Notes on a Scandal (2006)
Strong themes, strong sexual references
| Director: | Richard Eyre |
| Actors: | Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Andrew Simpson, Tom Georgeson, Michael Maloney, Joanna Scanlan, Shaun Parkes, Emma Kennedy, Syreeta Kumar |
When Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) joins St. George's as the new art teacher, Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) senses a kindred spirit. But Barbara is not the only one drawn to her. Sheba begins an illicit affair and Barbara becomes the keeper of her secret. Notes on a Scandal is a story of loneliness, loyalty, envy and love.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 92mins |
| Origin: | AUSTRALIA |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (275)
275 Member
Reviews
Terry
says
...Excellent - outstanding performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.. Bill Nighy did a great job too... entertaining watching
says
Good movie
Cele
says
Now this one I found quite strange indeed. The actors were magnificent, but the twist near the end was weird. I would not like a friend like her!
says
Very good movie but a bit slow in parts. 2 great actresses make it as good as it is
Jill
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie - Cate Blanchett well cast and Judi Dench excellent as always. I had watched this move quite some time ago and enjoyed it just as much the second time around.
Trinx
says
This really demonstrates just how far great acting and brilliant music can take a film, even with a fairly straightforward storyline. Dench and Blanchett are the best in the business. The manipulating older woman up against the naivety and selfishness of the younger priveledged one. Thouroughly enjoyable.
Rahrah
says
A good film, well acted and with a well written script that was a pleasure to listen to. I haven't read the novel. However the DVD itself stopped at least 6 times (sometimes at important scenes) so missed some key scenes which was a bit annoying, but got the gist of what happened. Sheba Hart seemed too naive and lacking in insight to be really credible (regarding her intimate friendship with Judi Dench's character) but Cate Blanchett did manage to pull it off. Rather like an early John Fowles novel or bit Roald Dahl-ish in plot and character.
Sarah
says
Good movie. Both Dench and Blanchett played their roles well. Worth watching.
Glenda
says
Very good movie - held onto every word
laurie
says
Was a very good plot - Julie Dench plays a lonely spinster with lesbian tendencies who entraps a younger teacher into a smothering friendship by catching her in a relationship with an underage school boy. The scandal has many implications for a far reaching number of people. Not a happy movie but very interesting
kathy
says
fantastic movie, acted out by two very good actresses Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench, well worth watching
Kate
says
Brilliant, I loved it. But it may not be everyones cup of tea. Dame Judy was brilliant. I left the subtitles on so I wouldn't miss a word. Very interesting concept.
Pam Rivers
says
I did enjoy this movie. Judi Dench is one of my favourites. 3-1/2 stars
jericho
says
we loved this movie
Alex H
says
A great performance of my two favorite actresses.
Lilibet
says
At first I thought it could have been a bit 'edgier' but then I realised that the initially understated performance by Dame Judi underpinned the chaos that she was creating all around her. I would like to see it again. First class performances. If anything, I felt that perhaps the film would have benefitted from being a little longer to give more depth to each of the relationships.
Mary
says
If the acting in this movie hadn't been so fantastic, then the movie could have been a dud.
It should have been made into a decent thriller but then again they don't produce decent thrillers any more - not like the ones in the 70's and 80's.
C
says
Notes on a Scandal just showed how Cate Blanchett shines through with her acting. She is brilliant as is Judi Dench. Good movie.
jess
says
good movie, worth a watch
S.R.D.H
says
Great cast, good acting, unusual plot, go see it now!
Tracee F.
says
I can see why this wouldn't be a main stream hit but the acting is incredible. Dame Judi is very unnerving
BluNat
says
Terrible, terrible movie. I couldn't stand to watch past 20 minutes. Very disappointing when it has such a great cast.
Ann
says
Excellent movie blanchette and dench excellent
Sandra D.
says
Notes on a Scandal - Judi Dench - never seen her so frumpy and dishevelled, what an amazing actress she is. Played her part to perfection. Cate Blanchett - mixed up, flawed beautiful young woman. Great to see Bill Nighy play a serious part for once. Thoroughly enjoyed the film - very real story about what life is as opposed to what we would like it to be. 4 stars
Veronica
says
Two excellent actresses give a great performance in a story not often revealed.
