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Sorry, this movie sucks

A Masterpiece!

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

The acting in this movie is really good.

This film showed the power of true love, and the realization of someones love for you. If you ever have a pianist who falls in love with you so much that he will help free your husban from political prison be happy you are that loved. I loved David Thewlis in this movie. He had a sensative side in which I fell in love with. The moment I saw this movie I had another English man to add on to my short list of Sensual Englishmen. A fine gentleman, a changing woman, and a love deeper and kinder than any one could dream for this movie is a keeper.

We have a glimpse of Shandurai's environment in a central African nation where the ruthless military politics take over and screw up her life. Welcome to Bertolucci territory you may think? Not so, we keep clear of the politics and arrive in Italy where Shandurai finds refuge as a maid cleaning a neglected household run by an eccentric lay-about British piano player. Now you may think we have the wrong film! Yes, it is a Bertolucci movie without the Tango In Paris. This is simple Bertolucci at his best. It's about conquering unwanted love the old fashion way, dealt with a sense of mystery and plenty of patience. All the imagery elements fall into place as we journey with Shandurai and her decision. Effective in every way right through to the performances of Newton and Thewlis. A very pleasing film on the senses thanks to Bertolucci who has ventured into the basic fundamentals of low budget cinema.

Take everything you ever knew about Hollywood and filmdom and flush it. Open you mind and your heart and, if you're lucky, "Besieged" will speak to you of love like no other. Make no mistake, this film is not about romance or sex or even closeness. It is about what love should be; pure, unsolicited, unencumbered giving. It is a sad testament to the shallowness of popular concepts of giving-to-get love that this film received lukewarm reviews, one star from Ebert, and a mere 6.5 by IMDB.com users. Sometimes the only way to love someone is to set them free.

I must admit I was greatly anticipating Bertolucci's new film. After seeing the film I must admit I am somewhat disappointed. Firstly some good points. It was beautifully filmed and reminded me that Rome is one of the most interesting and indeed cinema-friendly cities in the world. The character building through gesture and poise was well done and indeed some of the scenes were pure genius. But on the other side this film was laboured and unwieldy. Where so much could have been made of the storyline, even whilst retaining the minimalist dialogue, Bertolucci failed to engage the audience with the character's struggle. The brilliant quirkiness and shy demeanour generated by David Thewlis could have been used to advance the audience's appreciation and understanding of the film. Instead they were increasingly used as the film went on to isolate and even intimidate the audience. Perhaps this was Bertolucci's intention but I think the film suffered rather than prospered from the ploy. I wouldn't have missed Besieged but overall I must admit I did not think it was up to Bertolucci's usual standard. 5/10