Capitalism A Love Story. Michael Moore's Got Nothing On This One.

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2010)

funny. another name for this could be 'Capitalism a love story', because that's pretty much what this is about. it's a grim and morbid, but ultimately hilarious, satirical send up of the almighty dollar(or pound note). anything to make your business turn around and become a financial success. profits over humanity. funny funny funny.
aside from making a almost profound statement about humanity, this is also one of Hollywood's greatest entertainments and one of it's finest musicals. i love Sondheim's 'Night Music' and 'Company', and i hear his score for Alain Resnais 'Stavisky' is nothing less than brilliant. but this is the score i love the most because of it's wicked and subtle wit. not to mention great beauty.
Johhny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are truly memorable and brilliant here. these are two of the most memorable performances i've almost ever seen. there is so much power here. Alan Rickman is frightening as the evil judge. and Sascha Baron Cohen and the marvelous Timonthy Spall make up a (ha ha) delicious supporting cast. these dark, over powering performances are nicely contrasted with the cherub-like innocence of the children in this. Jamie Bower, Jane Wisener, and Eddie Sanders, seem like waifish, angelic babes in a "innocence lost" scenario that is deeply moving and heart-breaking. a horrifying statement about the terrors and corruption that befall children in this world.
as a matter of fact, this movie is probably okay for children to see. but absolutely not without adult supervision. it wholly deserves it's 'R' rating for some of the most graphic violence i've ever seen in a movie. the numerous throat slashings are ghastly and horrific and should not be seen by kids. but that's the dilemma the adult parent faces in their decision. this film has a deep statement to make about childhood and half of it's protagonist are children. there is also very little profanity and sex is only suggested. it is also such well conceived culture a kid can only become more sophisticated because of it. but parents should be warned that much of this is inappropriate for kids. not only is it too violent, but it features a gin guzzling ten year old.
this is a profound and amazing cinema experience. despite it's dark negativity, the viewer can only grow from it. it's truly one of cinema's very, best musicals. it's "R" rating isn't wrong it's just a paradox of sorts. it's unsuitable but yet for all audiences. that doesn't seem to make sense but it's true.