Sexual relations began in 1963. Between the end of the Chatterley ban and the Beatles' first record. Not so often, but sometimes movies are about a famous book. Most often, these are books that have made a kind of revolution in history. Once upon a time I heard about this infamous novel by David Herbert Lawrence. I did not know that once this novel “was” in the dock, if you can say so. Later, translating the chapter of the treatise on literary genres, I again came across the mention of the novel, and decided to look to understand what was the matter there.
Many historical and significant events took place in 1963. One of them was the trial of Lady Chatterley's Lover. The prosecution is pushing for the book to be banned because of overly explicit sexual scenes, lewd words used and immoral themes revealed in the novel. 12 jurors need to hear the arguments of the defense and prosecution, as well as the testimony of numerous witnesses, after which they must decide whether to include the novel in the lists of banned literature or not. In parallel with the case, a love story develops between two fictional jurors - Helen and Keith.
I haven’t read the book yet, and now I think I did the right thing to first watch a movie about the trial of this book. Because I'm pretty sure that after reading the novel, a lot of people will think it's just about sex, debauchery, and they'll stop reading. However, after listening to those who defend the novel, what they say about it, you understand that everything in it is not so simple and clear. Of course, it is strange to hear that some consider this novel a great work of English literature, but once again, I have not read this work, I am trying to convey the impression of the reproduction of the process. Speaking of the trial itself, I listened to it with interest: how calmly the defense lined up, how the accusation threw up and melted, how some witnesses feared the prosecutor’s questions, or how virtuoso and unflappable they answered provocative questions. Sometimes it was difficult to contain laughter - some moments of the trial were very cluttered!
Beyond the high-profile trial, the plot revolves around the relationship of the two jurors, even their memories - Keith, tired of his mundane and boring family life, and Helena, newly divorced and eager to find her happiness. The novel they have to read captures them completely. They feel this irresistible attraction, this passion and desire that cannot be resisted. Their stormy romance just had to happen. Rafe Spall and Louise Delamer showed this riot of passion, feelings that flow over the edge, and which can be stopped only by completely dipping into this abyss, they managed to show this chemistry between the main characters, were able to make the viewer believe in the truthfulness of their feelings.
I have repeatedly repeated how talented British actors are - many familiar personalities that are known on British television appear here: the calm and confident defender Gerald Gardiner (Donald Sumpter), the fierce, stubborn and almost salivating accuser Marvin Griffin-Jones (Pip Torrens). Among the witnesses to the defense of the book, the most vivid and unforgettable impression was made by the teacher Helen Gardner (Selina Cadell), after whose speech the prosecution did not have the words to question her, Bishop Vulich (Graham Sid), who led those present in shock with his views, and Professor Richard Hoggart (David Tennant), who answered all the arguments and attacks of the prosecution only lightly raising his left eyebrow!
This feature film is highly unusual, even amazing. This film encourages us, modern readers and viewers, to be smarter and more attentive. I am now sure that had I read the novel before, I would have dropped it for all the reasons the prosecution insisted on. Now, perhaps, I can find the morality, the feelings, and the chastity that the many witnesses and defenders of the book have spoken of. We hope that every reader will be able to see this when reading this work.
8 out of 10