Customer Reviews

Talk of Angels [VHS]

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

TALK OF ANGELS is a beautifully photographed, well written, and sensitively acted story about how political upheavals alter our interpersonal relationships. The time is 1936 and the place is Spain in the throws of Fascism and Franco. A wealthy family (Marisa Paredes is the mother, Franco Nero the father with three daughters the eldest of whom is Penelope Cruz) in an unnamed Spanish city has just hired a governess from Ireland to teach their children proper English. The governess, Lavelle, (Polly Walker) has taken the job to put distance between her Irish activist betrothed and herself, finding the need to explore the world before settling for what she has. In her new Spanish home Lavelle encounters other Irish expatriots who have fled Ireland's upheavals only to find those of Spain. Among these eccentric women is one (Frances McDormand) who falls in love with Lavelle. The family for whom Lavelle works attempts to stay outside the political upheaval that fills the streets at night. All proceeds smoothly until the son Francisco (Vincent Perez) visits with his wife and family in tow. Francisco supports the Spanish activists, and Lavelle slowly falls in love with him - the embodiment of the ideals of her own betrothed. Sides are drawn and defined in the political arena and in the personal arena, and it is the resolution of both that provides an open end to the story.

The acting is first rate with Polly Walker incandescently beautiful and delivering a character role with great sensitivity. Vincent Perez is her perfect foil and the rest of the fine cast draw unforgettable characters. There is much to be learned here about the political milieu in Spain in the 1930s. And there is even more to experience in the beauty of the conversations, the dancing, the vistas of Spanish landscapes. The musical score is lush and wisely orchestrated. This is a little sleeper of a film that deserves repeated viewings to catch all the levels of meaning. Recommended.

Don't listen to the other reviews concerning zero chemistry! Polly Walker and Vincent Perez may not be another Scarlett and Rhett, but they are by no means a Richard and Winona from "Autumn in New York." This bittersweet tale involves a beautiful young Irish woman and her adventures as a governess in Spain. As a war stirs in the background, the governess deals with issues of doomed love while she fights to remain brave during her year in Spain. Will she forget about her "true love" back home? Will she consummate her relationship with her employer's married son? Enjoy the lovely scenery of Spain as you take a trip back in time with this intriguing drama. If you liked "House of the Spirits," you'll probably like this movie.

This wonderfully acted tale takes place in the mist of the Fascist's rise to power in Spain. The movie tells the story of an Irish nanny, how she contends with her peers and the family she works for. She falls in love with the married son of the family--but while a theme in the movie, it is not the major one. Instead, the movie focuses in on the family dynamic and how different members of the family contend with the social and political strife around them, told through the eyes (to use a cliche) of the nanny.

Sadly, because this movie doesn't rely on nude scenes, things blowing up every five minutes are cursing every other word, few have heard of this movie. My recommendation would be that you get a copy of this movie ASAP.

"Talk of Angels" is truly a beautiful, romantic and sad movie. It captures the period of the revolutionary 1930's in Spain magnificently with breath-taking scenery. The characters are both beautiful and inviting; you feel for them and want to know more about them. Overall the movie was very well put together with terrific actors, a good storyline, and the ending almost tragic. I loved it! This movie reminded me of Evita & The Horesman on the Roof both very good movies.

"Talk of Angels" is truly a beautiful, romantic and sad movie. It captures the period of the revolutionary 1930's in Spain magnificently with breath-taking scenery. The characters are both beautiful and inviting; you feel for them and want to know more about them. Overall the movie was very well put together with terrific actors, a good storyline, and the ending almost tragic. I loved it! This movie reminded me of Evita & The Horesman on the Roof both very good movies.

I was deeply touched by this movie. It was well made and beautifully written. The casting was excellent. I think no other could have played Mary and Fransisco better that Polly Walker and Vincent Perez. You could feel the attraction between them and the chemistry was amazing. I was so moved by the story that I ordered the book that it was based on...Mary Lavelle by Kate O'Brien.

I have watched this movie several times and love it each time. However, I have showed it to some friends and none of them liked it. You really need to love history, romance, and period pieces to fully appreciate this movie.

I would not worry about Vincent Perez's accent in Talk of Angels, especially as he is part German, part Spanish, and was born in Switzerland of all places. With his sultry good looks and bedroom eyes, chemistry should be the least of your concerns. Vincent Perez is sensational in this role and above all else, this movie is so passionate that your fingers will tingle and you will weep for these lovers.

I watched this movie because I am becoming a fan of the strikingly handsome Vicent Perez. I not only tremendously enjoyed Vicent Perez in this movie but I actually enjoyed the story it told. Being an American with an hispanic background and a history buff, I often wondered what Spain's role was in the World Wars. This little story not only let me see a little of what my ancestors stance might have been during this period, but by the way the Spanish people where portrayed in this movie I also caught an insight on their way of life and made me proud of the scence of pride, strength, and intelligence they seemed to have possesed and passed on to future generations. The chemistry between Vicent Perez and Polly Walker had a little to be desired though. I am sure this could have been improved if the charactors had been able to explore each other a little more instead of trying to cram their story into 1 dance and one afternoon. All in all the story was meaningful, enjoyable and encompusses the whole families views and emotions during these trying times.

I purchased this exceptional movie a few weeks ago and loved it..
the story line was very moving and I did enjoy the actors who all did a great job.. also loved the beautiful scenery and the wildness of it..
this is certainly a movie I will watch again and again...