2012 Directed by Sally Potter
A look at the lives of two teenage girls - inseparable friends Ginger and Rosa -- growing up in 1960s London as the Cuban Missile Crisis looms, and the pivotal event the comes to redefine their relationship.
British Film Institute (BFI) BBC Films Adventure Films Match Factory Productions Ingenious Media Media House Capital Miso Film Det Danske Filminstitut
I should probably confess my stupidity from the outset. You see I confused this period coming-of-age drama for another film - Jack and Diane - a film focused on adolescence but with a lycanthropic twist. So for almost a third of the film I was patiently waiting for a werewolf to show up and liven up the sedately paced drama yet it never came. Therefore, because I was actually expecting something very different, my opinion of Ginger and Rosa might be a little harsh.
The film follows two inseparable best friends living in ‘60s London just before the Cuban Missile Crisis. With liberal upbringings they join CND protests and discover the joys and perils of 1960s life in London. In…
- If we needed more proof that Elle Fanning is one hell of an actress (probably even better than her sister) here it is. She's surrounded by a terrific supporting cast, but it's Fanning who effortlessly carries the film. Her second to last scene in which she struggles to divulge a secret is mesmerizing.
- Kudos to Christina Hendricks, who's always been great on "Mad Men", as she continues to shine in these small supporting roles on the big screen. Hopefully she will make a successful transition to film once her series ends.
- A bit of trivia: Alice Englert (Rosa) is Jane Campion's daughter.
Like a slow burning flame a bond between two girls starts to melt away with a path they choose that breaks them emotionally trying to understand a world which is trying to achieve supremacy to bring a strong hold on who will dominate.
Ginger and Rosa is set in 1960 where two best friends Ginger and Rosa are finding their way in this newly formed world after war. They are trying to be free and independent not only spiritually but with the existence they can hold together. With Ginger being actively taking part in the protest of banning bombs and stop a nuclear holocaust, Rosa drifts in her way in the arms of Ginger's father Roland with his free thinking…
NO!! JUST. FUCKING. NO!!!
In the glorious 21st century we have already been treated with many great female-centered coming-of-age films or at least lots of films with a same interest in the female persona and its inner troubles during the early stages of life. Both male and female directors have made films in this genre and especially the women seem to shine in this field with films like Fish Tank and Mustang for example. But unfortunately even they who are closer to this subject than us silly men, seem to falter from time to time.
Case in point: Ginger and Rosa
Where to begin with this film?
Well, first of all, if I were to talk to any teen, both…
This film is brilliant. Beautifully shot. Extraordinary performances. Superb writing. A story of youth and friendship in a world of existential dread.
Alessandro Nivola recently spoke about being cast in Nicolas Winding Refn's The Neon Demon and said that Refn must have seen this film before casting. It shares three major cast members and that was admittedly my motivation for seeing Ginger & Rosa, but I am glad I did. I love this film.
A somewhat tired premise is elevated by excellent performances and a divine sense of place. Beautifully shot, moody, and Elle Fanning knocks 'em dead.
ADVENTURES IN A24 - Episode #2
Elle Fanning ignites the screen in this Cold War era drama, and that's pretty much it.
Fanning's Ginger is a young activist in 1960s Britain, fighting for world peace while actively trying to avoid her tumultuous family life. She plays the role almost too well though, because the she elevates the film to such heights that the flaws really stand out. Literally everyone else in the film is an asshole.
The first half of the film starts off promising, showcasing Ginger's friendship with Rosa. The film could have kept this up and been a thoughtful piece about youth in the Cold War, but it soon gets sidetracked with soapy drama between Ginger, her parents, Rosa, and the activist friends who just sort of hang around and make intellectual quips. The drama gets continuously more annoying that by the end you're just waiting for the credits.
Nicely directed, but it misses the mark by comparing the dissolution of Ginger's friendship with rosa and the dissolution of her parents' relationship with the threat of nuclear war.
Beautifully acted and filmed. I’d recommend it just to watch Elle’s astonishing performance, she was just 14 years old here and somehow she shows us her really REALLY great acting skills.
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