28 reviews
If you're in the mood for murderous love
I liked everything about this movie, the story, casting, acting, direction, everything. Some frames are so beautiful that they look like paintings (think Degas and one frame, Seurat). The casting was perfect and Richardson delivered one of the bravest and best performances I've ever seen. The tension between both pairs of women--it was an amazing way to build suspense. Even if you don't completely understand the relationship between the two sisters, their passion is obvious. What a great find this movie is.
For Chabrol fans and action movie lovers with insomnia
Long, long time ago people used to care what was happening to others. Today people just don't bother to think about anybody but themselves. Maybe it's because the populations is growing and communications bring whole world in our homes. We got used to big stuff. If it's an earthquake it must peak at least 8 on Richter scale. If a plane crashes it must be a 747. If a murder happens, only massacres or terrorist attacks reach the audience.
But there are still parts of world where people are not so used to big events, still live in their small local community and if something shatters it they still ask themselves - how could it have happened? 'Sister, My Sister' analyzes a crime, a murder that today wouldn't be heard of further than district or maybe a (smaller) state border. But back in 30's, more than for cruelty itself, people were shocked because of circumstances, it was committed where no one could expect it. Two girls raised by nuns, working for a respected family that never have complained, in fact was even proud how good servants they had, suddenly murdered mother and daughter they've been working for. Being a drama and not a crime movie, this film doesn't let us know something so drastically would happen till the very end. In ordinary crime movie we would see a murder scene in opening sequences and than some detective or forensic would investigate till, at the end of the movie, a whole puzzle could be revealed and a long flash-back would show us what preceded the crime. In this movie, however, we see everything grow, develop, boil in a pot with no valve to let any steam out. Four woman with hidden or undeveloped emotions fail to build any human relations. Mother and daughter just live under the same roof, in same room, but don't contact further than aristocratic rules permit. Daughter has nothing to do with servants, though she is a bit attracted to younger sister. Mother won't talk to them unless a special occasion occurs. Even when not pleased with their work she just shows with finger in a glove what has to be done better. In a great scene she talks to her daughter for a few minutes what should be done or corrected, not a single word addressed to servants who were standing next to her. Sisters, suffering from lack of love and emotions till early childhood, rejected first by mother, than by nuns, and having no chances to meet anyone in such environment, turned their emotions to each other crossing a line of sister's love. This relationship leads them to break the last connections with family, and hide in a shell of their room.
Three interesting, different characters in a hermetically closed hypocritical house. Nothing should be changed, such a world must stay calm for centuries, or otherwise it loses its position in its hypocritical community. The trouble is that four characters are credited, and one of them, Isabelle, the daughter, is a weak corner of a square. Nothing interesting, just a few scenes and lines, she is there like a piece of furniture. But, then, maybe it's not a failure in a script, but one more strong accusation against such a society. She was the only one born in the house. She had no chance to become different from a stylistic chair or a piece of expensive tea set. She had no chance to become a person. And that is the most terrible thing in forming of a human being. Children raised to be objects of an exhibition, praised by other same-type parents who expect praises for same-type children they have.
Lea and Christine had emotions deprived throughout their childhood. In this environment their emotions became free but uncontrolled, in a wrong but only possible way. In forbidden relations and in crime. Their emotions, as Paul Simon wrote, "echoed in the wells of silence". And this echo was too strong, again as all the years before. Mother didn't listen. Nuns turned their back. This echo committed the murder.
This is the best all-woman movie I've ever seen. Only one man I can think of is capable of doing this type of movies. If you like Chabrol, don't miss this one: his legacy lives. If you're an action-movie lover suffering from insomnia, buy this one instead of Valium. It's healthier. You won't get addicted.
But there are still parts of world where people are not so used to big events, still live in their small local community and if something shatters it they still ask themselves - how could it have happened? 'Sister, My Sister' analyzes a crime, a murder that today wouldn't be heard of further than district or maybe a (smaller) state border. But back in 30's, more than for cruelty itself, people were shocked because of circumstances, it was committed where no one could expect it. Two girls raised by nuns, working for a respected family that never have complained, in fact was even proud how good servants they had, suddenly murdered mother and daughter they've been working for. Being a drama and not a crime movie, this film doesn't let us know something so drastically would happen till the very end. In ordinary crime movie we would see a murder scene in opening sequences and than some detective or forensic would investigate till, at the end of the movie, a whole puzzle could be revealed and a long flash-back would show us what preceded the crime. In this movie, however, we see everything grow, develop, boil in a pot with no valve to let any steam out. Four woman with hidden or undeveloped emotions fail to build any human relations. Mother and daughter just live under the same roof, in same room, but don't contact further than aristocratic rules permit. Daughter has nothing to do with servants, though she is a bit attracted to younger sister. Mother won't talk to them unless a special occasion occurs. Even when not pleased with their work she just shows with finger in a glove what has to be done better. In a great scene she talks to her daughter for a few minutes what should be done or corrected, not a single word addressed to servants who were standing next to her. Sisters, suffering from lack of love and emotions till early childhood, rejected first by mother, than by nuns, and having no chances to meet anyone in such environment, turned their emotions to each other crossing a line of sister's love. This relationship leads them to break the last connections with family, and hide in a shell of their room.
