Review of South Pacific (1958) by Steven S — 01 Jan 2010
Sweeping wartime musical epic about parallel love stories unfolding for United States Navy officers, set in the lush undergrowth of the Soloman Islands.
A young nurse -- the glorious Mitzi Gaynor -- falls in love with a French civilian (Rossano Brazzi) courted by the military for a dangerous mission. Meanwhile the marine selected to execute the mission, Lt. Cable (John Kerr), falls in love with a local island girl.
A full complement of memorable musical numbers -- including the indefatigable 'Gonnna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair' -- are satisfying but the sheer scope of the setting is wearing and the the film works best when focused on the two pairs of lovers.
Gaynor is mesmerising and perfectly suited to Brazzi's welcome gravitas, while Kerr's earnest performance helps to keep South Pacific from sinking under its own weight.
This review of South Pacific (1958) was written by Steven S on 01 Jan 2010.
South Pacific has generally received positive reviews.
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