Reviews

It seems strange to be writing this now after so long.But, after seeing, MUNICH, I felt compelled to write something. This film remains the best interpretation of those tragic events, even though it was done twenty years ago. I saw Sword of Gideon when it first aired on television. Since then I have seen it several times and never failed to be moved by it. It was unforgettable.Well cast and well acted. The narrative was excellent, the characterizations clearly defined. Steven Bauer did an amazing job. I must say that between MUNICH and SWORD OF GIDEON, Gideon is, for me, by far a superior rendering of an anguished moment in world history. When Steven Spielberg decided to offer his own take on this event, I was optimistic. Ciaran Hinds, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush and Eric Bana are superb actors. But for whatever reason, MUNICH just didn't live up to it's promise. Sword of Gideon was a superior interpretation and well worth seeing, even now. The essential facts of the story are well documented and Gideon does an excellent job of presenting them.

I thought Reese Witherspoon did a remarkable job in her role as June Carter. And she can SING!That was the most delightful discovery about her performance in Walk the Line. She did a credible job, even if she took few risks with her role. In fact, hers was probably one of the least demanding roles in the film. The risk-taker in this one is, hands down, Joaquin Phoenix. He said he knew nothing about picking a guitar and never sang before in his life. He was terrified, by his own account and worked really hard to develop his character.He succeeded wonderfully well! There is a temptation to compare this film to last year's RAY. Don't give in to it. RAY was a traditional biopic, this was, at it's very heart, a love story. The trauma of his brother's death left a deep scar on Cash's family and stunted his relationship with is father. Even as he achieved greater success, there was always the gnawing desire to win the approval of a hard, bitter man. His father's emotional abuse and menacing behavior informed Cash's actions, including his pursuit of June, even more than he was willing to acknowledge. She was the love of his life, from the moment he heard her perky voice on the radio as a child until the day he died, four months after her passing. The consummation of that love affair was a healing experience. It was, in truth his rescue. If you approach this film expecting something like RAY, you will be disappointed. If you approach it as the love story it truly is, you will be delighted. Joaquin deserves an Oscar nomination.

I saw this at the Tribeca Film Festival last year. I am so happy that it is finally being released!!! This film will beguile you with the sweetest bunch of characters I have ever seen!!! Jack McElhone is a marvel as the little boy, who is deaf. Emily Mortimer brings the strength, fierceness and fragility to her role you would expect of a single mother. Gerard Butler, as the stranger who consents to pretend to be Frankie's dad for a day is simply incredible. There is one scene in particular, so subtle and yet it really speaks volumes. Little Frankie and his "dad" are looking at a sea horse swimming around in a tank. No words, just the look on Butler's face as he watches Frankie! Gerard Butler continues to challenge himself with complex roles and succeeds beautifully. He gives a nuanced, restrained performance that is very powerful. I loved this film. Everyone in it deserves highest praise.