Bridget
says
Excellent, Judi Dench as a haggard bitter (possibly gay) old school teacher was excellent, would definitely recommend it
Dianne B.
says
good movie judi had me fooled
Annette S.
says
One of the best movies i have seen for a long time. Great actresses. Worth seeing.
Jim
says
I found this an engrossing film and I enjoyed "Judi Dench" what an amazing actor she is.
Leah
says
Very interesting, it started off a little slow but when it kicked in boy did it kick in. Overeall great.
John N.
says
This is about teacher/student sexual relations. I could not finish this movie, too disturbing.
Keryn B.
says
Wonderfully written, brilliantly acted. Absolute viewing must.
Judith
says
excellent film and well acted most enjoyable
Kerry
says
An interesting movie.
Tracey
says
Completed overrated. What a boring movie..... Kept watching hoping that something would happen but nothing really ever did.
Joanne
says
Excellent performances. Disturbing but powerful film.
John S.
says
Great acting well worth the view
Carolyn A.
says
Ooh don't cross Judi Dench or she'll get you! I found this movie uncomfortable to watch - the relationship between Cate Blanchett's character (and the resulting aftermath) is difficult to sit through, and Judi Dench's character is just evil. Very well acted. Bill Nighy is an unexpectedly nice suprise as CB's husband.
Wayne W.
says
Not what I was expecting. Looks like a dry musty tale, dusty school halls and withered old teachers. Lust, jealousy, possession, spite, infidelities and not just among the obvious characters. Very much enjoyed this tale of a lonely old school m'am who takes the young teacher "under her wing". Blanchett and Dench living up to reputations.
Janice T.
says
Well acted and intense but depressing
John M.
says
This DVD is a troublesome and powerful movie.
Some very good acting dealing with some very complex human relationships - problems which can come between teachers and one or more students - this movie is almost essential viewing for those are already engaged in or about to be engaged in responsible position of oversighting teenagers/adolescents.
Beverley M.
says
we found the movie worth watching, this is a very different role for Judi Dench.
Dawn C.
says
Excellent - enjoyable for every minute - superb acting - a must see
Tania P.
says
I thought that the performances were fantastic, but I thought that the plot and characters were unrealistic.
Richard L.
says
Outstanding acting. Really enjoyed this stange story.
Tony
says
If Shakespeare were alive today, I believe this is exactly the sort of tragedy he'd be writing. This mirror to modern times and behaviour is exceptional. As good on DVD as on the screen. Superb writing and acting from all concerned. One of the most powerful dramas of our times.
St John E.
says
A very well acted film that almost made it. Every now and then one was conscious of a weakness in the script which betrayed a lack of real understanding of the teaching profession. It was a serious subject which came over asan ubreal situation.
Margaret W.
says
good movie with a twist...fantastic performance by Judi Dench ....loved the narration
Amour S.
says
A very calculating woman is Barbara Covett, who gains the confidence of Sheba in order to corrupt her. The older woman does not stop her technique of 'conditioning' her quarry. Yes, disturbing! An excellent cast.
Ilona
says
Really creepy film, but like a book you can't put down. Outstanding acting, great story.
Helen H.
says
as expected excellent acting. riveting!wasn't totally sure about Judy's sexual tendencies until about half way through.
Sarah W.
says
Any other actors and I would have hated this movie. It is highly disturbing. Cate and Judi, however, are such top class artists, that I was compelled to watch the entire movie and become involved. I don't know that I would necessarily recommend this, but at the same time, I'm not sure I regret watching it either.
Jane F.
says
Brilliant acting. Intriguing Story line.
Fantastic.
Nigel W.
says
Well performed but doesn't really hit the mark as a psycho drama. Its hard to believe or even understand the motivations of the lead characters.
Sean D.
says
Slow start but once it got going, it was sensational. Blanchett is a great Aussie actor
Rhiannon S.
says
Lauren Y.
says
Amazing movie, Judi Dench is outstanding as usual and Cate Blanchett is fine acting form. A must see movie.
