wuthering

Jan and Arnost are two of the most intricate and intriguing characters you will ever meet--trust me, I've met them both. This documentary takes them through the toughest part of their lives, the part that neither of them will ever forget. If you want drama, pathos, anger, passion and to get to know two of the best men ever, you must see this film. The director has gotten so deep into these two you see the start of lives falling apart, but held together by a strength which is unmatched. They are still so bitter and hurt, that their friendship is on the line because of differences from 60 years ago. Knowing these two men personally makes this a very difficult film to watch, but if you don't see it, you will be missing out.

Then again, why should it be. Those who watch this and comment about it being vacuous, etc., did not watch the same film I did. Of course the film is less detailed than the novel. Of course there's going to be some "stereotyping". But have you ever seen a film that didn't? This film gave voice (in the body of beautiful Mr. Andrews) to a young emerging culture. That of the Indo-Brit who was born in England, not India. Trying to fit in, yet knowing the conservative party/culture at the time would not let them.

While not meant to be hysterical, this film has enough laughs to help you make it through its 220 minutes. It has enough passion to help you understand the feelings. And it has enough meaning to make you understand that not all things (causes, beliefs) can be folded neatly and packaged away for American viewers.

Watch this film. You will not want your time back. Cheers.

Crowe leads a cast of tremendously believable Aussie skinheads through their world of hatred and debauchery. The cast all deserved awards for their portrayals. As Hando did in the film, Crowe led the cast in becoming "a gang." The best way to see this result is to watch the supporting roles as they watch Hando. I can't say enough about the film, and any worries that this glamorizes or favours the skinhead movement should be put down.