Lovers of Hitchcock and his ability to film an ordinary hero types well out of his depth will enjoy Kasia Adamik’s Cold War thriller Winter Of The Crow . Set in 1981 against the backdrop of Poland’s martial law Winter, we follow the unlikely tail of prissy 60 something psychiatrist Joan ( Lesley Manville) who has been invited by revolting university students to lecture on her special treatments of schizophrenic patients . As the tanks roll in, Joan is trapped in the faceless industrial hinterland with no passport, no translator and after witnessing a murder of a student activist and with the military police at her heels. She is drawn into a cat and mouse chase in a snowy Warsaw.
The film is a bit uneven, even unbelievable at times, but as the intellectual Joan , who suddenly has to rely on her physical strength, guile and cunning, Manville is a real delight, and as we entered the excruciating. Scene where she physically fights her police protagonist to the death , Hitchcock would have been very proud .
I needed a day away from Wales today . Last night I went to book club, and mein Host got himself into such a flap as only three people out of eight turned up and he’d made a ton of tapas , it was painful to deal with his adult tantrum. I decided I’m not going again
Jesus! Fucking queens !
I found the following photo of Mary’s welcome to Bwthyn y llan
My dear girl ……
Oh that photo! Yes, your dear girl...
ReplyDeleteAwww, sweet Mary.
ReplyDeleteThe film sounds interesting, the book club, not so much. More drama there than on the screen! xx
You get paid to help others deal with their trauma. As any working girl would say "No sense giving it away for free!"
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of Mary's welcome. Did she know that she had landed in a pot of jam?
Will Jay
Not jam, Will Jay, caviar !!
DeleteLove at first sight to an endearing lifelong connection. Precious! Dee
ReplyDeleteOh, how adorable Mary was as a puppy! Your were clearly already smitten, John.
ReplyDeleteAs for the movie, no thanks. I did watch The Birds when the world was young and survived!
Hugs!
No one needs to have to deal with adult tantrums.
ReplyDeleteYou and Mary- I'm so glad you have that photo.
Lyfli 💕
ReplyDeleteI can't cope with scary, so I'll give it a miss. That photo of a young Mary is wonderful - her intense look, her intelligence!
ReplyDeletewhen I saw that first photo, it made me think of the film *Julia*.with Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Fond- .spectacular and moving film. love photo of you and young Mary...your *girl* forever......
ReplyDeleteSusan M/ Calif.
I feel quite sorry for your book club host, it is very annoying when you've prepared for 10, and only 3 turn up. I can imagine his frustration!
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of you and Mary! It’s so full of love and joy.The two of you.are equals. Sending love and giant hugs.
ReplyDeleteCarol in Atlanta
Adults who have temper tantrums ... how ridiculous. I wouldn't go back either. -Kate
ReplyDeleteI remember Mary coming home and that is such a loving photo of you both. Leakey Nanville is a terrific actress, whose career has never faltered with age - quite a rarity. Have seen trailers fir the movie, which looks stark, bleak, but very interesting.
ReplyDeleteA shame about the book club evening.
ReplyDeleteMary is, and was then. a real sweetie. I love that photo of you both.
Pity about book club. You are right about adult tantrums - too tedious.
ReplyDeleteI hope you at least had a bit of discussion about the book. An excellent choice I thought. Not an easy read but a good one.
Oh adult tantrums, there are far too many of them going on in the world at the moment, there's no need for a book club one. I would have been pleased at the thought of all the leftovers for future meals if I had been the host. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou and Mary look absolutely beautiful in that photo, you both still are but now in a much calmer and more mature way. xx
Lordy, then we have the poster child of adult tantrums here in the U.S. You and little Mary are just lovely.
ReplyDeleteOh Mother Mary, what a beautiful soul.
ReplyDeleteI hope he gave you a nice doggie-bag!
ReplyDeleteI still think someone should hire you to review movies.
ReplyDeleteNo need for a tantrum, those that are there are special. I drove to the middle of Tennessee one time to present on how to find a lost pension at a conference. I was the last session on the last day, and only a handful of people showed up. But one of them took what I had to say, and made a real difference in the life of a client the following week, the trip was worth it, if it changed the life of someone.
Dear Mary. I love Lesley Manville in almost everything. Just listened to an Audible she narrated. Really has a very soothing voice.
ReplyDeleteI wonder which was the better show, the film or the tantrum.
ReplyDeleteI'll go with the film since it featured the Fabulous Manville!
Lesley Manville is a good actress, I always enjoy her performances.
ReplyDeleteI watched the trailer and it make me anxious. I have a hard time now with movies that make me anxious and tend to pass on them. I'm looking forward to the release of "Wicker", hoping it's a good film.
ReplyDeleteI used to throw tantrums, such a long time ago. They did no good and I gave them up for peace and a bit of dignity:)
Sorry the tantrum ruined book club for you. It IS kind of shitty for only three people to show up, but throwing a fit is not the mark of a good hostess!
ReplyDelete