Jeannine J.
says
Outstanding acting, particularly from Judi Dench. A great watch, in spite of some moments where it was hard to suspend disbelief.
Leanne O.
says
Acting was excellent but storyline a little slow. Not as good as I expected but certainly worth a watch for the performances.
Maria D.
says
Great acting by Cate and Judy. Shows how manipulative some people can become when they know something you are trying to hide. Disturbing subject- affair between a teacher and a 15 yr old boy
Barbara C.
says
A disturbing story line but watch this one for fantastic acting by Cate & Judi they really work for their pay in this one.
Allan B.
says
i really enjoyed this movie
Julie-Ann F.
says
Excellent movie. Brilliant performance by Judi Dench.
Anthony B.
says
Richard A.
says
Jody E.
says
Cate Blanchett never disappoints, nor does the wonderful Judi Dench, and in this both played their characters perfectly....good story, well cast and whilst it was easy to see how it would all turn it, it was easy watching to get absorbed in it...
Amy H.
says
Fantastic performances by both Judy Dench and Cate Blanchett.
Jasmine W.
says
I loved Judi Dench and the character she played. i hated the rest of the movie.
Lisa R.
says
Kathleen J.
says
engaging performances by Cate and Judi, alarming story-line also, but oh so intriguing...a winner.
Nathan W.
says
Geat acting by Cate blanchett and judi dench
Gordon M.
says
Did not like the subject matter of a mature female teacher, mother of two, including a Downs Syndrome boy, being involved in an illicit sexual relationship with a 15 year old boy student Watched only 20 minutes. Look elsewhere.
Alex C.
says
Vik S.
says
Very very good. Brilliant acting.
Colin Y.
says
Drama is not quite my cup of tea, but hats off to Cate and Judi for their stunning portrayals here. An absolute must-see if you like drama, especially to see 2 fine actos in top form. Cate is absolutely beautiful as ever.
Col D.
says
Good movie, well acted. Interesting story but not everyone would like aspects of the dtory
Salwa Y.
says
It was interesting enough to keep me watching, the story was strange...hard to believe, but why make movies then??... wonderful acting, worth watching once.
Linda M.
says
Fethon N.
says
Valda L.
says
Good movie, acting was very good.
Trevor T.
says
Wilma T.
says
enjoyed this very different movie with unusual twist
Rebecca F.
says
good
Linda W.
says
Terrific, the acting was superb interesting story line. Found the story caused later reflection.
Stephen M.
says
Very topical theme. Excellent acting well worth watching.
Liesl F.
says
Excellent, excellent movie!! I didn't know what to expect when I chose it, but it turned out to be a unique and unpredictable gem. What a brilliant concept, and fabulously executed by all actors involved.
John Bee.
says
Judi and Cate are supreme actors. In this piece they confirm it. All performers are excellent. A sensitive well told story.
Helen P.
says
An absolutely fabulous movie - a gripping plot which delved into the minds of two disturbed women - the young teacher who makes the ultimate betrayal of the student/teacher relationship and the older teacher who uses this relationship for her own devices. Beautifully acted. Fantastic.
Claudia S.
says
Michael B.
says
Great Acting in a very unusual movie that smetimes makes you squirm and feel uncomfortable. Worth watching for the experience.
Marek P.
says
Judi Dench is excellent in her role as a sinister, scheming Machiavellian character...as far away from "As Tears Goes By' and the classroom as you could imagine!! Nice twist at the end...
Judy H.
says
Great acting by Judi Dench. She played the part of a very twisted woman and was very believable. Worth watching.
Nicky P.
says
This was a great film. Judy Dench is quite creepy in it. Another fantastic performance by Cate.
Michelle R.
says
What can I say. Again Judy Dench is just magnificent and you don't know which way this movie is going to turn. Cate Blanchett plays an extraordinary role in this movie as with Dame Dench. Definitely a winner for me.
Barry S.
says
Both Judi and Cate played great parts, the storyline was great...highly recommended
Barbara V.
says
To my surprise I did not like this film. I had thought with the 2 great actors playing the main characters that I would enjoy this film, unfortuately not. I found it dreary and Judi Dench's part depressing.
