Dave and I went to Hamayuu for supper. The old waitress was wearing a lovely, subtle kimono.
The food was excellent .
We went to the Picturehouse afterwards to see The Holdovers a charming, gentle comedy set in an American Boarding School at Christmas 1970, where we meet three people marooned by circumstance .
Loner, unpopular Classic master Mr Hunham ( Paul Giamatti ) has to take charge of Angus ( Dominic sessa) a troubled but bright teen dumped by his mother and new husband) and both are looked after by the school cook Miss Lamb (Da’vine Joy Randolph) who has just lost her only son in the Vietnam war
The story of three misfits coming together over Christmas is a story rife for sentimentality, but in the hands of director Alexander Payne , we have a nuanced, gentle and Wholly believable story of the coming together of three rather lost souls.
It’s a beautiful film, brilliantly acted by the three leads , but especially by Giamatti who is a real class act)
Loved it.
You find the most wonderful and intersting plays and movies! If I lived closer, I'd hope to tag along.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
You would be very welcome babs
DeleteI want to see this movie too! There hasn't been a bad review of it. Paul Giamatti is a wonderful actor.
ReplyDeleteHe is, and someone who can balance, vulnerability, shopworn exhaustion and irritation
DeleteGiamatti is never not good in any role he performs.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely right
DeleteBea and Raymondo, I agree, he’s done a good lot of tv work and animated features , he’s not snobby
DeleteThe movie sounds outstanding. Dinner looks very good too. Sounds like you had a wonderful evening with Dave.
ReplyDeleteI needed it susan
DeleteI loved it, too.
ReplyDeleteMy only complaint is having the miss Lamb character as stereotypically heavy set
DeleteI liked it a lot. Da'Vine Joy and her son's baby clothing? so poignant.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best moments in the film, the subsequent hug between her and her sister was poignant
DeleteGoodnight. SFO
ReplyDelete???
DeletePaul Giamatti enhances everything he is in, and always seems such a grounded, humorous person in real life. Some really interesting films around, for once. Very much looking forward to Andrew Scott's latest projects, all look brilliant because he is: All Of Us Strangers, Vanya on screens from his one man West End run, and tv series Ripley.
ReplyDeleteTv is at its peak
DeleteSo many quality programmes and mini series
The new trailer for Ripley, and in monochrome, looks as if it is going to be superb. And I can't wait for Mary And George, the real life story of James VI/I and Buckingham. Julianne Moore, Nicholas Galitzine and Tony Curran. Together? Brilliant- and the trailer is amazing.
DeleteThis sounds so good. Will look for it.
ReplyDelete🥰
DeleteIt's on my list. I love Paul Giamatti.
ReplyDeleteIt’s almost too subtle and less sentimental to be an American movie, much more European
DeleteI've seen trailers for this film and thought it looked interesting.
ReplyDeleteGo see it
DeleteJohn ,where do you see all of these interesting films ?j I'm just wondering how I could get to see them in deepest darkest North East England. We have a small cinema at Saltburn, but they don't seem to show this type of film. x
ReplyDeleteYou might have to go to a more cultured town - like Redcar!
DeleteDo you drive Shelly? Within 12 miles from saltburn I’ve worked out there may be 30 screens I travel to Chester to go to the cinema ( which is 25 miles ) or Llandudno 24 miles .there is a cinema to in Prestatyn which is 4 miles away.
DeleteMost big complexes will show art house movies occasionally xx
Thanks YP and John . I had (wrongly) assumed that the films you reviewed were not shown at the larger cinemas. I will keep an eye open on the upcoming programmes for them.
DeleteRedcar and culture comment made me smile, but it does boast the oldest survivng lifeboat station in the world , that's got to count for something !
Sounds a nice day for you John - more than can be said of the weather which seems to keep battering you lot in the west and then easing ever so slightly before it hits us.
ReplyDeleteI know deArheart, it’s rough as a bears bum here tonight
DeleteI almost didn't go to see The Leftovers because of the preview, which I thought cheapened it. I was surprised by how much I liked it. All three main actors were wonderful. Glad you had such a good night out with Dave. x0x0 N2
ReplyDeleteLol holdovers xx
DeleteThanks for the recommendation. I'll look out for it, but it'll have to be on TV! xx
ReplyDeleteI’m a old purest where films are concerned, they are filmed to be seen on the big screen , so should be seen in the cinema
DeleteHopefully 3 lost souls together find a happiness x
ReplyDeleteSpoiler alert, remember it’s not sentimental
DeleteBut I was hopeful
DeleteSo looking forward to seeing this film, love Paul Giamatti - he was so funny in Rock of Ages with Tom Cruise, glad you enjoyed the film, company and food. Hope the weather with you is OK, hunker down and stay safe. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteI remember him stealing a scene with Julia roberts back in MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING
Delete“ this too shall pass”
I like the sound of that film and I notice that it is on at "The Showroom". I will try to get to see it. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteEnjoybYP
DeleteSounds heartwarming, I should go see a film one day.
ReplyDeleteGet yer arse into gear David..we shall go in New York
DeleteWe saw the movie over Christmas. Very good. I like Paul G in everything he does. Loved him in Sideways.
ReplyDeleteAnother cracker of a performance
DeleteYes. I want to see it. Thank you for reminding me.
ReplyDeleteI think ud love it
DeleteI see that Paul Giamatti has an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for The Holdovers. He is such a good actor and seems quiet and modest. I liken him to Stanley Tucci whom I also love. XXXX
ReplyDeleteBut tucci is a hottie Jacqueline
DeleteThe thinking man’s crumpet
Keith
Xx
He is Keith ..... Not similar in looks ....I thought they were similar in age but Stanley is 7 years older so forget what I said !!! I feel they play similar parts ..... I'm digging a hole for myself Keith 🤣 XXXX
DeleteReally seven years older..by gum , he’s a hottie..Giamatti is more built more like me
DeleteAn acquired taste
DeleteAnd only 56
DeleteI would probably leave home for Stanley Tucci. Love his intelligence and dry wit. Also recommend his books and Italian cookery series. Unusual, informative and direct.
DeleteI have heard so many good things about this film, John.
ReplyDeleteI recommend seeing it, a gem
DeleteI loved this movie. Paul Giamatti conveyed a full range of emotion just in his eyes in one short close up in the Christmas party scene after Lydia had seemed interested in him. Heart breaking and wonderful at the same time.
ReplyDeleteThe film was full of quiet moments like the one you mention, miss lamb stroking her sones baby clothes, Giamatti final expression before he leaves the school……amazing
DeleteI have heard so many good things about this movie. And reading your review and the comments cements what I've already read. I will have to see it.
ReplyDeleteGet yer arse over to see it xx
DeleteYes, Giamatti is a class act.
ReplyDelete