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Havana starring Robert Redford & Lena Olin: Love, Life and Politics

Posted on March 16, 2013 Written by ripitup

havana-robert redford-lena olin — Havana starring Robert Redford, Lena Olin and Alan Arkin. a Sydney Pollack film. Image via mrqe.com

Plot Summary

1958. Pro card player Jack Weil (Robert Redford) is in Havana once again, this time to organize the biggest game of his life. While travelling there by boat, his situation-handling skills intrigues fellow passenger/revolution supporter Roberta “Bobby” Duran (Lena Olin) and she hires him to pass her car through the border safely.

After he succeeds, he expectedly hits on Bobby, but she turns him down saying she’s married. An unfazed Jack goes about his business, trying to convince casino owner Joe Volpi (Alan Arkin) to let him organize a big stakes game, hanging out with women and not giving a damn about revolution.

Even after Bobby introduces him to her husband Arturo (Raul Julia), a important rebel, and he tells Jack that they could use his skills, Jack turns them down.

But when the police start capturing rebels, Arturo is announced dead, and Bobby goes missing, Jack decides to use his resourcefulness to help out Bobby. Only Bobby will turn out to be even more stubborn than he is, and will awaken things in Jack that he never knew existed.

Can Jack manage to win his biggest game and get out of Cuba without getting into trouble, or will he become as crazy about Bobby as she is about the revolution and do the unexpected of him?

A Beautiful, Political Journey of Internal Change

Havana is an alluring period drama/romance in a political background in an exotic city. Jack’s latest experiences in Havana, and his change and growth as a person, get more focus than the romance, so the movie will be better appreciated as an interesting drama than a romantic film. That’s not to say we don’t get some extremely brave and romantic gestures from Redford, and as usual, he seduces his co-star as he also easily seduces his audience.

Jack makes for an interesting romantic lead, as even with all the gambling, smoking, women and drinking, he never strikes us as unworthy or disreputable. If anything, his character seemed more realistic than selfish to me. He’s an American card-player who is in Cuba for business and fun, and not every foreigner would jump to risk his life to get involved in the dangerous and complicated politics of another country. Sure, it is noble to help others. Ideally, we should. But then it isn’t in everyone. And it would raise the question: why is the survival of others more important than his own?

So I can totally relate to his noninvolvement in the beginning, as it is a logical self-preservation strategy. But what he does for Bobby, doesn’t come as an unrealistic development either. Her passion, beauty and her highly different background intrigue him and brings out a passion in him he never experienced. He follows his heart rather than logic, and this is what magnetically draws Bobby to him later on.

That said, be prepared to give the lead to Havana and Jack rather than Jack and Bobby.

Written by Judith Rascoe and David Rayfiel, directed by Sydney Pollack. 1990.

Havana Movie and Cast Trivia

– Onscreen, Robert Redford’s often romantically paired with actresses younger than him:

* Havana: Lena Olin 19 years his junior

* Out of Africa: Mery Streep 13 years

* Up close and Personal: Michelle Pfeiffer 22 years

* Indecent Proposal: Demi Moore 26 years

* The Horse Whisperer: Kristin Scott Thomas 24 years

Interestingly enough, although some moviegoers make an issue of age differences on the screen, nobody seems to be bothered when it is Robert. I know I’m not. Although I have to say my favorites among these pairings are with Lena Olin and Michelle Pfeiffer.

-Robert worked with Lena’s Swedish director husband Lasse Hallström for the movie An Unfinished life. Lena often works with her husband as well (Chocolat, Casanova…).

-Redford is an Oscar-nominated actor, but an Oscar-winning director. But unlike Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves) he wasn’t nominated for both for the same movie. He wasn’t in acting in Ordinary People, the 1980 movie that got him the Oscar. Ordinary People also earned Timothy Hutton Oscar for Best Supporting actor.

Redford’s other Best Director nomination was for Quiz Show, a 1994 movie starring Ralph Fiennes. Quiz Show didn’t feature Redford as an actor either.

– Havana was directed by actor/director Sydney Pollack who guest-appeared on the sitcom Will & Grace as Will’s father.