Peter F.
says
I thought Dench and Blanchett were fabulous in this tale of mis-placed lust and cunning manipulation. Dench's character, through her journal (the notes on a scandal) weaves a cleverly crafted narrative throughout the movie. Dench plays a compellingly psychotic would-be lover and through a convincing performance adds the respect I have of her abilities. Blanchett's performance is wonderfully vulnerable although not always quite believable. A top flick that's worth every bit of 4 stars.
Andrew H.
says
Excellent movie. Good old fashioned mystery with modern twist.
Linda W.
says
Superbly acted by both Cate and Judi and ably supported. Very different storyline that keeps you interested throughout. Judi plays the part of a woman you never want to meet. She's the gay version of a bunny boiler who preys on younger women. Cate plays another role that is disparaged by society so makes for a very interesting combination.
Katie W.
says
The acting was good but I couldn't really get into the story or the characters.
Gene G.
says
Excellent acting but I have seen better plot,topic or story et.al.
Jennifer N.
says
Terrific movie. The actors were brilliant. The story line was a bit unsettling.
Julie B.
says
Great performances from Judi and Cate. Disturbingly realistic themes and characters kept me thinking for days afterwards.
Steph A.
says
Just love Judy Dench's acting, what a beautiful lady, great movie
Fiona A.
says
Gabrielle P.
says
love these two actors. brilliant movie, nail bight and oooow ahhhh oh my god movie
Susan N.
says
I loved this movie - very thought provoking
Julie W.
says
slow moving but enthralling to the end, enjoyed this movie
Kim W.
says
I loved this movie. If you like arthouse movies, or movies with some substance and great acting, this is for you. Judi Dench is brilliant, and Cate Blanchett is pretty good too.
Rebecca B.
says
Good acting makes up for somewhat unbelievable characterisations - very topical though.
Yolande S.
says
Great acting, unusual movie
Catherine R.
says
Judith B.
says
Christine L.
says
Very disturbing movie with great storyline. You get very drawn in as the acting is superb!
Jon S.
says
Dench at her best
Sue Y.
says
Strong performances by Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench and of course the reliable Bill Nighy. Bit heavy going and a interesting moral subject of a teacher and a student. Woudn't watch it again.
Charmaine R.
says
The films story had many forms of emotion, duty and grace. Wonderfully acted by two female leading roles. Deep and intense, not for the whole family to enjoy. Will not be dissapointed, give it a go!
Lyndal T.
says
Cate Blanchet is stunning as usual and full of charisma. Dame Judy is inspiring as a sycophantic and potentially, socially dangerous 'friend'. A very sad premise for a movie and potentially uncomfortable for anyone who's been the brunt of such sick affection. Extremely well acted and well written. A great insight into the boundaries of friendship and the perils of loneliness.
Branka K.
says
Susan S.
says
Masterful performances from all actors in this disturbing film. I was completely lost in it - the first time I can remember this happening in years.
Lidia V.
says
A fantastic movie with amazing actors and a interesting storyline. Was hooked the whole way through!
Lindy L.
says
Rob O.
says
One of the best films I've seen lately, dont get to the cinema, nearest is 100ks away
Rochelle D.
says
Karen B.
says
EXCELLENT-a movie that will stay with you forever-very thought provoking-a must watch movie. I could watch it again and again a still enjoy it.
JM
says
Excellent acting.
Vicky
says
Heather C.
says
A complex story about life & love. Really enjoyed the acting of Judy Denah & Cate Blanchett.
David R.
says
Nicely disturbing without being too bizarre.
Brian R.
says
Not impressed.
Cindy H.
says
Fabulous Cate & Judi - performances not to be missed.
Barbara P.
says
Entertaining to watch with brilliant actors, really is a top class movie, enjoyed very much.
Robert B.
says
Howard R.
says
Good Acting
JB
says
Janet W.
says
Good film except for the paedophilia aspect and what a nutter was Judi Dench's character played so well by her. Worth watching.
