Here’s
an entry that’s less Bean and more December Bride – in other words, there’s
not much PC to speak of, but it’s a well-made film with nice performances from
the rest of the cast. Though I wasn’t
quite sure what to expect, I wound up enjoying it a lot; it’s a soft, sweet
film with a lot of warmth.
In Turtle Diary, two people (William and Neaera)
meet and bond over the sea turtles at the London Zoo. Both are quiet, bookish animal lovers – shy and
unassuming – but they decide that something must be done about the adult
turtles, who’ve spent the last thirty years in captivity. Working in consort with the turtle keeper,
they set out to liberate them.
PC only
appears in one scene, playing the assistant keeper. He’s not terribly excited about his job and
he doesn’t ask too many questions, both of which are useful qualities if you’re
trying to smuggle grown turtles out from under someone’s nose.
Not
much to say, as he’s literally onscreen for less than half a minute. Unlike December
Bride, he also few lines, so there’s that.
No, this movie is to be seen for its nice little story and for its lead
performances.
Ben
Kingsley makes an excellent William, a straight-and-narrow type who awkwardly
readies himself for an act of rebellion.
As the turtle keeper, Michael Gambon is clever and clandestine. And while I’ll always know her best as the
awful Miss Minchin in A Little Princess,
Eleanor Bron gives a very different sort of performance in a minor role.
Accent Watch
London –
broad, bordering on Aussie.
Recommend?
In
General
– I would. I enjoyed the story, the
characters, and the acting. Keep in
mind, though, that it’s very understated and character-driven.
PC-wise – For completists
only.
Warnings
Thematic
elements, and criminal activity in the form of a turtle-heist.
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