-Havana was nominated for Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar for its music.

Also on Robert Redford:

Lions for Lambs starring Robert Redford, Meryl Streep & Tom Cruise

Up Close and Personal starring Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer

Ordinary People starring Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch

Also on Lena Olin

Mr. Jones starring Richard Gere and Lena Olin

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin and Chris Cooper

Must-See Pierce Brosnan Movies feat. Butterfly on a Wheel, Remember Me, Seraphim Falls & More

Posted on November 23, 2010 Written by ripitup

Coupling character Steve (Jack Davenport) states in one episode that one of the things all heterosexual men in common is that their favorite Bond is Sean Connery. That might be true. But I am a girl and my favorite Bond is Pierce Brosnan. This might be due to the fact that Pierce became 007 about the same time I developed an appetite for movies, entertainment and well, good-looking men. Pierce is not only my favorite Bond but also one of my favorite actors. And while I appreciate everything Ian Flemming and Hollywood have done for us, I’ll exclude the Bond films from this list. Because yes, Pierce has made even more entertaining, intriguing and/or challenging films.

After the Sunset starring Pierce Brosnan, Salma Hayek and Woody Harrelson

This is one great action/comedy with a touch of sexy romance co-starring the ever-gorgeous Salma Hayek. Here, Brosnan plays a middle-aged thief who has promised his younger and hot girlfriend and partner in crime Salma Hayek that this would be their final heist. But agent Woody Harrelson is dying to catch him. He tracks them to their tropical island and tries to collaborate with beautiful local female cop. Does he have what it takes to catch Max? Or will Max try to pull his biggest heist ever, while trying not to lose the love of his life in the process?

Exotic location, beautiful leads, smart plots and fun action. This movie may not be deep, but it will show you a good time if you let it.

Evelyn starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianna Margulies and Aidan Quinn

Ireland, 1950s. When out of work painter Desmonf Doyle (Pierce Brosnan) is dumped by his wife, he has to take care of his 3 children. But social norms and laws of the time don’t seem all that willing to let a broke father keep his kids. So the fight of his life starts, as he changes his life, finds work and fights against the Irish Constitution. Brosnan is terrific as the loving father, desperate to win his case. Co-starring are Julianna Margulies (as the beautiful bartender), Aidan Quinn (as his attorney).

Butterfly on a Wheel starring Gerard Butler, Pierce Brosnan and Maria Bello

Co-starring Maria Bello and Gerard Butler, this is one of my favorite movies ever. This is a great, low-budget thriller (as in decent quality and a great script that doesn’t require special effects). Abby (Maria Bello) and her husband Neil (Gerard Butler) seem like the perfect couple. He has a great job in advertising; they have a lovely daughter and a solid marriage. Or so it seems.

When a weekend requires the couple to leave their child with a babysitter, things change for the worse:

Before Abby can meet her friend and Neil can meet his boss, they are taken hostage in their car by a gun man (Pierce Brosnan) they have never seen before. They have to meet his demands or they will never see their daughter again. However, as it turns out, this man is not exactly after money. The problems in their marriage and trust issues resurface as they try to do their best with the strange and challenging requests of this man. What does he want? And why does he hate them so much?

This movie is original, smart and well-paced. The acting is top-notch as expected and it is fun watching Butler playing such a grey character. And it also has one of my favorite movie endings.

Top 5 Movie Endings feat. Se7en, Man from Earth, Butterfly on a Wheel and More

Seraphim Falls starring Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson

Seraphim Falls starring Liam Neeson and Pierce Brosnan.

A great western/drama/thriller where Liam Neeson has hired a bunch of men to do one thing alone: to kill his nemesis, Pierce Brosnan.

It doesn’t seem exactly right for those men to go after one man – who doesn’t strike you as a villain at all. Is this a simple fight for survival between good or evil or are things much more complicated than they seem?

Very solid and engaging. It is always a pleasure watching Neeson or Brosnan. It is definitely a fine move to put them together in a different kind of western movie.

Seraphim Falls Review

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Lena Olin, Pierce Brosnan and Chris Cooper

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Chris Cooper and Lena Olin. Wonderful drama/ romance.

