In 1998 Jean Marc Barr cornered the market in exotic, romantic foreigners in British, period Romances. First in The Scarlet Tunic, based on a Thomas Hardy short story then in St Ives (also known as All for Love), based on an unfinished work by Robert Louis Stevenson, and it's easy to see why, he is handsome and has a easy charm and quiet charisma, allied to a relaxed screen presence that serves him well. This piece is not quite as serious as the former, as along with the romance, battle scenes and duels, there is also a welcome vein of comedy throughout that sometimes puts one in mind of the Richard Lester Musketeer movies. Much of this comedy comes from Richard E Grant as a lovelorn and tongue-tied major and Miranda Richardson as a witty local lady and their burgeoning courtship. Delightful stuff and these two effortlessly steal the film from under the noses of the aforementioned Barr and Anna Friel, the subject of his romantic gaze. That's not to say they don't do good work because they bring a great deal of their own wit and charm to the proceedings and anchor the film. There is also an embarrassment of riches in the supporting cast, all doing good work; Jason Isaacs as Barr's dastardly brother, Michael Gough as his grandfather, Tim Dutton as his staunch friend and Cecile Pallas as one of his earlier 'conquests', not to mention yet more 'name' actors featuring in quite small roles, such as Vernon Dobtcheff, Desmond Barritt and Adrian Scarborough. The romance is handled sensitively, the battle scenes and duels are excitingly brought to life and the comedy is chucklesome. The costumes, circa the Napoleonic wars are also superbly done. This film is highly recommended to fans of period drama.
Review of St. Ives
