Rating: 
Summary: PHILOSOPHICAL, SCIENTIFIC AND GREAT DRAMA
Review: It is, without a doubt, one of the most intriguing films I've ever had the pleasure of watching. This is one of those rare productions where the elements that make it work, are all of superb quality. The actors are incredibly talented and do give truly magnificent performances. The photography and costumes are breathtaking. And of course the story is absolutely clever.The title is both the question and the answer. Who are the angels and who are the insects? When you reach the end of the film you'll know. It is a study of morality vs. perversity. In her role as governess, Kristin Scott-Thomas exudes intelligence making her beautiful beyond words. Her uncommon intellect sets her apart from the rest of the "beauties" around her. My fascination with her character has to do with exactly that. The question of what 'makes' a woman is exactly the same as 'what' makes a man. It has to do with a whole lot more than just gender. Beauty alone does not make a woman, just like strength alone does not make a man; neither do social status, money, power, pedigree, or even education. The film tears down the myth that a woman must accept being relegated to conversations about ribbons and bows and meaningless, tedious gossip. And yet, if you look closely at the Victorian age, you'll find that men in general treated women as nothing more than just pretty things to adorn their manly selves with. I wonder if this theme is what was hinted at in the scene by the lake with all the ladies in their beautifully colored dresses. They're reminiscent of butterflies in a field. I loved the film because of its scientific content too. There is a scene during a meal where the conversation turns to horses. Mr. Ryland's character begins to talk about how science has determined that all modern horses come from the same ancestral line, only to be interrupted by his employer's son. His claim is that a workhorse has nothing in common with the finer pedigrees. Then his father interrupts him to say "THINK before you speak." This is definitely one of the finest productions on film today!
Rating:
Summary: High caliber drama!
Review: Mature drama set in Victorian England . An impoverished naturalist called Ryanlance is taken by Kemp's family . This fascinating story runs when Ryanlance falls in love with the Patsy Kensit and eventually marries her . Morpho Eugenia is the key ; while the investigator is studying the social order of the insects , the people who surrounds him become gradually eccentric.
The film is built following a clear metaphor . The presence of inner demons and hidden emotions will involve the high tension drama . Kristin Scott Thomas plays an interesting and challenging role ; she represents the alter ego of Raylance ; besides she shows us once more why she is one of the top actress in the world.
Superbly acting ; top notch art direction ; fascinating enlightment and a perfect script.
And remember the key word: insect.
Do you need any other advise to acquire this cinema jewel?
Rating: 
Summary: Tender performance by Mark Rylance.
Review: Nice, tender performance by Mark Rylance, whom I have already seen in Intimacy (2001). While watching this film Angels & Insects, I had thought he might have been a contender for the next James Bond.
Rating:
Summary: Tender performance by Mark Rylance. James Bond in 2008?
Review: Nice, tender performance by Mark Rylance, whom I have already seen in Intimacy (2001). While watching this film Angels & Insects, I wondered if Mark Rylance could possibly be in the running to be the next James Bond. He might have to wait until 2008 when Pierce Brosnan passes the torch. If Mark Rylance is a contender, he would be 48 in 2008. Remeber Roger Moore started playing James Bond at 46 and until 58.
