that rarely reaches multiplexes these days. The film isn't ground-breaking
or otherwise extraordinary, it is, however, expertly directed, beautifully
photographed and nicely acted. The storyline isn't about tired cliches and
tired formulas, and the character definition and interaction can actually tap
into the audience's emotions.
The movie opens on the eve of WWII on a small island of Greece. The Italians
are massing on the Albania border for invasion, but, at the moment, life goes
on at the island of Cephalonia. One of those usual events is the courtship
of Pelagia (Penelope Cruz) and Mandras (Christian Bale). Pelagia is the
daughter of the resident doctor (John Hurt) and Mandras is a simple
fisherman. The two announce their engagement before Mandras goes off to war
and Pelagia hears nothing from him, her letters going unanswered. Meanwhile,
Cephalonia comes under Italian occupation. The officer billeted in Dr.
Innis's house is mandolin-playing, opera-loving Captain Antonio Corelli
(Nicolas Cage). After initially resisting the attraction, he and Palegia
fall in love - just in time for Mandras to return.
The most interesting aspect of the film is the way the story explores the
shift in attitude between the occupiers (Italians and Germans) and the
occupied (Greeks). Also, the film was shot entirely on the island of
Cephalonia and the backdrop is spectacular. The interaction between Cruz and
Bale doesn't exactly strike enough screen sparks to convice the audience for
the first quarter of the film that they are deeply in love. The performance
put forth by Nicolas Cage is convincing and typically solid. The real gem in
the ensemble is John Hurt, who brings a gusto to his part. Hurt plays Dr.
Innas like the wise mentor in a sports film - he always has some nuggest of
useful knowlege or truth to impart (think Mr. Miyagi in the Karate Kid).
Captian Corelli's Mandolin will find favor with nearly everyone who
appreciates character-drive dramas. The movie also imparts the message about
the inhumanity of men to other men in war. It does this through a series of
shocking scenes that, while lacking in visceral impact of battle images, are
very effective because of the suddeness with which they occur. In the midst
of dog-days of August film releases, this picture plays a tune that is
pleasing to the ear.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars (out of 4)