Review: The raw nature of ‘Glassland’ will leave you broken hearted

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America has fortunately be given another profoundly great Irish Film. After the overwhelming feelings of isolation we felt with the Irish film, Room (2015); our emotions take another beating when witnessing the physical and mental consequences of alcoholism in Gerard Barrett’s Glassland. The film had an incredible cast who really blew me away with their performances. Alcoholism is not a joke, and this film will show audiences just how heartbreaking it really is.

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John (Jack Reynor) and his mother Jean (Toni Collette) reside in a low-income suburb in Dublin, Ireland. With no help from his mother, John works all night driving a taxi to help provide for his family, all while his mother falls victim to her disease. She believes a better life is found at the bottom of a bottle, even while knowing the impact her choices have on her family. Their story shows the sacrifices that have to be made from both John and Jean in order to create some hope for their future.

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Barrett’s shots throughout the film were powerful. The change in technique and the difference in the camera’s movements really set the tone for each scene. There are times where the camera is motionless in a single room, making the audience feel as trapped as Jack feels in the scene. Later, Barrett changes over to a shaky camera technique, giving the audience more of an unsettled feeling. The film overall is simple, and despite not having a very complex story, it is raw and beautifully demonstrated. This film shows us the heartbreaking truth that many people in this world deal with everyday;  without the amazing performances from the cast and well executed cinematography, this meaningful film might of fallen through the cracks. Check out Glassland in theaters on February 12th.

WINNER – SPECIAL JURY PRIZE – SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2015
BEST FILM – GALWAY FILM FESTIVAL

3/5 Stars

Review: ‘A ROYAL NIGHT OUT’ contains light introduction to feminism.

poster for a royal night outWhat little girl, at some point or another, didn’t want to be a princess? I wanted to be Princess Leia but I’m pretty sure that still counts. What I didn’t think about back then was the oppressive sense of duty and decorum that stunted normal adolescent growth.Sarah and Bel for ARNO

A ROYAL NIGHT OUT is a film about one perfect, glorious evening in the lives of two real-life princesses. They are Elizabeth and Margaret Windsor at and the night is 8 May 1945, V-E Night. The whole of London is on the streets to celebrate the official end of World War II in Europe. It is known the young princesses, aged 19 and 14, slipped out of the palace to join the communal euphoria and went dancing at the Ritz. They apparently returned to Buckingham Palace just after midnight. Directed by acclaimed UK director Julian Jarrold (Becoming Jane, Brideshead Revisited), A ROYAL NIGHT OUT is an affectionate ‘what-if’ story about the adventures Elizabeth and Margaret might have had on the joyous night that brought the whole of London together.

crowd still a royal night outSarah Gadon‘s portrayal of Elizabeth is absolutely stunning. She gives us the perfect mix of proper royal behavior, wide-eyed innocence and subtle heroism. She is elegant and soft all while giving us a beautifully timed coming of age performance thanks to writers Trevor De Silva and Kevin Hood and, of course, Julian Jarrold‘s direction. You can see Sarah in Dracula Untold, the upcoming 11/22/63, and as the face of Armani Beauty. Bel Powley, who was outstanding in Diary of a Teenage Girl, takes only somewhat of a backseat to Gadon as sister Margaret. Reminiscent of Prince Harry today, as second in line for the throne, she is more carefree and much more outspoken, constantly telling people that no one cares what she does. Her rambunctious energy is electric. Jack Reynor is the object of young Elizabeth’s fascination. Firstly as a savior and secondly as a teacher. His opinions shape her sheltered view of what the country really thinks of the war and the royal family. Emily and Rupert ARNORounding out the cast are heavy hitters, are Rupert Everett as the King and Emily Watson as The Queen. We are treated to moments that will throw your memory back to blockbuster The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth. This is a key part of the emotional growth experienced by Elizabeth. A Royal Night Out will play particularly well with a YA audience. It’s a great family film that parents can take their children to. It contains a soft entrance of feminist message, with both princesses trying to break free from familial duty for just a brief moment in time. It’s subtle but eased into slowly and appropriately for the plot, the period, and the audience. With meticulous sets, gorgeous costumes and a message of culture and class relations, A Royal Night Out is a real victory.

You can check out the trailer below:

Directed by:                       Julian Jarrold

Written by:                         Trevor De Silva and Kevin Hood

Starring:                              Sarah Gadon, Bel Powley, Jack Reynor, Rupert Everett, and Emily Watson

Produced by:                     Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae

Running Time:                  97 Minutes / Rating:  PG-13bel and sarah a royal night outA ROYAL NIGHT OUT comes to theaters today!