Review of Ginger & Rosa (2012) by Tibor B — 14 Jul 2013

Sally Potter eschews her usual experimentation with form, and cinematic language, to focus on a simple story impeccably told. Ginger and Rosa are two early 60s teenagers, nigh on inseparable since birth and the film follows the tensions between them as they start to drift in very different directions, Ginger increasingly concerned about Cold War tensions and developing an activist spirit, whilst Rosa embraces her romantic side with an affair with Ginger's academic father.

Contrasting political and personal tensions is a well-worn device, but works very well here, along with all the other period details often reflected in some of the minor characters. An example is Christina Hendricks as Natalie, a woman who seems to have suppressed her naturally artistic creativity to buy into the whole 50s domestic goddess ideals.

The cast all work very well, despite being mostly American; only a few wavering accents slightly break the illusion. Elle Fanning is hugely impressive as Ginger, giving her an emotional range and likeable warmth that betrays her years.

It's filmed beautifully by Robbie Ryan, with some striking cinematography and a delicate handheld touch.