavern, the measured knock of a mentally retarded Michael's shoes will remind him of that cannonade on the battlefield. Memories. Seizure. Rose extends his hand.
Unfortunately, the color of the form is too important in this world.
Set in a drenched village in World War I Ireland, the story follows a man with the gift of love wades through a forest of human prejudices, political divisions, and his own contradictions. The large-scale and lengthy film is surprisingly noble in its message and is truly beautiful in the way the director shows this story. It is impossible not to note the full harmony of the love scene of the heroes in nature. Images of their bodies for a short moment are replaced by frames of nature: here runs a stream, here the wind blows down from the dandelions, here the sun looks through the leaves of trees ... To love and give love – what could be more natural? At this moment, you realize how pure the thoughts of the heroes are, even if they violate some of the biblical commandments.
Down with the form.