Robyn K.
says
Roberta S.
says
Excellent
Jean F.
says
A very thought provoking movie. Excellent storyline. Great performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Loved the ending.
Judy M.
says
Beautifully acted, just not quite my cup of tea.
Carl H.
says
Helen B.
says
Excellent movie with great performances by Cate Blanchett and Dame Judy Dench. Can't understand those who have rated this low. Well worth watching.
Leanne P.
says
Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett did a wonderful job as you would expect. Very interesting storyline.
Leanne P.
says
Gerd H.
says
A very clever screenplay. While the scandal soon becomes apparent, there’s more to the story than it at first seems. The characters themselves change and only the great performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett make that happen. It’s a joy to watch. Both lead characters are flawed, resulting in an intense movie that delivers more than expected.
Glenda I.
says
Undoubtedly 5 stars, this is a movie not to be missed with flawless acting. How brave is Judi Dench to play such a complex and physically ugly woman...bravo!
Graham C.
says
Worth a watch and keeps your interest but it aint a 5 star movie thats for sure. More could have been done with the storyline and it is largely carried by big star names.
Christine C.
says
brilliant movie should not be missed the actors were fantastic
Jennifer C.
says
I thought this was an excellent movie, the acting was brilliant from all the cast. and in particular Judi and Cate were fantastic
Peter L.
says
Sally M.
says
Julie W.
says
Great story superbly portrayed by Cate and Judi.
Rhoda J.
says
Interesting and disturbing storyline. I really enjoyed the movie, but it's not one that I would bother watching again.
Vanessa C.
says
acting excellent, very watchable, relationship between teacher & student not quite believable
Ian G.
says
Judi Dench & Cate Blanchett are outstanding - very good movie with a gripping story.
Maria A.
says
Excellent, very good movie.
Fiona R.
says
Intelligent and thought-provoking. Excellent script. Amazing performances by Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench.
Maria S.
says
Amanda O.
says
One of the best movies I have seen this year. Great storyline! Great acting!
Judi W.
says
lakme
says
Thought this was an exellent movie. The British (and very tamed down) version of Fatal Attraction. The gorgeous Cate and magnificent Judi made for a tour de force in this great story of illicit love and jealousy. Very well acted with a brilliant storyline, this movie comes highly recommended.
John P.
says
Excellent film touching on dangerous ground. Not to be missed
Neil G.
says
Superb performance by Dame Judy.
Ultimately it's a sad story about loneliness.
Compelling storyline. Well worth a watch.
Gina T.
says
Audrey P.
says
Great cast leads to great movie
Yanna W.
says
Provocative story told from a very surprising point of view – you’ll find yourself thinking about it long after you’ve returned the DVD. Great performances from two fantastic actors. Not sure who to hate more in this story, the Sheba (Cate Blanchett) or her “friend” Barbara (Judi Dench).
Janet M.
says
Judy Dench's performance is flawless.
Mark C.
says
Amanda W.
says
Fantastic acting by both Dench and Blanchett. Really loved the story line and where it took you, right to the end. You won't be disappointed with this title.
John L.
says
Two of the worlds best actress in one film. Not to be missed .Very disturbed women done brilliantly by Ms Dench.
Clare B.
says
On a clinical level, superb acting and characterisation. On an enjoyment level - limited storyline and tawdry subject matter.
Catherine M.
says
claire
says
BORING... BORING... BORING!! Brilliant acting but that's about it!! Took forever to get anywhere and when it finally did it certainly wasn't worth the wait!
Guy T.
says
Terence B.
says
Magnificent acting by both Judi & Cate!!
Janice W.
says
Very different movie but worth a look
Bec L.
says
The Double whammy of deviate was too much. First an affair with an underage boy followed up by an obsessed/stalker wanna-be lesbian lover. I appreciate the attention to real issues but perhaps better in separate movies.
Kerry M.
says
Janice A.
says
Really enjoyed this. The acting was A-1
Kerrie D.
says
good movie. although ending quite poor.
Dianne G.
says
Interesting character played by Dame Judi Dench and an unusual choice of character for Cate Blanchett.
The storyline kept me interested throughout the film as it was very intriging.