I watched this movie after I had originally finished this post so it was added later. While the trailer was not really promising, the movie is a heart-felt and decent effort at a drama/romance that will stay with you even after the end credits roll. Sure, some hate it but trust me, it deserves a chance. Especially if you’re only familiar with Pattinson from his Twilight role.

* Ultimate fun for romantic comedy lovers: Laws of Attraction

Laws of Attraction starring Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan. A sweetheart of a romcom. Funny too.

*Also Recommended: The Ghost Writer starring Pierce Brosnan, Evan McGregor and Kim Catrall

The Ghost Writer starring Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor and Kim Catrall. Image via actorsandcrew.com

I am not a Polanski fan and I don’t particularly enjoy Evan McGregor movies but this is one decent drama thriller. Not the most entertaining Brosnan role, but one of the most interesting plots.

The Ghost Writer Review

What are your Brosnan favorites?

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin and Chris Cooper

Posted on June 12, 2010 Written by ripitup

Tyler Hawkins (Robert Pattinson)’s older brother Michael has killed himself some years ago. Having been very close, Tyler still can’t seem to have shaken his death. His parents have divorced. He is close with his 11-year-old sister Caroline (Ruby Jerin) and gets along with his mother Diane (Lena Olin). He can’t however communicate with his workaholic father Charles (Pierce Brosnan). Charles seems to be much more interested in his company than his children and Tyler is blaming him for Michael’s death on some level.

Ally (Emilie de Ravin) goes to the same college as Tyler. She has lost her mother 10 years ago. She was killed right in front of her at a subway station. This has caused her to be a one spontaneous person who will do anything to make the best of her life. She has a close relationship with her father Neil (Chris Cooper).

When Tyler meets Ally, what’s supposed to be just a bit of fun, turns into something intense and powerful. They connect at a level neither of them have ever expected. This relationship will cause both of them to confront their fathers, each other and their perspectives on life…

Now, on the surface, having read the plot summary I wrote, you may not be that impressed. You might even be less impressed when you see the trailer. So I strongly advise you to stay away from the trailer and see the movie. I half-expected to see a good movie. After all, I like all the actors here. And despite my sympathy for Pattinson, I saw the movie for Pierce Brosnan and Chris Cooper. Finding out Lena Olin was also in it was a bonus. And the movie wasn’t just good. It was amazing. I guess I don’t have to persuade Robert Pattinson and Twiligh t fans to go see this movie. I suspect they have already seen it. But for those who don’t like him and the series, forget whatever prejudice or disdain you might be holding against the guy. Forget the popularity and the vampires. See the movie. From the first moment credits roll, you will not be thinking about Twilight, I promise you.

The leading and most difficult role is Pattinson’s. His character could have come off as cliché d, but instead it comes out genuine and powerful. Despite what he has been through, he is not without love, hope and sense of humor. But he is also still in a dark place where he is deeply connected to Michael. His anger for his father makes his life even more difficult.

His relationship with Ally is right in the center but the movie is not all about the romance. It is one of the hundred other things that make the movie worth watching. Their relationship starts with fun and original dialogue and keeps interesting all over the film.

So here you have a movie centered on two lovers that came with baggage, with Tyler’s outweighing Ally’s. There is love, loss, family, friendship, murder, suicide, faith in others and hope. It is engaging, depressing, powerful and sometimes uplifting. Mind you, this is not a feel good movie. It doesn’t however go out of its way to make you feel something. It all happens naturally. Tate Ellinton plays Aidan, Tyler’s roommate/ best friend who provides all the comic relief on his own and lifts up your spirits. Does his actions remind you of your own best friends? He reminded me of mine. But Tate’s fun presence and lines aside, you will feel a lot of things during this movie. But it won’t be an overall happy experience. You will not be reassured and you will not escape reality.

It is 6.7/10 on IMDB. Severely and tragically underrated. It is by far one of the best films I have seen. And I am not a drama addict. I hate Nicholas Sparks’ way of writing, which is creating drama for drama’s sake. This screenplay however is in a league of its own. 9/10. Written by Will Fetters. Directed by Allen Coulter.

