Captain Corelli's Mandolin Reviews

Another of John Madden's well-crafted films

I had heard that this came under some criticism when released so, unburdened by having read the book (I'm never sure why a film has to be exactly like the book its based on - the 2 media are so dissimilar), I thought I'd have a look. Despite being set in wartime, it was a gently moving film that not only built on the 'will they, won't they fall in love' routine but also the 'will they, won't they actually survive'! Scenically beautiful and with the battle scenes accurate but restrained (but why do shell bursts have to have a red flame/oily black smoke component?) the love story gently evolved - its slow pace redolent of the years that elapsed. Penelope Cruz was the epitome of how a woman can suddenly become so beautiful with just a smile and a look, Nicolas Cage was all contentment and passion and John Hurt sage-like and wise as Cruz's father. It was through the movie that I recognised some of the music tones and it was only at the final credits did I realise that, of course, it was another John Madden film - beautifully crafted, superbly directed and well acted.

I'm feeling generous

This is a good film, although I confess it appealed much more to my wife than to me. Whilst not exactly a 'girly' film it would have a very sentimental appeal for many women, I think. As a film though it was excellent with lovely scenery and super acting - altogether a good story!

One piece of advice:

If you've read the book, then the film may not live up to it (as usual) and there are many parts that have been changed, including the ending. The film concentrates on the pivotal characters of Pelagia and Antonio and does not give even of an insight into the other characters, especially Carlos (Antonio's friend). Having said this, the film conveys a sense of community amongst the Kefalonians very well.

If you haven't read the book and enjoy romantic films, you'll find this film entertaining. My favourite character is Pelagia's father, who is played by John Hurt and the only time I found the film to be a tear jerker was when it involved John Hurt.

I quite enjoyed the film, but...

As an adaption of a book, rather than expressly written for film, the film faced difficulty in fleshing out the rich relationships between the non-principals in the time available.

Resolving the problem by not even trying, it concentrated with some success on the Hurt/Cage/Cruz relationship. Hurt and Cruz brought magic to their characters which served only to emphasise Cage’s weaknesses, mostly his tendency to overstate his character and fail to capture it’s whimsical, Italian essence. David Morrissey also looked and sounded uncomfortable in his role (why do they always cast him in this way?)

Despite these aberrations, I quite enjoyed the film, and loved its Hurt/Cruz strengths but felt short-changed by the ending, which took the easy way out.

Maybe the story’s emotions were just too difficult to deal with on film? Can’t help wondering how much better a job French film makers would have done with the story.

Captain Corellis Mandolin

I was really dissapointed with this film I had read the book and was looking forward to seeing the film. However, the most important parts of the story had been cut out of the film. The bits that were missing made the story special. The film seemed rushed. Would not recommend reading the book before watching the film.

Although Nicholas Cage is fantastic.

Sound track good.

A really good movie. Haven't read the book, so I don't know how it compares with that. The movie does a good job of conveying the power of music, and how it can unite people - if only for a few seconds. Also some scary commentary on how brutal people can be in war.

Not sure about the use of accents - English people trying to convey a Greek and Italian accent - gets the idea across, but it seems a bit contrived, and I'm not sure that they are very good at it, particularly John Hurt.

I loved this story! Nicolas Cage is such a dish even with his interesting Italian accent!! It was interesting to listen to the Director's commentry and how he changed the original book in places to make it a more dramatic story line. I knew that Nicolas Cage learned to play the Mandolin for his role but didn't know that it was actually him singing!! A lovely movie to watch with a box of chocs and some tissues (if you're a sentimental like me)!

my wife informs me that this is one of the best films she has seen, and the lack of to much military action suited her, a great film

My favourite film. I still cry every time I watch it and I fell in love with Captain Corelli. So romantic!

very good dvd

enjoyed the film very much, bit of a

surprize