Rating:
Summary: bizarre, but good
Review: One of the more bizarre movies I've seen lately. I loved it. Give it a go. And come on; there's hardly any nudity. Gimme a break.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Performance by Kristin Scott Thomas
Review: Strong performances highlight this film, set in Victorian England during a time when science and society overlap to reveal secrets of nature, as well as some of the deeper secrets born of the human condition, which, as in the case of those depicted in "Angels and Insects," directed by Philip Haas, were never intended for public disclosure, encompassing as they do, love, shame, ignorance and desperation, and all on a highly personal level. it's a film that points out that Man, the most intelligent and highly evolved species, without the accompanying responsibility often lacks the order and discipline of the common ant; and, unhappily (as this film so succinctly illustrates)-- such conditions do inexcusably prevail. And, that being the fact of the matter, in the end, all that separates us from the insects or the animals are the aspirations of those individuals who are determined to take us all to that higher level, no matter what the cost in terms of personal sacrifice, and in the final analysis, we are-- for better or worse-- only what we make of ourselves. After ten years on the Amazon and surviving a shipwreck in which most of his work is lost, naturalist William Adamson (Mark Rylance), now lacking a home and means of his own, is taken in by his benefactor, Sir Harald Alabaster (Jeremy Kemp), who hires William to assist him with the writing of a book, as well as to tutor the younger of the children in residence on his estate. It's good fortune for William, who finds satisfaction in his work, as well as in making the acquaintance of one of Sir Harald's daughters, Eugenia (Patsy Kensit), with whom he quickly becomes enamored. Eugenia, however, is a rather fragile flower, struggling with the inner demons of a dark secret born of unspeakable tragedy. A member of the family intimates to William the nature of Eugenia's distress, but though he then understands, he is prevented by class distinction and bloodline from assuaging her grief or pursuing her hand. He can offer only friendship; but as he soon discovers, where matters of the heart are concerned, friendship alone is a cold mistress. And despite his best efforts, the shadows that plague Eugenia's soul remain. William, though, is determined to break through her darkness and bring her into the light. But some secrets are better left buried, and before it's over, William may discover more than he bargained for. Beautifully filmed and acted, working from a screenplay co-written by Philip Haas and Belinda Haas (adapted from the novel, "Morpho Eugenia," by A.S. Byatt), director Haas sets a deliberate pace, which along with the stunning cinematography of Bernard Zitzermann, gives the film a riveting, hypnotic effect. The scenes explode in vivid bursts of color that are so aesthetically appealing to the eye, and which create such a pronounced atmosphere and tone, that the viewer is eased into the drama and summarily swept away by the story. Initially, Haas plays down the enigmatic nature of the tale, but gradually exposes what lies beneath, shading the terms of his revelations so very subtly and effectively. The keen eye will detect hints along the way, but Haas is so discriminating in his presentation that the real impact of the film is decidedly reserved for the denouement, which is extremely effective. Haas understands the emotional terrain with which he is dealing, and it shows-- both in the innate perspectives of human nature which he so readily conveys, as well as in the performances he obtains from his actors. As Adamson, Mark Rylance lends a quiet, personable charm that works perfectly for his portrayal of this man who has seen, perhaps, too much of the world, and as a result, by choice takes that which is pleasing to him at face value. It's an honest depiction of a just man, who views the world about him objectively and without judgment, which in the end, of course, is to his detriment. It is the quiet strength of Rylance's performance, however, that makes it so effective and emotionally involving. Patsy Kensit does an admirable job of capturing the angst of Eugenia, this young woman who lives in a seemingly perpetual state of inner-turmoil. She creates a character that is sympathetic, but who evokes little empathy, which is quite in keeping with who Eugenia really is, the woman hiding behind the same mask that guards her unbearable secret. And it's effective work, too, inasmuch as she presents Eugenia as fragile, but not too vulnerable, which goes far in establishing the true nature of her character. It is Kristen Scott Thomas, however, who gives the most memorable performance of all, as Matty Crompton, a member of Sir Harald's extended family. Scott Thomas, so extraordinary in such films as "The English Patient" and "Random Hearts," has never been better than she is here. Her portrayal of Matty is entirely honest, presented in terms that are so effectively subtle and understated, and which align so perfectly with the discerning approach Haas takes, that she successfully elicits the empathy of the viewer. This is, without question, an Oscar-worthy performance, coincidentally coming in the same year that Scott Thomas was nominated for Best Actress for her work in "The English Patient." It goes without saying that it was an incredible, memorable year for this incredible actor. The supporting cast includes Douglas Henshall (in an extremely noteworthy performance as Eugenia's brother, Edgar), Annette Badland (Lady Alabaster), Chris Larkin (Robin), Anna Massey (Mrs. Mead), Saskia Wickham (Rowena), Clare Redman (Amy) and Paul Ready (Tom). The metaphor of the ant colony makes a thought provoking statement about the potential for dysfunction among the higher, more "intelligent" life forms in the absence of moral discipline and the responsibility carried by Man as the most highly evolved of all creatures. Engaging entertainment and much more, "Angels and Insects" is a plea for humanity to be the best that we can possibly be. And it's the magic of the movies.
Rating: 
Summary: Good movie, poor quality DVD
Review: The movie itself is great, as the other reviews mention. I just wanted to warn potential buyers about the quality of the DVD. The video quality is horrible and looks worse than many good VHS tapes. There are moire patterns and ringing in each scene. The scenes are out-of-focus.