All Posts on Pierce Brosnan

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Twilight Saga and The Rest of The Cullen Family

A fun note: This is not the first movie Chris Cooper and Pierce Brosnan appeared in a film together.They previously made Married Life together, where they both had leading roles. They don’t have scenes together in this one though. It is a brilliant crime drama that also features Rachel McAdams and Patricia Clarkson. Married Life is a smart little journey with some clever, romantic and dark twists.

* Buy Remember Me on Amazon.com: currently at 19.99 with lots of other options!

ALIAS: Story of Syndey and Vaughn

Posted on August 10, 2009 Written by ripitup

* Let there be spoilers!

Forget about the societal expectations (such as: keeping promises, marrying into the right class…etc) in period pieces; and the misunderstandings in romantic comedies. It makes much more an exciting watch when the boy and the girl can not be together because both their lives are at stake. It also doesn’t help the fact that the girl’s mother killed the boy’s father. What the hell am I talking about? Sydney (Jennifer Garner) and Vaughn (Michael Vartan). The show’s name is Alias.

Syd has problems. Big ones.

aliasSsssssssssssssssssssss — Jennifer Garner as Sydney Bristow in Alias

** Sydney is a double agent for the CIA and SD-6. SD-6 has been posing as a secret branch of CIA and unfortunately Sydney Bristow has been fooled for 7 years. SD-6 are the bad guys, her father has been misleading her about his own identity for years and her fiance is dead because of SD-6.

*: More details on the show, visit here.

all-the-time-in-the-world-20060523034321178-000 — Victor Garber as Jack Bristow in Alias

* So she goes to the real CIA, and joined their quest in bringing SD-6 down. And She starts to have feelings for her CIA handler: Michael Vaughn. (Michael Vartan)- The feelings are mutual and growing stronger everyday but there is no way Vaughn and Syd can be seen together. If they were, SD-6 will kill them both. Oh and CIA will not be so pleased either…
* Oh, and Syd learns that her mother wasn’t a primary school teacher who died in a car-crash as she was led to believe. Her mother-played by Lena Olin- was KGB. She was sent to USA to seduce and marry a CIA operative. But before they learned teh truth, the evidence kind of pointed towards her dad.

*Michael has to sit in the office while Sydney risks her life on every mission. He sometimes has to risk his career and/or his life to get her out of trouble. Although she is great at her job, sometimes she has to undergo unauthorized operations to satisfy her own curiousity or save her dad…

* Michael knows everything about her, yet their conversations usually take place in CIA storage rooms. They can not go out. They do help out each other with risk operations that are dangerous and personal. They have complete faith in each other. But their most romantic lines can only be: “Yeah, I’ll break into the Vatican with you.” They can not go see a movie but they do get to diffuse a bomb together. How romantic and safe.

* At the end of season 1, Michael drowns. Or so Syd thinks. She has to go through a painful period-and so do we- when she thinks all is lost, while trying to make CIA thinks there is nothing going on between her and Michael. While they are not acting on their feelings, they both want to be like two normal people, having a chance to date.

* Season 2 finally gives them a chance to get together. For a little while.

Reg_3571_2 — Michael Vartan and Jennifer Garner. Yeah, they dated in real life too.

alias-jennifer-garner_l — First official date for Vaughn and Sydney.

* Second season finale makes Michael Vaughn think Sydney died. So season 3 puts Sydney through a hard time, trying to deal with the new woman in Mike’s life: His wife. Of course they are not over each other. And being Alias, the wife will not turn out to be an angel…

syd-vaughn-sydney-and-vaughn-5830592-238-133 — Michael Vartan and Jennifer Garner in Alias

xAiHU7kWpPw — Michael Vartan and Jennifer Garner in Alias. Season 3.

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So to sum up:

Boy meets girl. Boy falls for girl. Boy can not date girl on many matters of life and death. Boy gets the girl. Loses the girl. Boy’s new girl turns out to be psycho and tries to kill boy and girl. Boy and girl save each other…And we get two more seasons with other twists. What a story to tell the kids…

103317__alias_l — Michael and Sydney go gothic rock on us in the season 1 finale.