Rating: 
Summary: Sadly Neglected Small Gem from Lovely Bonahm Carter
Review: Originally called "Keep the Aspidistra Flying," which is also the title of George Orwell's 1936 original novel, "A Merry War" showcases the following two charming things: Richard E Grant as a poet by profession (so he thinks) and Helena Bonham Carter as a dedicated lover. Those fans of them, who are dismayed to see them in Hollywood made products like "Hudson Hawk" or the remake "The Planet of Apes" respectively would be infinitely delighted to see them shining in this charming little drama. And you will see cute Ms. Bonham Carter wearing glasses (a rare thing) and look so brilliant. No more ape make-up, please.The story, which is semi-autobiographical of Eric Arthur Blair (known as George Orwell), follows the hero Gordon Comstock, who suddenly leaves the office "New Albion" an ad agency in order to be a poet and a free man. No more slaves to money, he vows, but naturally, as we all know from the beginning, he starts to stumble gradually into the financial troubles. His friends -- rich publisher Ravelston, his sister Julia, and most of all his love and former co-worker and illustrator Rosemary -- try to support him and persuade him into the original course of life, "respectable" life of copywriter, but Gordon stubbornly refuses. Gordon goes -- How can they say such things when his first book of poems "Mice" was praised by The Times Literary Supplement" with the comment "exceptional promise"? But promose was just promise, and he slowly realizes that his happiness lies only in the life with Rosemary, who is always faithful, caring, and around him. The film is perfectly crafted around the leading characters, and they are played by those splendid actors. Grant utters his witty, acid remarks as if spitting out, turning his wickedly satrical lines into instant charm of language, and though sometimes his character is shown in a very negative light, Grant manages to maintain our sympathy with Gordon, who is obviously no talent. Like Johnny Depp in "Ed Wood" we know he is not going to make it. Still, we care about him and his too naive, crazy, sensitive side of Gordon. Also Helena Bonham Carter is a pure delight to watch, and without familiar costume of Victorian or Edwardian middle-class society (her clothes are here very ordinary ones) she establishes with a slight comic touch a lovely character of Rosemary whom every man with level-headed brain would crave for. Unfortunately, Gordon takes a long time to see that. The director Robert Bierman, like he did in excellent adaptation of Wilkie Collins' "The Moonstone," shows pretty faithful version of the original book, which contains many satires on British middle-class mentality. "Aspidistra" of the title is used in the book as a symbol of middle-class respectability, but the film wisely avoids going deeply in for utilizing the motif. Instead, the film set its forcus upon the romance side of the book, and turned out a great success. Though you many feel the film lacks in more substance, or too light, little seen "The Merry War" deserves to be seen more, because of the charm of the two leads exude. If nothing more it can offer to you, the delightful couple only would justify your paying money for the enjoyable 100 minutes. The film's newer title phrase "A Merry War" appears in the middle of the original book when Gordon & Rosemary go hiking in Chater 6, which I quote: "Each laughed with delight at the other's absurdities. There was a merry war between them. Even as they disputed, arm in arm, they pressed their bodies delightfully together." Very appropriate to describe the relations of this lovely couple, as you will see in the film.
Rating: 
Summary: Delightfully witty and charming!
Review: Richard E. Grant is hysterical, Bonham Carter, his devoted girlfriend is wise and middle class which is where they part and then re-unite. Both are employed (between the world wars) as copywriter and graphic artist for a London advertising agency. Grant, believing he has a future as a poet, "quits" his day job for a life of "art." Downward he spirals, embraces a bohemian lifestyle, embracing his freedom. Alas, middle class responsibilities, sexual tension and love for another ultimately balance their lives. Very funny, intelligent, and downright enjoyable. Any Anglophile will enjoy!!!
Rating:
Summary: Orwell adapted flawlessly, Film Severely Underated.
Review: This film was perhaps the most underated, underseen British sleeper of '98. Richard Grant is the most extraordinary and under-utilized actor working in Britain today. Helena Bonham Carter is beautiful as ever, and perfect for the part. If you loved Orwell's "Keep the Asphidistra Flying," then you will love this funny, touching, flawless adaptation of perhaps one of Orwell's best (yet widely [and sadly] unread) novels. Buy this film now!
Rating: 
Summary: Decent film with a few great character turns.
Review: This is a fairly amusing period film that would really lag without a great supporting cast. Richard E. Grant pretty much just irritates as the would-be poet. (Maybe I'm prejudiced; I once dated a guy just like this.) Julian Wadham, on the other hand, as his aristocratic publisher, absolutely shines. This actor has been in a couple of other great film roles in the last couple of years (The Madness of King George, The English Patient) and I can't figure out why he isn't getting leading roles. He's magnificent.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: This movie is a brilliant look at social classes in the 1920's in England. It is a smart, taught film, that will interest and engulf the viewer; when I saw this movie I was given great insights into the meaning of happiness and how thoose who are truly passionate can not succumb to conformity. This movie is a beautiful little piece of art, and it is the best film I've seen all year.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing Richard E. Grant film
Review: This movie is looong. I have seen most of the films starring Richard E. Grant, and this is one of the worst. He does his usual cranky neurotic role, but there didn't seem to be any point to his character's travails. He quits his job in an ad agency to become a full time poet, and is on the brink of starvation and disaster for 2 hours. But after an hour, I really didn't even care. Julian Wadham co-stars as the rich publisher. It is nice to see Helena Bonham Carter not wearing Edwardian garb. If you want a good Richard E. Grant film, get "Jack and Sarah."
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT ADAPTATION OF GEORGE ORWELL NOVEL
Review: True beatniks and bohemian-types probably will not like this movie because it's about an artist who tried to be a beatnik but in the end embraced responsibilities and the middle class life--something beatniks and bohemians probably would never think of doing. (That's why they're beatniks and bohemians.) But if you can get beyond all that and have an open mind--you will love this movie. It's a great study on the class system, suggesting that the middle class is the backbone of society and the upper and lower classes are the lazy parasites of society. (Upper class are parasites of their money and lower class are parasites of welfare.) At the beginning of the movie, the protagonist hates being part of the middle class. He's not rich enough to have sex in the afternoons and he's not poor enough to have sex in the afternoons. By the end of the movie, he realizes the importance of the middle class and if it wasn't for the middle class--there would be no society. A VERY BRAVE FILM TO MAKE THIS OBSERVATION. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: This film was OK. I would like to read the work now.
Review: Well, it was nice to be able to relate to the film's premise (in terms of both male-female relationships and the idea of ridding oneself from society. My parents actually found this movie and sugggested that I watch it. I'm not sure what that means. Maybe I should buy a plant.
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