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| Captain Corelli's Mandolin |
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  (8/10)
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Runtime: 127 |
| Public Rating: 7.62 (29 votes) |
Director: John Madden |
MPAA Rating:  |
| Genre: Drama/ Romance/ War |
Year: 2001 |
| Writer(s): Shawn Slovo |
| Distributor: 1 |
| Reviewed by: Movieman |
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The main reason I went to see Captain Corelli's Mandolin was in hopes that this film would close up the lack-luster summer season and open up the season of Oscar contenders. Could the music of the mandolin soothe the hearts of the Oscar voters? Well, if I were a voter, it worked for me.
Italy and Germany have joined forces in World War II and together, with Germany leading, have taken over lands including a small island in Greece. The island has stood the test of time by keeping tradition together and staying small and basically isolated from the outside world. In comes the Italian Army with Antonio Corelli (Cage), a opera singing, mandolin playing captain who while marching through the streets with his unit, takes notice of a local woman, Pelagia (Cruz).
Pelagia lives with her father (Hurt) who is the doctor of the island. Before the Italians came into town, she got engaged to Mandras (Bale), a somewhat immature man but whom also has much love for Pelagia. Mandras goes off to help the war effort with Greece and after much time, he finally comes back to the Italian/German invasion. He also comes back to find out that Corelli has taken residence in Pelagia's house. Of course you know what comes next, but the film is still unpredictable after the initial conflict between Pelagia's torn heart.
The acting is great all around. Nicolas Cage puts on a weak Italian accent but he more than makes up for his onscreen presence espcially with co-star Penelope Cruz. Cage has some great acting abilities and they come into play here. It may not get recognition for awards but it does save the film as a whole.
Cruz grows up big time and even surpasses her other good performance in All the Pretty Horses. She's beautiful and has plenty of talent to make her a superstar in the future. I felt a connection to her and like the other main characters, you root for her.
But, the most notable perfomance, and one that derserves an Oscar nod is the part of Dr. Iannis by John Hurt. His puts on his father role to a "tee" and gives you yet another character you care about and someone you can be behind until the end.
John Madden (not the football guy) directs another romance film, the other being the surprise Best Picture winner Shakepeare in Love. He does a nice job showing the coutryside and giving each of the characters their due time on screen.
The film was based upon the popular novel by Louis de Bemieres. I have never read the novel so I could not tell you if it was as good or even better. However, on the sa token it should not be compared because they are two different forms of entertainment.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin is by far the best and most Oscar-worthy film of the year. It has drama, some great acting and tremendous cinematography. It's interesting that the summer opened with a WWII film with Pearl Harbor (for the most part a failure) and ends with Mandolin. I definately recommend this film for those who likes romance and doesn't mind some slow movie scenes.
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