 Movie
Reviews
with Evelyn Gough.
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (MA)
Directed by John Madden
 Lavish… Nicolas Cage and Penelope Cruz in Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
The problem with Hitler? (Apart from the obvious, of course.) Way too uptight. All those rallies to attend and countries to invade. The man needed to chill out, drop the Nazi from the Nazi Party, and get down with the best of them.
And no nation appreciates the finer things in life than the Italians. Fine wine, good food and bella women! And wonderful music to feed the soul and lift the spirit.
Okay, so it's 1940 and the world's a bit preoccupied. Nobody feels much like partying. But even amidst the chaos and horror of a World War people still fall in love.
Not that things are so horrible yet on the picture-postcard Greek island of Cephallonia. War rages in Europe and Mussolini's troops are advancing in the South-east, but a small victory by the Greek troops has lifted morale amongst the locals. It's short-lived, unfortunately, as an Italian force, assisted by the Germans, lands on the island.
Amongst the Italians is Captain Antonio Corelli (Nicholas Cage), a draftee in charge of artillery battery. A charmer who loves life, his men would follow him anywhere but he'd prefer to lead them in song rather than into battle.
Quick to catch his eye (and what eyes – you could drown in these baby blues!) is the beautiful and feisty Pelagia (Penelope Cruz). But she's engaged to Greek resistance fighter Mandras (Christian Bale) and anyway, Italians are the enemy. Sure they're a lot of fun and they can hold a tune, but they're still the enemy.
So you can imagine how thrilled Pelagia is when Corelli, along with his mandolin, is billeted with her and her father Dr Iannis (John Hurt).
Based on the international best seller by Louis De Bernieres and directed by Shakespeare in Love's John Madden, Captain Corelli's Mandolin is not just an achingly beautiful love story, it's a celebration of life and all that is worth living and dying for in this world.
A lush production, exquisite cinematography by John Toll (that has me saving for that Greek Island holiday pronto!), a great cast, beautiful music… it lifted my spirit and touched my soul in a way that no film has for a long time.
And no I haven't read the book!
Rating: 4 ½ stars
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