FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: The Wings Of The Dove [DVD] [1998]

The Wings Of The Dove [DVD] [1998]
enlarge	Director: Iain Softley Actors: Helena Bonham Carter, Linus Roache, Alison Elliott, Charlotte Rampling, Elizabeth McGovern Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm Category: DVD List Price: ~~£14.99~~ Buy New: £3.92 as of 21/11/2009 23:40 GMT details You Save: £11.07 (74%) New (10) Used (3) from £2.85 Seller: findprice Rating: 12 reviews Sales Rank: 6460 Format: PAL, Widescreen Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over Region: 2 Discs: 1 Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 98 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5017188882811 ASIN: B00004CYAG Theatrical Release Date: November 7, 1997 Release Date: June 15, 2006 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


Similar Items: The Golden Bowl [DVD] [2000] The Heart Of Me [DVD] [2003] Where Angels Fear to Tread [DVD] [1991] Portrait Of A Lady [DVD] [1997] The House Of Mirth [DVD] [2000]


Editorial Reviews: Amazon.co.uk Review Queen of the costume drama Helena Bonham Carter finally got a chance to loosen her corset a bit with this exquisitely mounted (Sandy Powell's costumes were nominated for an Academy Award) romantic drama based on Henry James's classic novel.p Set in turn-of-the-century London and Venice, IWings of the Dove/I is a stately departure--more PBS than MTV--for Iain Softley, director of IHackers/I and the birth-of-the-Beatles biopic IBackbeat/I. But there's enough romantic intrigue to perhaps fuel a week's worth of daytime TV talk shows: My Lover Seduced a Dying Heiress for Her Money.p Bonham Carter, who won several critics association honours for her performance (she was nominated for a Golden Globe and Oscar as well) stars as Kate, who is engaged in a secret affair with Merton (Linus Roache), a journalist whose poor financial standing makes marriage impossible. Kate's manipulative aunt (Charlotte Rampling) threatens to disown her unless she marries the more suitable Lord Mark (Alex Jennings).p Opportunity--admittedly sordid--arrives in the form of Millie (Alison Elliott), an American heiress whom Kate befriends. When Kate learns that Millie is dying, she suggests to Merton that he seduce her to make her last days happy, and ensuring that Millie will leave Merton her money when she dies. Merton reluctantly agrees, just as Kate begins to have second thoughts that threaten to sabotage the scheme.p One of the most rapturously reviewed films in recent years, IWings of the Dove/I is a must-own video for the Merchant-Ivory crowd. But guys: don't dismiss this as a "chick flick". Beneath its IMasterpiece Theatre/I exterior beats the wild and untamed heart of IDawson's Creek/I. I--Donald Liebenson/I

Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 12 1 2 3 Next » Magnificent adaptation of a complex psychological novel. August 19, 2004 Mary Whipple (New England) 43 out of 44 found this review helpful Screenwriter Hossein Amini has abandoned the dense prose and convoluted syntax of Henry James's most complex and difficult novel and created instead a fresh, emotionally nuanced, and psychologically astute script, nominated for an Academy Award. With a remarkable cast, breathtaking cinematography (Eduardo Serra), and a soft background score filled with strings, harp, and piano (Edward Shearmur), Director Iain Softley has created a magnificent film that succeeds in being emotionally affecting, intellectually stimulating, and aesthetically rewarding, a film in which every element contributes to a satisfying whole.pRemaining true to the story of James's novel, the film introduces Kate Croy (Helena Bonham Carter) as the beautiful but impoverished niece of a wealthy socialite (Charlotte Rampling), bent upon finding her a husband of means, but Kate must first sever ties with her opium-addicted father and end her relationship with Merton Densher (Linus Roache), a penniless journalist. A friend of Kate, heiress Millie Theale (Alison Elliot), invites her to Venice, where Millie insists on living life to the fullest even as she is dying of an unnamed disease. There Kate introduces Millie to Densher, to whom she is immediately attracted. Kate desperately suggests that Densher pursue Millie, who may, upon her death, leave Densher wealthy enough to marry Kate.pWithout such a brilliant cast, such a story would resemble the worst of melodramas, but Bonham Carter (nominated for an Oscar as Best Actress) creates in Kate a character so tormented by her love that one understands her deviousness to be the result of desperation. Alison Elliot creates a Millie whose strength and desire to live life are so strong that her passion for Densher is plausible, and her willingness to go to his room at night becomes a courageous statement, rather than a maudlin gesture. Linus Roache as Densher is phlegmatic enough that he can be manipulated by Kate, but he shows backbone in his desire to honor Millie and avoids the pitfall of being considered weak. pThe acting is subtle, understated, and profoundly affecting, with many revealing close-ups, and emotions conveyed through gestures, body language, and occasionally, mere eye contact. The Academy Award-nominated cinematography, especially in Venice, features one element in a scene blending into the succeeding scene, bridges framing action on the canals, and the dramatic use of darkness and light. The Oscar-nominated costuming (Sandy Powell) adds to the mood and atmosphere, with the music providing an effective bridge between scenes. Every aspect of the film works, and not a word or gesture is wasted in this quietly presented drama of great power. Mary Whipple A very enjoyable film June 1, 2006 Artful Dodger 11 out of 11 found this review helpful I have seen this film several times and enjoy it a great deal. I can't fault any of the performances and save particular praise for Linus Roache who's portrayal of Merton is sensitive and moving. This is a love story where everyone is aloof and disengaged from one another until the emotional climax between Milly and Merton when a terrible deception is revealed. The tone of the film and the characters personalities are changed forever from this point as this intense scene strips away the reality of the central characters feelings. An excellent film in the Merchant Ivory vein; emotionally rewarding rather than romantic. What Could the Rain Do to Me? July 4, 2003 21 out of 23 found this review helpful Rarely has a film of such extraordinary visual beauty reached the profound emotional depths of this magnificently acted period film from Iain Softley. Based on the novel by Henry James, cinematographer Eduardo Serra sets a table of beauty and elegance while screenwriter Houssein Amini serves up dishes of love, passion and desire, all arranged in their proper order by director Softley, creating an unforgettable dining experience.pHelena Bonham Carter is Kate, a passionate beauty in love with Martin (Linus Roache), a man without money. Charlotte Rampling is her rich aunt, who may force her to marry well, but not for love. Kate has a fire burning beneath her dark beauty, however, and when fate gives her an opportunity to show Martin how she loves, a dangerous journey down winding currents is begun, and neither she nor Martin will be prepared for what awaits them at the river's end.pAlison Elliot is simply marvelous as Millie, her finest role since "The Spitfire Grill." Millie is a charming American girl of great wealth reaching out to touch life before it passes by. She and Kate will become fast and inseparable friends, but Millie's attraction to Martin and a secret discovered by Kate will set in tenuous motion a plan to solve all their problems. When the maneuvering of lives like chess pieces involves both the human heart and someone as special as Millie, however, unforseen complications can arise.pHelena Bonham Carter may have received all the nominations as the beautiful and passionate Kate, but Alison Elliot's portrayel of the sweet and open Millie, rich but lonely, and hoping for love, deserved an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination as well. Italy is beautifully recreated from the period in a film of both depth and beauty. pThis film is a true cinematic masterpiece. Fine Italian lace is gently lifted back to reveal an emotionally naked look at the human heart. It is substance with beauty and beauty with substance, and is not to be missed.... Love cannot be calculated, October 22, 2007 calmly 3 out of 3 found this review helpful Three reasons that this film shines: br / br /1. An excellent screenplay that captures the gist of the novel and without getting bogged down. br / br /2. Alison Elliot and Linus Roache outperform Helena Bonham Carter, no small feat, to create a special love. br / br /3. Venice, shot so as to seem completely in the period of the story, makes it clear why this city was (and is) special. Classic May 9, 2001 4 out of 6 found this review helpful This timeless epic is beautifully screened in the scenic and picturesque setting of Venice. Having been a great fan of the book, the film came as a great surprise, the casting is superb and creates a eclectic mix with Helena Bonham Carter and Linus Roache. Showing reviews 1-5 of 12 1 2 3 Next »

CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON EU S.à.r.l. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.