Evelyn L.
says
Thought this movie was very slow, couldnt get to grips with it, but it did keep you watching to see what happened at the end
Lora-Leuka V.
says
Nicola W.
says
great
Colleen C.
says
Brilliant
Jackie B.
says
Elisabeth A.
says
Great acting and pretty compelling to watch, but the ending spoils the whole film because it is so unsatisfactory.
Daphne C.
says
outstanding acting not to be missed even though it is quite disturbing
Denise O.
says
I loved this movie. The brilliance of Judy Dench shone through once again. It was a movie that kept me entertained right to the end.
Danielle Y.
says
Excellent movie, fantastic acting & great storyline. Well balanced & free flowing into powerful climax! 15+
Ainslie S.
says
Meryem S.
says
Mysterious film of a teacher and student affair.
Cedric W.
says
Once again, superb acting performances by Judy Dench and Cate Blanchett. A well scripted film that built tension as it progressed.
Lynn P.
says
Story line interesting; acting and dialogue excellent.
Anita D.
says
Naomi P.
says
I dont think too many people will be dissapointed.
Maree S.
says
Didn't realize what it was about till I watched it. I put don't bother because of the relationship of the actors. Apart from that it was good acting.
allison
says
I loved this movie. Is there any character Judi Dench cant play? Cate Blanchett was her usual sublime self. It was facinating to watch the relationship between the two women unfold. Bill Nighy just added to the class of this movie. I felt the sensitive subject matter of this movie was handled beautifully and realistically.
Denise L.
says
Marco A.
says
A beautifully acted film. It succeeds in creating empathy for both women even though their behaviour is unacceptable. The performance of Judy Dench is so believable that it reminds you of people you have met with such characteristics who previously were incomprehensible. Blanchett continues to astound with her range.
Julie M.
says
Bob S.
says
Deborah G.
says
Thought provoking; the type of story that stays with you for some time after. Brilliant acting - very real characters.
Kathryn B.
says
Siobhan W.
says
Very strange film, abhorrent premise and hard to believe it received such accolades, definitely not my cup of tea even though I do really like the two leading ladies as actresses.
John S.
says
Anna V.
says
Sue A.
says
Great direction, great acting, good drama
Alexandra C.
says
Annette W.
says
Gail G.
says
-
says
Linda J.
says
An okay movie.
John F.
says
A stunner. One of the best movies I've seen recently. In a complex role, Judi Dench is superb and no less is Cate Blanchett. Great stuff.
Lara M.
says
Rob
says
A tour de force from Judi Dench & Cate Blanchett, & as usual, beautifully underplayed by them both, yet so powerful. A tragic story of loneliness & the perennial search for love consistently thwarted. The Dench character seems to need to constantly reach out for the unobtainable & sadly misinterprets the signals of friendship for love. An unhappy Balnchett's seeks love in the arms of a young boy, one of her students, a forbidden love which has disastrous consequences. A stunning & very moving film, one to watch over & over to catch new nuances each time.
Gayle K.
says
nando
says
Erena K.
says
A little boring with interesting twist at end, if you perservere.
Marie C.
says
Interesting story - great performances from leads...
Paz A.
says
I found the themes very confronting, a very powerful combination of two normally forbidden subjects: a teacher becoming sexually involved with her pupil, and a lesbian attracted to her colleage. However, the always superb acting of both Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett is a pleasure to watch and they deal with the difficult situations with skill and sensitivity.
Elizabeth H.
says
I really, really enjoyed this movie, and even my husband sat and watched it! Seriously, great acting,and characterisation. Judy Dench WAS the part and Cate Blanchet totally gorgeous.
Ursula S.
says
Cynthia R.
says
Did not enjoy.
Isobel S.
says
Jacqueline M.
says
A wonderful combination of Judy Dench and Kate Blanchett. The story itself is unusual, the tension between the two women holds you to the story and the support actors couldn't be bettered. Definately to be seen more than once
Jim S.
says
MW
says
Lesley I.
says
A M.
says
Piya A.
says
Elizabeth H.
says
Cate Blanchett, and Judy Dench. Two fabulous actresses, and they don't disappoint. Rivetting from the start,great acting and a great storyline. I'd watch it again.
