Review of The English Patient (1996) by Gregory G — 18 Sep 2014
Set during World War II, this romantic epic is about the love affair between a Hungarian count (Ralph Fiennes) and the wife (Kristin Scott Thomas) of an English explorer. Badly burned after a plane crash, the count is now known as 'the english patient.
' Near the end of the war he is cared for in an Italian monastery by a Canadian nurse (Juliette Binoche) and recounts the affair during an expedition in North Africa. Based on the intricate book by Michael Ondaatje, writer-director Anthony Minghella uses flashbacks to piece together the count's memories.
This is an old fashioned love story with the sweep of "Doctor Zhivago" and "Out of Africa," and its just as pompous and enervated. It has similarities to "Casablanca," but whereas Bogart sacrificed love for nationalism, the actions of Fiennes are less honorable but perhaps more genuine.
There are shocking images of war brutality that contrasts with the intimacy of the affair. Well acted by the entire cast with Binoche a particular standout. Cinematography by John Seale; Music by Gabriel Yared; Editing and Sound by Walter Murch.
Won Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Supporting Actress (Juliette Binoche), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, Art Direction, Score, Sound. With Willem Dafoe, Naveen Andrews, Colin Firth.
This review of The English Patient (1996) was written by Gregory G on 18 Sep 2014.
The English Patient has generally received very positive reviews.
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