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Reviews
The House of Him (2014)
A Real Horror Mystery That Requires Critical Thinking
... rather than relying on overly-graphic visuals.
This horror mystery opens up with a killing ... and ends with the audience being allowed to look into the mind of a misogynistic killer as an intended victim (and past victims) play with that mind. How refreshing to actually draw the audience in to help bring about fair-play and consequences for the actions of a killer. In today's society, that has grown so dependent on "instant gratification" and not used to "exercising" one's own mind in solving a mystery, I can see where most viewers would think this film was "cheap" and without any virtuous qualities. More is the pity, as this film is definitely worth viewing numerous times to pick up any and all nuances and teasing clues.
The Crimson Field (2014)
Brilliantly Written and Portrayed
BBC One needs to be much more attentive to highlighting the work that is being accomplished in this show, to draw in a much wider audience. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching The Crimson Field. It has been a delight to be introduced to so many actors and actresses who are so very talented. To be able to portray each story line, to actually get the underlying feelings and angst across in each episode in such a short time is difficult under the best of conditions. Some of the best stories from history are those of people who were not in the lime light, as that is how you get the best "feel" for how "real" people dealt with "real" life without boring the viewer to tears. The story line is quite believable, and the interaction between and amongst the principle characters is quite spot on. Modern viewers who are easily disappointed by "not enough action" or "not enough gore" or something equally compelling need to remember that, during this period, things were much simpler and people were still functioning around stereotypes and clichés. News from the rest of the world was *not* instantaneous as it is now, therefore watching a period piece with hindsight is really quite unfair to all involved in the production. To be able to portray so much within a short period of time requires all involved to be succinct and on-point ... which this series is. Now it needs to be available in the US *and* we need to have at least another 3 seasons to be able to properly follow these story lines to their conclusions.
The Crimson Field: Episode #1.1 (2014)
Fantastic Story Line with New Perspectives of The War That Changed The World
The show opens with the arrival of three new Red Cross volunteers at a field hospital in France and it is very clear that they are not particularly welcomed. This sets the stage for development of acceptance, tolerance (barely, sometimes) or outright rejection of the assistance that these volunteers can provide. This air of disruption to an established field hospital was captured brilliantly by the script writer, who had to develop & back-story so many wonderfully talented actors. Each of the main actors were brilliant in their interpretation and presentation of their characters' initial prejudices that were directed towards the volunteers, setting the stage for any number of personality clashes and suspenseful moments. My particular favorites amongst the actors are Richard Rankin (Thomas Gillan) and (surprisingly to me) Oona Chaplain (Kitty Trevelyan). Fantastic job.