Return of the Soldier

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03/16/2013 Such a great book and such a terrible movie. An awful screenplay which makes hash of the story, Ineptly directed. Watch great actors flounder with embarrassment. The story is steeped in a wartime environment which the movie in no way comprehends. Alan Bates is stodgy and unconvincing. Ian Holm can do no wrong though. See more 07/08/2011 When the soldier returns from the War, he'll lose his memory from shell-shock but will he? Alan Bates seems to remember his long-time love (Glenda Jackson) and cousin (Ann-Marget) but conveniently forgets connections with his supercilious wife (Julie Christie) including their dead infant son. The women characters are really the focus of this movie. One my wonder what's so special about Bates besides his upper class money. The audience sees a middle-aged man hanging on to adolescent dreams. Christie looks beautiful and provides all the humor with lines like " She's a dowd in that awful raincoat" and "Wait 'till he sees her face" but her performance becomes monotonous as the movie progresses. Ann-Margret does some of her best screen acting as the spinster and looks the part. The only character that actually grows and the audience can relate to, is Margaret Gray played splendidly by Glenda Jackson. I enjoyed watching these actresses. Unfortunately, the drama turns weepy midway and we are left to wonder why these women do not seek other pleasures or hobbies. The scenes with the doctor played stiffly by Ian Holm feels like satire. Ultimately, the movie feels like a novel brought to life on the screen but that would be a more interesting read than watching these characters talk. See more 01/05/2008 A really fine story of loss and lust intelligently told. Alan Bates may have the title role and handles it majesticly but this is really a story about women and the effect his life has on them. Ann Margret is good, Julie Christie is very good and Glenda Jackson excellent. Watch out for a nice supporting performance by Frank Finley as Glenda Jacksons husband. See more 01/02/2008 Incredibly beautiful and moving! See more 07/07/2007 poignant drama, a bit slow but a master class in acting. All four leads make their characters real people that you care about despite their shortcomings. See more Read all reviews

Return of the Soldier

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