Movies

This period film is unique in that the writer/director chose not to invent some contrived plot to push the movie along. It is as if we are simply witness at crucial points during normal goings on in the lives of Gilbert and Sullivan during the late 1800's. I found it fascinating and was not aware of the length (almost 3 hours) during the picture.If you have ever been in a musical, have a love of theater, or have any interest in the 1800's, you must see this film. From the superb acting, to the set design (amazing accuracy), to the technique - this film is a gem to behold.

It is the basic trait of this lovely film. More an eccentric show than film. A sort of nostalgia for a lost time, for spectacular projects, for the essence of show, for profound naivety, for intense fights, for costumes and actors and colors, emotions, falls and joy. An hommage not only for two artistic collaborators. But for the unique flavors of XIX century.

I have to admit that before I saw "Topsy-Turvy", the only exposure that I'd ever had to "The Mikado" was the Goldie Hawn-Chevy Chase comedy/thriller "Foul Play". But now that I understand the opera's origins, it's something to talk about. In a way, this movie almost seems more like a look at Victorian England, but everyone does a good job here. As Gilbert and Sullivan, Allan Corduner and Jim Broadbent are in top-notch form. For a while there, we sort of thought that Mike Leigh's movies were kind of slow, but "Secrets & Lies" disproved that and "Topsy-Turvy" affirms him as a great director. So see it. You might just feel like performing an opera after seeing it.