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The Etruscan Smile Movie Review

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Review for the film " The Etruscan Smile"

Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

Runtime: 1 Hour 47 Minutes

Certificate: UA

Released: 21-11-2018

Genre: Drama

Similar To: His Three Daughters, Lonely Planet, Rez Ball, Happiness Is

Critic Review
User Review

3.5 / 5.00

3.50 / 5.0

CAST & CREW

Tim Matheson

JJ Feild

Stephen Coren

Brian Cox

Roberto Silvi

MORE CAST & CREW

Producer:

Arthur Cohn

Music Director:

Haim Frank Ilfman

Editor:

Roberto Silvi

Director:

Oded Binnun

Mihal Brezis

Costume Designer:

Mary Claire Hannan

Art Director:

Moley Campbell

Michael E Goldman

Director of Photography:

Javier Aguirresarobe

Line Producer:

Paul O Davis

Casting Director:

Kerry Barden

Nina Henninger

Paul Schnee

Still Photographer:

Graeme Hunter

David Moir

Sound Effects Editor:

Ben Chick

empty:

Nigel Squibbs

Assistant Editor:

Hemi Solomon

Visual Effects Supervisor:

Simon Carroll

Stephen Coren

Screenplay Writer:

Michael McGowan

Michal Lali Kagan

Sarah Bellwood

Gaffer:

Frank Helbig

Production Designer:

Sue Chan

Set Decorator:

Maggie Martin

Tina Jones

Casting Associate:

Sarah Kliban

Makeup Artist:

Hannah Wing

Hair Stylist:

Robert Mrazik

Post Production Supervisor:

Katie Shahrokh

Alistair Hopkins

Stunt Coordinator:

Rocky Capella

Visual Effects Coordinator:

Chiara Finello

Digital Compositor:

Steven Bray

Camera Operator:

Stephen Buckingham

Boom Operator:

Gary Doig

Assistant Art Director:

Alice Walker

Lighting Technician:

Connor Adam

Digital Imaging Technician:

Grant McPhee

Supporting Actor:

Peter Coyote

Ramsey Hanchette

Rosanna Arquette

Rose Wise

Sandra Santiago

Teresa Navarro

Tim Matheson

Treat Williams

Julie Ow

Josh Stamberg

John Demakas

JJ Feild

Thora Birch

Anthony Snow

Baily Hopkins

Barnaby Falls

Brian Cox

Christina July Kim

Gail Gamble

Vanessa Ross

Click Here For Full Cast & Crew

Plot

The film is an adaptation of the book “La Sonrisa etrusca”. The book plot outline is about an older then moves to the northern city of Milan. It goes on to show he despises city life; however, he gradually begins to adjust to new surroundings with the help of his grandson. There have been modifications to the plot for the sake of the film. The nationalities of the main character (Scottish) and that of the grandson(American) and the location have been changed from Milan, Italy to San Francisco, America. It centres on themes like maturity, death and family.

Star Performance

The main character is played by none other than our Scottish old-time favourite, Brian Cox Brian Cox is a Scottish actor who was born on 1st >> Read More... . He puts in more emotions and the character has more depth in itself. It also helps that the film has a fantastic ensemble, which includes Treat Williams, Peter Coyote, and Tim Matheson Tim Matheson is an English actor and director who >> Read More... , who bring admirable gravitas to their supporting roles, no doubt motivated by the opportunity to work with six-time Academy Award-winning producer Arthur Cohn (The Garden of the Finzi-Continis, One Day Click to look into! >> Read More... in September)

Analysis

The film is indeed tear-jerking. The themes of death and family are prevalent. The tearjerking part starts when Rory McNeil(played by Brian Cox) meets his grandson Jamie. Rory softens at the sight of the toddler, whom he treats with deep compassion. We know Rory is on the brink of death. We can’t help but feel hopeful for him. Despite his odd and rude behaviours, he deserves a good ending. However, the tearjerking part continues when he begins to fall in love with Claudia. Tiny interactions, in the beginning, lead to meaningful and romantic bonds between the two. Just as their relationship starts to blossom, Rory is soon passing away. This “right person, wrong time” syndrome leaves us all helpless and emotional. He has a bit of an odd and condescending character to him. This contradicts how affectionate and tender he turns into when it’s concerned with his grandson or new love interest.

What's There?

Nostalgia
Excellent performance by Brian Cox

What's Not There?

Minor flaws

Verdict

Honestly, it doesn’t do much justice to its book. However, from a film standpoint alone, it is an excellent job done by the directors, producers and cast. For an emotional movie, this scores the highest.