Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
"Mad, Bad and Dangerous to " - No........., 8 April 2008
Must confess when I first saw this film I hated it, hated it! But then I found myself thinking about it, so I watched it again, and again. First thing to mention is that, for an indie movie, shot on a shoe-string budget, the production values are very high, by which I mean that this movie has a lush sort of a look and feel about it; the cinematography is gorgeous - I can't explain it any better.
The story is one fraught with difficulties: Simone Bradley, English Literature teacher at an all-girls boarding convent/school finds herself falling for the girlish charms of Annabelle Tillman, wild-child daughter of a prominent US senator. Annabelle, for her part, makes it very clear to Ms Bradley, that she is attracted to her - and then some. OK, we're informed (by various means) that Annabelle is a double handful of trouble, and that the boarding school is the last chance saloon for her. If she doesn't mend her wild ways there, next stop is a Military Academy. Oddly though, the only way this 'wildness' manifests itself is that Annabelle smokes a lot, has had her nose pierced and wears Doc Marten boots with everything - other than that, she actually comes across as a bit of a sweetheart: witness her gentle comforting of Collins, the screwed-up self-harmer. Oh yes, well, Annabelle is a lesbian of course, that's pretty wild I suppose. For goodness' sake, she even comes off worse in a catfight with one of the girls in her dorm. How mad and bad is that??
A word here about the screen presence of Erin Kelly in her debut role as Annabelle - extraordinary is the word, astonishing is another. Simone Bradley is played by Diane Gaidry, an actress with a stillness about her that I found very pleasing. The scenes between Annabelle and Simone vary, from highly-charged/erotic to just plain silly. And yes, there are many meaningful, lingering looks between the two, but they really are meaningful; they move the story along very nicely. The ending is awful, stereotypical blah - can't think what writer/director and out lesbian Katharine Brooks was thinking. Or perhaps that's why the extras include an altogether more satisfying alternative ending. So, go on, give Annabelle a whirl in your dvd player. Oh, and the music's great too.
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39 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Taboo love but completely compelling, 1 Nov 2007
This is a beautiful story of love between a teacher and a student that is told so beautifully that the viewer is instantly drawn in as the relationship develops. The leading actresses, Erin Kelly as Annabelle (the student) and Diane Gaidry as Simone (the catholic boarding school teacher) are excellent and believable, the ensemble cast likewise and the locations and the cinematography are beautiful. Katherine Brooks has done a wonderful job in writing and directing a thoroughly enjoyable but thought provoking movie. There is such depth to the story that you indeed forget that the subject matter is taboo and forbidden, it is simply a love story. I would highly recommend it.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
loved it, 16 Jan 2008
When I first read the synopsis on the back of the box i was a bit put off. Let's be honest a teacher-student relationship just isn't right in society.
I'm glad I took the leap and watched this though because there's a lot more to it than that. Firstly, it isn't about this sordid affair but what comes before the inevitable. The story is treated with due respect and unfolds in a tasteful manner that draws you into the feelings of both characters. The torment of a teacher trying to stay in control and the desire and passion of a student not afraid to feel and push boundaries.
Annabelle is the rebellious daughter of a senator who is sent to a Catholic boarding school in an attempt to tame her. Simone is her teacher and head of the dorm she is placed in. From the very beginning Annabelle takes an interest in Simone and aims to befriend her and challenge her emotions and beliefs. The maturation of the relationship is beautiful to watch as it is complex and has the student leading the teacher forward into the world.
The cinematography is fantastic. I would recommend this movie just for that alone. The scenes flow fluidly serving to accentuate the inherent meanings and emotion behind them. You get drawn in without your knowledge until you are one with the characters.
The beautiful soundtrack (which i wish was available on cd!!) makes a huge difference with meaningful songs well placed in the movie adding to the wonderful scene selections and acting.
Trust me, you want to watch this movie. It does not aim to justify but tell a story.
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