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A Major Disappointment

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

The storyline was slim, the actors were excellent and the tension true but there was far too much mere wanting and we didn't even get to enjoy the happy ending. It was as though this movie was made by a sexually uptight lesbian who loved the characters but was embarrassed by any physicality. Finally the overly dramatic and tacky music was distracting. There simply is not enough of a movie to write about that could fill up ten lines! A decent flick overall but all worry and no fun makes Jack a dull movie that was clean but plain. I would have to be bored out of my skull to view it again however worthy the film is in subtle ways.....can I stop writing now?

I loved it, it's a tender and subtle film, well worth watching. Nothing raunchy or unpleasant as is the fashion nowadays but a simple building friendship between two women. It's one of my favourite films, I think where it's set adds to the film. I'm not sure if it portrays northern men in a good light but all in all its a lovely film. I don't think it needs to take the relationship between the two women any further than it does. When Ellen comes to realise how she feels..it's enough I've watched many films of this genre including 'Desert Hearts' and 'Fire' which I also enjoyed. I recommend this film, your not going to be shocked or disgusted what goes on. Beautifully acted by the two leading women..Andrina Carroll and Barbara Marten too.

Looking forward to a subtle period piece about love which cannot be expressed easily especially in the repressive 1950s, I was hoping for a film with plenty of subtlety and nuance, expressiveness and sensitivity. Unfortunately, these factors were demeaned by an excruciating screenplay, totally inadequate to the film and its actors; a monotonously boring and irritating soundtrack which obtruded at every point; and a labouring of obvious sentiments unnecessarily. The actors were inhibited, not by the subject, but by the production and dialogue. Watching this film was not dissimilar to watching paint dry - or in this case peeling - the door of the leading character's house was dilapidated and needed stripping down and repainting badly - a rather good metaphor for the whole film.However, the one high point was the setting: the period detail was exact and lovingly attended to by the director (and as I read, he inherited many of the accessories from his grandmother). I was brought up in the fifties and felt totally familiar with the scenes - whether soft furnishings and wallpapers; kitchen utensils and public transport, costumes and handbags. These were a joy to see - but sadly, the film moved as slowly as the fifties I remember (maybe this was intentional!).So I can only rate this movie as 5 out of 10. I liked the story and the characters, but the drama was too low-key to be effective and for a story of 'forbidden love' did not translate to a 21st century audience who are a world away from fifties ideology, prejudices, and inhibitions. It was nice that the film ended on a note of hope but the plot was contrived to achieve this and fell flat.Pity.

This jewel of a film is strictly for romantics. The film is a quiet character study of a woman who finds the courage to open herself to the possibilities of love and happiness. After a lifetime of repression and fear of disappointing family, the lead character can no longer deny the intense feelings that have developed between herself and her son's schoolteacher, and finally allows herself to experience what she really wants. The film may not contain the flash and raunchiness that many viewers are used to (no kissing, although there is some very heart-warming hand-holding), but for this viewer, it was stirring and captivating, and one of the most vividly romantic pieces I've seen in a long time. Magnificent acting highlighted this beautiful story.