Sara
says
Good acting by both the female leads!A good entertainer, disturbing but good cinema!
Toni F.
says
Good acting, an interesting film. Judi Dench is one little old lady I wouldn't want to meet on a stormy night!
Terence M.
says
Catherine S.
says
Wonderful acting
Ammie J.
says
Andrew H.
says
Outstanding performances from Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench make this film very watchable.
Helene C.
says
A great movie!
Debbie W.
says
Matthew B.
says
An intense and ultimately thrilling movie with outstanding performances (as always) from Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, and Bill Nighy. The only problem I had was, with these powerhouse performances, the film itself wasn't that well made. I'm not sure if it was editing or sound, but sometimes it just felt slapped together. If it wasn't for the three stars and their incredible talent the film would have fallen apart.
franskting
says
excellent performance by Dench. The rest was pretty pedestrian
Jo B.
says
Steve R.
says
Rosemary M.
says
Angela C.
says
Toni F.
says
This movie is a little disturbing, great acting, Judi Dench is rathy scary, she is so obsessed. Cate Blanchett shows her intellect and briliant acting as alway. Just pray you are never a teacher at Judi Dench's school, or later in the movie) in contact with her socially (be it ever so unintentional.............)
Don
says
Judi Dench and Kate Blanchette at the very height of their powers, in a truly
superb film. Judi Dench's performance is extraordinary, she really makes you
believe in the reality of her character. As a manipulative, crafty old school
teacher, her presentation makes you think of real people you have met, hated,
and feared. Kate Blanchette's porrayal of the young school teacher who gets in
over her head in a sexual relationship with one of her under-age pupils portrays a
situation which is unfortunately well known in real life. She goes to jail for it, while
Judi Dench's character goes on to ensnare yet another young woman whose life
she can interfere with and ruin... Photography, script, direction, all first rate.
Philip K.
says
Jodi M.
says
Sandy B.
says
brilliant acting as usual from blanchette and dench
Fran I.
says
I didn’t realise what part of it was based on. I did not like it at all especially the sex scenes. I don’t know how Kate.B made the movie. I was very put off by it.
Glenda D.
says
Very well acted movie. Cate Blanchett & Judi Dench are very well cast and the story is good and very topical.
Nicholas F.
says
Barbara N.
says
Brilliant acting from the two leads. Very will directed and the editing was also excellent. Not to be missed.
Pauline P.
says
Fantastic acting!
Maureen E.
says
Albert J.
says
Great acting,puts you out of your comfort zone
Stephen B.
says
Jan H.
says
Anything with Judy Dench is always great.
Bev M.
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Ruth C.
says
Leisa M.
says
Michael C.
says
top shelf
Heide E.
says
Creepy, I thought! Very well acted by Judy Dench and Cate Blanchet.
Ray A.
says
Marcel V.
says
Judi Dench plays a very manipulative seasoned school teacher with an 'innocent' Cale Blanchett as her subject... very powerful portrayal of a change of friendship when an ulterior motive is discovered.
What a wicked webb they weave
Marcel V.
says
Bradley W.
says
A female school teacher, married with children, has an affair with a 15 year old student. A lonely old spinster colleague discovers the affair. Lives, careers and reputations suffer.
Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett are excellent in their roles.
gol
says
Firstly you never get a bad performance out of Judy or Cate, unusual movies bit slow took time to develop but eventually the characters became stronger exhibiting their form of loneiness and both being lost in their world. A intriguing human interest story.... unfortunately I suspect the abuse of 'teacher' authority is becoming more prevelant in this day & age. Recommended.
Clare R.
says
Matthew S.
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Gerry V.
says
Outstanding acting!
Marg O.
says
Cate Blanchett and Dame Judi are fantastic . Not to be missed!
Margaret F.
says
Two of my most favourite actors Judi Dench & Cate Blanchett. I found myself disturbed by the story line then realized I was supposed to feel disturbed. Excellent Performance by Judi & Cate, all the cast are good in this most thought provoking film.