Quaint.

The Woodlanders review

By JohnnyX from Bristol

The Woodlanders

Starring Emily Woof, Rufus Sewell, Jodhi May, Tony Haygarth

Director Phil Agland

Genres Drama, Romance

Run time 94 mins Certificate U

10th September 2008

This is a rustic, historical romantic drama, but 'Wuthering Heights' it is not. There are some pretty, or even beautiful, woodland scenes, but most are dowdy, ordinary and not very interesting. The characters are quite interesting, but some of the acting is as wooden as the surrounding trees. The rather quaint story might be OK as a novel, but it is not strong enough to be made into a film.

The circumstances and the events, although being not particularly extraordinary, are bigger than the characters involvled; it's as if they have no freewill whatsoever. This kind of determinism of human behaviour may be of interest to Hardy, or to scientific materialists, but it is hardly the subject matter of great drama.

This film hasn't attracted much interest, and this is quite understandable. It is OK as an afternoon film, to rather pleasanlty fill a few lazy hours, but that,s about all.

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About the reviewer: JohnnyX

I am a Cambridge graduate. I studied the Natural Sciences Tripos, where I specialised in experimental physics. I also took the first year 'Biology of Cells' course, and the second year 'Experimental Psychology' course; both of these inspired a lifelong interest. I am also extremely interested in all kinds of Philosophy and in Spiritual Faith. I've read almost everything which has ever been written on these subjects. I also have a very strong interest in Mathematics, games and sports, Art, all kinds of music, and I have always had a passionate interest in films; this goes back to my childhood when I first saw films such as 'The Ten Commandments', 'Ben Hur', 'Spartacus', '2001; a Space Oddesy', 'Zulu', 'The Exorcist', 'Jason and the Argonauts', and so on. As you can see, I particularly like Historical Epics, antiwar films, Spirtual films, Sci Fi fimls, Action and Adventure films, Horror films (when well done), as well as liking Drama and Comedy films, when they are a bit different and well made. I have worked as a secondary school teacher of science, specialising in teaching physics at A level, for the last 25 years. A few years ago I had to retire on the grounds of ill-health. At the moment, I am trying to write a book about the 'Nature of Reality', and I am also doing a great deal of reading.

Titles rented: 22

Favourite actor: Mel Gibson

Favourite director: Quentin Taratino