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Closing The Ring [2007]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £7.84 (subject to change)

Well Worth Watching
Review date: 2008-09-11 Rating: 8 out of 10

I can't believe this film never made it to any cinema in the North West. The film is a love story that jumps between decades, set against the backdrop of the Second World War. When you first begin to watch it, you may be a bit confused as to what is going on, because it jumps from America to Belfast and back again in different decades. Stick with it, because it does become gripping viewing. It is well worth seeing, and is one of those stories that unravels as you watch it (getting better and better as it goes along).

It is directed by Richard Attenborough and is well acted throughout by actors such as Christopher Plummer, Shirley Maclaine, Mischa Barton, Neve Campbell etc. The actor Martin McCann who plays young Irish Jimmy brings a refreshing breather to a film that is full of drama and emotion.

Highly Recommended.

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Reviews


A well put-together story
Review date: 2008-06-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

I saw this movie for the first time last night, loved it and immediately bought it from HMV. Based on a true story, it is cleverly told about 5 people 50 years ago and bringing them back together in the present time in a heart-rending but beautiful story of love and war. Set in America and Northern Ireland when an American war plane crashed on Cave Hill in Belfast, I am particularly interested as this is such a familiar area for me, living in Belfast. However, Belfast does not now look like it is portrayed in the film, as since 1994 there has been relative peace. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough. Have a box of tissues handy while you watch it! Wonderful portrayals from big stars Shirley MacLaine, Christopher Plummer, Neve Campbell and Pete Postlethwaite.

Superlative storytelling from Lord Attenborough
Review date: 2008-04-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

This film got an awful lot of stick from the critics, and I genuinely can't see why. It boasts class names from both sides of the pond and has an undeniable emotional pull.

There has been criticism of a 'contrived' ending, but the whole tug of the narrative is actually based on real events, so why bleat on about that? Besides, what do we go to the cinema for, if not to be transported elsewhere?

I loved it at the cinema, and hope to on DVD - I'm looking forward to whatever the extras will be. The 'breakdown' scenes of Christopher Plummer and Pete Postlethwaite are worth the entrance fee alone - but there's much more to recommend here. A plot set in two time zones (featuring the same characters 50 years apart) keeps you on your toes as the story slowly, carefully, delicately unfolds.

Does that sound dull? It's not, it's elegiac and measured - and yet, in places, surprisingly sparky and funny, too. Shirley MacLaine is on dazzling form as she delivers a multi-layered and subtle performance. And Brenda Fricker and newcomer Martin McCann (look up the word 'zesty' in the dictionary, and you'll find his Equity headshot) create some beautifully judged comedy moments.

Let's be clear about this - 'The Matrix' it ain't (though, without giving the game away, there is peril and guns and bombs to be located at just the right moments) - it's a lovingly-told story, and it's all in the telling of it. At turns moving, uplifting, frustrating, unbelievable, fun, harrowing - just like life, really!

Oh, and lest I forget, I am bound to say there is a killer song on the end credits: "Lost Without Your Love" sung by Amy Pearson: stunning - it's a real 'My Heart Will Go On' moment. Had me reaching for a hanky!

So, in re-appraisal, this is a film that deserves more consideration, and more attention - not least because you will only truly appreciate it upon multiple viewings once all the secrets have been revealed, so a DVD purchase seems nigh-on essential.

I hope Richard Attenborough continues to make this sort of film, and that the critics grow some hearts.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
John Kavanagh
Christopher Plummer
Allan Gildea
Shirley MacLaine
Pete Postlethwaite

Creators:
Christopher Plummer (Primary Contributor)
Allan Gildea (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582551273
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2008-05-19
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007

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