The Gilded Cage is a delight
Source: Palace Cinema website
Tonight (Wednesday 18th December) at 8.30pm on Forever French, host Emmanuelle will be talking to film director Ruben Alves about his new release The Gilded Cage, winner of the “People’s Choice Award” at the 26th European Film Awards.
Film review by Fayroze Lutta:
The charming French comedy The Gilded Cage is a semi-autobiographical film written and directed by Ruben Alves, drawing on his Portuguese heritage. The two central characters, the Portuguese couple Maria (Rita Blanco) and José (Joaquim de Almeida), and their mature children are endearing and enduring characters. The plot begins as the couple have an opportunity to return to their homeland and the comedy unfolds as those around them realise how much they depend on the couple and want them to stay. There are enough key notes to understand and develop the large cast of characters. Well acted all round, the comedic timing hits the spot each time. As different emotions are explored throughout the film each nuance is allowed to develop, flower and blossom. I was laughing all the way through the film, which made fun out of the drama unfolding, and allowed a tear to be shed in one of the softer, more delicate moments of the tale.
I was revelling in the delight of being reminded what good cinema and feel-good movies can do, leaving the Verona with a real sense of the joy and perils of family life, and the bonds that thread and tie us all together. This is a perfect summer film to relish, and whole-heartedly satisfying. I will beat the drum for this film as a sheer pleasure, smiles, laugher and a tear and to walk out of the cinema feeling charmed by the film and the characters. Top marks for the director Ruben Alves who dedicates the film to his parents – what a loving tribute to delight audiences. Alves has written and created a film with love that gives love, and when leaving the cinema that love resonated with all the way home.
Listen to Emmanuelle speak with Director Ruben Alves on Forever French tonight.
8.30pm Wednesday 18 December
Catch The Gilded Cage at Palace, Dendy and independent cinemas.