Review of South Pacific (1958) by Johnnylee T — 24 Feb 2016
Roadshow Version (14 extra mins. with Intermission also).
Old Hollywood musical which mildly tackles racism.
No-one seems to be in control so that the message is for the most part lost. Too stagey (just look at the last scene!) Highlights are the musical numbers and the setting. Otherwise, forgettable.
Not one character really gains our sympathy. Bloody Mary's match-making of her pubescent daughter is hard to accept. Emile has killed a man for obscure reasons. Cable and Nellie's redemption from their racist attitudes is hardly convincing.
Btw, why is it Cable who sings You've Got To Be Carefully Taught? It would have been correct at that stage for Emile to sing it, as the person who has been most affected by racism. Cable's change of heart happened without any exposition at all (I realise it's a musical!).
This review of South Pacific (1958) was written by Johnnylee T on 24 Feb 2016.
South Pacific has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
