Cleveronix
A different way of telling a story
Twilightfa
Watch something else. There are very few redeeming qualities to this film.
Ogosmith
Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.
WRATH RANNDALL
a woman justifying cheating that's it, brought to you by the don't judge me snowflake generation...God curse all. a man who works and is not perfect, like you could be with white woman today no attempt at counseling nope just free sex..God curse you all the modern western woman is not wife material, she has been given enough rope to hang herself and destroy the modern male...which she is doing.
Voyage2-2
I often wonder what of film makers' true goals of a project. Michael Bay bangs out blockbusters that don't put him on the cocktail party 'A list' but rather residence in the best neighborhoods. Then there are films which are produced for the elite; the anti Hollywood crowd and to be shown to film students. 'The American' with George Clooney, comes to mind, which in a sparsely populated theater I saw people walk out. Sometimes these films 'fail' because they are cheered by too large a crowd of critics, opening the gates for a mass audience...and all that 'riff raff.' Subtlety is great, it is refreshing to see some of this style from 70's films make a comeback. Would 'Taxi Driver' be as welcomed by today's generation of movie goers ? But, if 'The Other Man' was hoping or trying for such a benchmark, it failed miserably.Yet, if it was honest art, to tell a story a little differently, 'A' for effort. 'The Other Man' stars the 'A-List' talent, and the right kind, lower profile stars one doesn't read about everyday. Liam Neeson (Peter) and Laura Linney (Lisa) are a couple living in Britain. He, working for a software company, she shoe designer. Lisa dies and soon after, Peter discovers an affair she had, and sets out to 'find him.' To round out this little trio, Antonio Banderas (Ralph) is the lover. That's all you need to follow along, but Lisa's death is far more intuitive than clear. I wasn't sure until somewhere near the middle, that she was actually dead, not just 'unavailable.' Once this is made absolutely clear, flashbacks to her illness are paraded by, to fill in the back story. Linney's part is small, but enough moments are shown to see what she CAN do, in case you weren't sure, and for her to show clips when a guest on TV shows. The film essentially orbits around Peter and Ralph.The writing is weak, carefully sidestepping cliché (although Banderas does ramble on like the 'Latin Lover') although not offering anything extra in return. Subtly is great, but some punch is called for to round it out. We saw Neeson in 'Schindler's List,' but his Oskar character was complicated and paradoxical. The script for 'List' was given punch by Aaron Sorkin, whose more recent works include 'Moneyball' and 'Charlie Wilson's War.' As we saw, sometimes words are not needed, just the right looks and 'moments' will carry the day. But, other times, words ARE needed and punchy dialogue appreciated. Additionally, some opportunities were missed, such as Ralph's strange amazement with turtles, demonstrating his character had more potential than as a 'European lover,' mono dimension.I gave the picture five stars because it's not an awful film, it's just so poor from what it COULD have been. My appetite's now been sweetened to explore again, 'Unfaithful.' Not universally praised, but hardly upstaged by this updated version of the genre.
Leofwine_draca
A bit of an unwieldy film. This one came out around the same time as TAKEN, and like that film it sees Liam Neeson traipsing around Europe in a bit to reunite his family. However, this isn't an action film at all, but rather an exploration of adultery and the effect it can have on people's lives.It's hard to work out the target audience. The threat of impending violence keeps things moving along at one stage, as does the mystery surrounding Neeson's wife's secrecy. But it's not a thriller at all, and in fact it's difficult to pigeonhole. Really it's more of an excuse to ruminate on love, jealousy, rivalry and more.It's also one of those twist films, in which plotting plays a major part. I was torn between being slightly bored and fairly intrigued. Neeson is good, if not great, but Antonio Banderas bags the best role and is a delight. Laura Linney and Romola Garai provide strong support.
SilkyWilky
Skipping through reviews before watching this film, I nearly decided to give it a miss. But I found out it was a miss for those negative reviewers who didn't get it. It's a hit, for me anyway.It's gutsy, deals with real emotions colouring them in hither and thither as the scenes flick by in a non linear time line. That may sound like it's complex - it isn't. You are taken on a journey focusing on Peter, his wife being the essential background to the story, with his wife's lover the foil on which they both tread.If you're looking for a stereotypical Hollywood scorned husband movie, move along, you'll find no joy here. This is real life in content, pace and dialogue. It's not boring, its not slow and it is captivating. I dare any man who has been cheated on by the love of their life not to be deeply moved by this film. The same probably goes for women. As the story unfolds, there's another group of people that will be moved, and that's for you to discover.The ending is how it should be given the subject matter - some level of completion. And there's plenty to talk about afterwards. I'd love to say more but that would be giving away too much.Great acting by all, though Liam Neeson has, and holds firmly, the centre stage.I give this a low end of 9/10 if that's possible. Enjoy!
