This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Always nice to find a gem from the silent days I had never heard about until recently. I had not even heard of the director Mozzhukhin, although apparently I have seen him as an actor in a few movies. He was a good film maker, judging by his Brasier Ardent (I erroneously thought it would translate as 'Burning Bra'), very innovative and often funny with an early highlight at the Institute for Lost Wives, but there are many moments that…
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
I have a weak spot for Italian melodramas like this one, oddly renamed "Empty Eyes". In films such as these a good portrayal of the protagonist is crucial, and Galter is excellent. She is wonderful as the reluctant, somewhat naive and attractive montanara, sent to the big city to make her earning as so many poor girls did. Even though the melodrama is all around, there is some room still for some humour as well.
It is by no means…
Probably the strongest anti-war drama I've seen, not focusing on the battlefields but on those who are left behind: the fathers, mothers, girlfriends. A touching and melancholy story with some incredible performances, it is also heartbreaking knowing the words uttered by Paul in the beginning came true:
"Nine million people got slaughtered, and they're already talking about another war. And the next time there'll be ninety million!"
A must-see movie.
Didn't expect too much but Au Bonheur des Dames is a wonderful movie with intriguing plot, dynamic camera movement and editing and good overall acting. And it's impossible not to fall for Dita Parlo's bedroom eyes and charming smile. Highly recommended for silent movie fans.