This is very distracting since many of the scenes and costumes involve bright colors and horizontal stripes which only make the problem worse.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't waste your time
Review: The positive reviews I read as well as my admiration for Rylance and Thomas persuaded me to watch this movie, but don't be deceived: this film is far less important and layered than we are led to believe. I felt curiously distanced from the characters and uninvolved with their lives, and the big "shocker" at the end is actually obvious from the first scene, when Eugenia's brother gets irrationally angry at Adamson at a dance. Also, be aware that there are five or six extremely explicit sex scenes, and prolonged full frontal nudity (both male and female). And I find it odd that this film is touted as "decadent" and "sumptuous"; for most people, incest is more disturbing than attractive, more repulsive than sexy. The one star is for the wonderful acting, especially Mark Rylance, who makes Adamson an admirable character with very natural reactions, and Patsy Kensit for allowing Eugenia to be unintelligible. We can't completely understand her, but then she doesn't understand herself. Kristen Scott Thomas is good in everything she does, but she seems curiously underutilized here, even in the scenes in which she appears. Her mobile face and honesty with her emotions stand out like a sore thumb (in a good way) in a movie full of veiling and complicity. The insect shots are good, and the tie-ins between the insects and the family are legitimate, even if the movie does beat us over the head with it. Eugenia's costumes are a kick. It's both too obvious and a bit amusing when she appears in every scene dressed a la a butterfly, or a bee, or an ant. The only truly interesting moment, to me, was at the end when Adamson, the ultimate evolutionist, points out to Eugenia the dangers of inbreeding. She refuses to listen, and somehow I think any depth in the story hinges on that scene.
Rating: 
Summary: Bugged Out in the English Countryside
Review: The title of Philip Haas' latest movie underscores the contradictions of late Victorian English society as seen through the eyes of British novelist A. S. Byatt. The film adaptation of Byatt's novella (MORPHO EUGENIA )is a mysterious and engaging tale, full of visual elaboration and color. Mark Rylance plays William Adamson, a low-born British scientist who has returned from collecting specimens in the Amazon to the ostensible comfort of the English countryside. Staying at the home of Sir Harald Alabaster (Jeremy Kemp), a patron, clergyman, and part-time entomologist, he falls in love with Sir Harald's daughter, Eugenia Alabaster (Patsy Kensit). Eugenia's female presence is both sexy and intense, while her behavior is both enigmatic and often perplexing to our scientific hero. The early drama in this film is augmented by tension between Adamson and Eugenia's brother Edgar (Douglas Henshall). Edgar can be a nasty drunk. He's snotty, contemptuous and otherwise out of control as he does his best to badger and humiliate his soon to be brother-in-law, the humble and reserved specimen scientist. Edgar doesn't want this interloper to become part of his family and we're led to believe that his contempt stems from the contempt that one class bears for another. The real reason for Edgar's foaming-at-the mouth antics is the big surprise of the movie and you'll have to see the movie to find out why some critics have used the word "decadent" to describe the film. But it won't spoil anyone's enjoyment to say that the marriage of Adamson to Eugenia doesn't work out. When it doesn't, the focus shifts to another love interest in this drama of a decaying aristocracy. Kristin Scott Thomas plays Matty Compton, a poor relative of the wealthy Alabasters. She provides the cushion for Adamson's fall when he discovers that Eugenia's got a serious problem. Matty Compton's a woman with all the answers, practical, intelligent, ahead of her time. This film is laden with symbolism but you don't have to have your doctorate in English Lit to appreciate it. The work of Charles Darwin has shattered the prevalent world-view (angels and God determining our fate) and science has left mankind feeling like an unimportant creature on the long ladder of evolution. Thus, ants and butterflies are the prevailing metaphors for existence in this film, and who hasn't at one time or another thought of their friends or acquaintances in this way? The costuming also contributes a great deal to the symbolism. Even if you're not a dressmaker or fashion maven, you're bound to get a kick out of the bold and ingenious costume schemes. The natural world photography is mesmerizing and the sexual scenes are sensuous and explicit, though not plentiful. There's much to like in this movie: great cinematography, good script, terrific acting.
Rating:
Summary: unique departure from traditional films
Review: this film is a thought-provoking look at an e
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