Enchanted April Review
Essentially a Merchant-Ivory production made without the participation of either Ismail_Merchant or James_Ivory, Enchanted April is a charming period piece that delivers on the enchantment implied in its title. Mike_Newell has directed in a delicate, almost fragile style that imbues the film with an ethereal, magical atmosphere that is hard to resist. This is the kind of balancing act that is much harder to pull off than it looks -- one false utterance, inappropriate gesture, or anachronistic attitude can destroy the spell, and too much adherence to maintaining the tone can induce ennui in the viewer. Newell and his excellent cast make it work, aided greatly by Peter_Barnes' sensitive screenplay and some quietly stunning visuals of the castle and its environs. Josie_Lawrence is a giddy delight, and her performance is nicely balanced by Miranda_Richardson's subtle and serene portrayal. Joan_Plowright plays the crusty old lady to the hilt, Alfred_Molina and Jim_Broadbent hit just the right notes as husbands not sufficiently aware of their wives' virtues, and Michael_Kitchen conveys a boyish excitement underneath his mature reserve. Perhaps too much a grown-up fairy tale for some, Enchanted April's unreality has an undeniable appeal. Craig Butler, Rovi
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