Word: lila
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1980-1989
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...prize in a bitter contest between Lila (Robyn Nevin) and Vanessa (Wendy Hughes) two of the four sisters who remain after the death of Sinden. PS's mother Lila and her working class husband George have been raising PS in a run-down area of Sydney for six years when glittery, pertained Vanessa arrives on a ship from England eager to sweep him up and make a proper English gentleman of him Lila and George cannot fight her because she is moneyed and can offer the child far more than they. The compromise they work out-that PS will live...
...fascinating one While Logan is surprised and touched to meet his son, he is unable to deal with the concept of fatherhood. For her part, the frigid and calculating Vanessa knows little about mothering: from the first, she treats the boy like an adult, to the dismay of Lila and George, who want only to protect him. Negotiating with them early in the film for the rights to PS Vanessa asks the boy to leave the room. "Why?" he asks, Lila begins. "So we can discuss the lovely surprise," but Vanessa cuts her off "Because I asked you to very...
...interplay between these two opposing approaches to children becomes another central theme. For instance while George and Lila insist on referring to PS's mother as "Dear One." Vanessa tells PS to say "my mother." Some of the most important...and visually beautiful--scenes are shot in the wild and grassy cemetery where Sinden is buried Unwilling to explain the mystery and loss of death to the boy. Lila and George tell him Sinden is with the angels. Vanessa sets him straight...
...great deal of a child's innocent honesty without indulging in the saccharine coyness of many American kid characters. Several of PS's lines are so simple and yet realistic that the audience gasps in recognition and appreciation. Refusing to be taken away by a strange lady. PS tells Lila. I belong to you not to her," and finally. I won't go I won't I'll kill...
Though the rest of the script is occasionally stilted, leaving all the adults somewhat caricatured, the generally fine acting overshadows minor flaws Robyn Nevin, in particular, is a strong willed and loving Lila, who will not let her family be destroyed by poverty or by Vanessa...