Friday, February 12, 2010

DVDs

The Duchess was marvellous.  A look at the life (and times) of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Georgiana was given in marriage to the Duke of Devonshire, a fantastically wealthy older man.  She was a party girl - loving fashion and gambling.  She was charismatic and lent her support in political matters.  He was uncommunicative, had dalliances with lots of women, and even brought one of his illegitimate children to live with them.  As well, he had a continuing relationship with Georgiana's best friend who ended up living with them.  However, when she sought happiness with Charles Grey he cruelly asked her to choose between Grey and her children.  Georgiana eventually bore the Duke a son, which was the main reason for the marriage.
I loved the movie - it was well acted and gave a good insight into the times and the burdens that people at every level of society had to bear.  The costumes were wonderful and the cinematography excellent.

The action mainly takes place in on day, with flashes back and forward.  Rose has been fired from her job in a restaurant.  Jose, the chef, follows Rose and ends up spending the day with her, learning more about her.  She learns about him and his family (his brother owns the restaurant where they both work).  It is a love story with a difference.  Jose is still struggling to deal with a tragedy from many years ago and in Rose he sees an opportunity to redeem himself.  It is a lovely movie - interesting characters, genuine emotion.  Very good.