Feast of July

Rating:
Summary: bittersweet feast
Review: A credible step back in time, this beautifully filmed period piece set in 19th century England follows the fortunes of a troubled young woman taken in by a family with three unmarried sons. Hospitality is sincere but conflicts of affections naturally develop. The mother in the household, severe and stoic in her aspect, slowly warms to the earnest and unassuming nature of their guest and a tenuous bond forms until conflicts emerge.

The film portrays a variety of male characters with their array of emotions and situational ego struggles in an historic setting that draws you into the period as well as the story's building drama. Even the young woman's villianous past lover receives comprehensive treatment of the qualities of his character.

The high-strung son's unbridled passion and the young woman's responding compassion that suddenly envelops these two uniquely tender and intense hearts is compelling and lifts the story above cliche. A fateful dilemma, born of sudden violence, confronts and pursues the young lovers and makes for a desperate moral/psychological impass, the conclusions of which are hauntingly profound.

Casting of this film is flawless. Davidtz is just the sort of woman to stir any man's heart and her performance is utterly magnetic. As the center of a gripping and soulful story that stretches the heart to maximum understanding and acceptance, her poignant final scene is one that lingers in its hopeful promise.

Rating:
Summary: Purefoy a Delight in Feast
Review: I mainly bought this film to see James Purefoy. Purefoy did a masterful job as the charming yet bossy older brother in his small role. This film was vintage Merchant Ivory in terms of the lovely scenery and great costuming. The film also had a tragic story in rural England Thomas Hardy type quality reminiscent of Tess of the D'Urbervilles and The Woodlanders, eventhough this is not a Hardy story. I'm glad I got the film, but be prepared for an unhappy ending.

Rating:
Summary: feast of july --- my favorite movie that nobody knows
Review: This is an amazing film --- exquisitely executed, shot and acted with a simple story and gorgeous period detail --- both Embeth Davidz & Ben Chaplin are brilliant.
I saw this movie twice in the theatres because it was such a "gem" and then nobody was interested --probably because there were no stars in it --- but see it,,,,it's a tragic and beautiful love story. Pay special attention to the cinematography which is extraordinary.
steven

Rating:
Summary: feast for the heart
Review: This movie is one of the few that made me cry! I was pleasantly surprised to see Davidtz in a more compassionate and warm character than the one we remember as 'Natasha' from 'Bridget Jones's Diary'....the costumes were lovely in this film, and although the character goes through so much burden, she comes out on top with strength and understanding. A touching film that moves the heart.