Three interesting, different characters in a hermetically closed hypocritical house. Nothing should be changed, such a world must stay calm for centuries, or otherwise it loses its position in its hypocritical community. The trouble is that four characters are credited, and one of them, Isabelle, the daughter, is a weak corner of a square. Nothing interesting, just a few scenes and lines, she is there like a piece of furniture. But, then, maybe it's not a failure in a script, but one more strong accusation against such a society. She was the only one born in the house. She had no chance to become different from a stylistic chair or a piece of expensive tea set. She had no chance to become a person. And that is the most terrible thing in forming of a human being. Children raised to be objects of an exhibition, praised by other same-type parents who expect praises for same-type children they have.
Lea and Christine had emotions deprived throughout their childhood. In this environment their emotions became free but uncontrolled, in a wrong but only possible way. In forbidden relations and in crime. Their emotions, as Paul Simon wrote, "echoed in the wells of silence". And this echo was too strong, again as all the years before. Mother didn't listen. Nuns turned their back. This echo committed the murder.
This is the best all-woman movie I've ever seen. Only one man I can think of is capable of doing this type of movies. If you like Chabrol, don't miss this one: his legacy lives. If you're an action-movie lover suffering from insomnia, buy this one instead of Valium. It's healthier. You won't get addicted.
A powerfully compelling psychodrama not for everyone
"Sister My Sister" tells of two live-in sibling housemaids working for a stingy, authoritarian dowager and her homely adult daughter in 1930's France. A dark, trudging, and eerily claustrophobic psychodrama, the film's compelling story waxes in severity as unspoken pressures and silent circumstance tear a rift between maids and mistress. Although the film deals with repressed sexuality, incest, pent-up hostility, and madness, it relies more on atmosphere and finely nuanced behavior to tell its story than in-your-face graphic sex, nudity, and mayhem. A masterwork of the less-is-more school film making which shows how so much can be accomplished with so little, "SMS" is a paradigm for indie auteurs and a spellbinding watch for the few. (B+)
Powerfully Dark
A film featuring lesbian incest and violence could easily descend into a sensationalist mess. This film avoids such pitfalls and is exceptionally good.
The atmosphere throughout the film is extremely dark and is absolutely fitting for such a disturbing tale. Very rarely do any of the characters smile. Tension, guilt and suspicion are present throughout. Most of the film takes place in dark interiors and even the outdoor scenes are marked by grim weather.
There are only four significant characters and all are splendidly written and acted. The direction and design are very strong. Very sensibly, explicit sex and violence scenes are avoided to allow concentration on character and atmosphere.Particular commendation should also go to Stephen Warbeck for his melancholy, sparse, music which fits the action perfectly.
This is a notable film in another respect. No male character is seen at all - there are a couple of male voiceovers but otherwise this is an exclusively female performance. This is a bold move, but very successful. "Sister My Sister" should certainly appeal to any discerning viewer who appreciates thoughtful drama.
The atmosphere throughout the film is extremely dark and is absolutely fitting for such a disturbing tale. Very rarely do any of the characters smile. Tension, guilt and suspicion are present throughout. Most of the film takes place in dark interiors and even the outdoor scenes are marked by grim weather.
There are only four significant characters and all are splendidly written and acted. The direction and design are very strong. Very sensibly, explicit sex and violence scenes are avoided to allow concentration on character and atmosphere.Particular commendation should also go to Stephen Warbeck for his melancholy, sparse, music which fits the action perfectly.
This is a notable film in another respect. No male character is seen at all - there are a couple of male voiceovers but otherwise this is an exclusively female performance. This is a bold move, but very successful. "Sister My Sister" should certainly appeal to any discerning viewer who appreciates thoughtful drama.
- all-briscoe
- Apr 3, 2004
- Permalink
surprised
A Claustrophobic French Household Contains Dark Deeds
There is a major player in this extremely fine film who goes all but unmentioned: the work of cinematographer Ashley Rowe is some of the finest on film, creating an atmosphere solely within the confines of a home made dark by lack of light and by brooding madness and murder. The effect achieved is nothing short of miraculous and further adds to the importance of this under-rated movie.
Based on the infamous Papin sisters' murder of their employer and daughter in 1932 in France, SISTER MY SISTER is based on a play by Wendy Kesselman (who also wrote the mesmerizing screenplay) and is directed by the imaginatively fine Nancy Meckler. Two sisters - Christine the eldest (Joely Richardson) and Lea (Jodhi May) are shown during the titles in black and white as poor orphans separated to different ends. As the film begins Christine has introduced her estranged beloved Lea to her employer, the rigid and strange Madame Danzard (Julie Walters) and her wallflower daughter Isabelle (Sophie Thursfield). Lea is hired by the penny pinching Madame Danzard and the two sisters co-serve as maids to the household. Christine and Lea view each other as not only sisters but as lovers and it is this latter role that leads Madame Danzard (spying contemptibly on the girls) that is the final straw in Madame's mistreatment of the girls that leads to the rather shocking murder of both Madame Danzard and Isabelle. We know from the start - both from the infamous case and from the opening sequences where the blood of the deed is seen along the stairwell - what the ending will be: it is the progress to that end that concerns the film.
Each of the actresses is brilliant in their roles, roles that are far cries from the usual types that each actress has played. Julie Walters manages to ooze vitriol while moments later being oddly comedic in her la-la land of dancing to her Victrola. Joely Richardson is terrifyingly strange and Jodhi May says more with her facial expressions than legions of actors do with complex scripts. But again the physical ominous presence of the house of bad things is so magnificently created by Rowe's creative photography that is becomes of equal importance as a character. The musical score by Stephen Warbeck works solidly to convey the descent into madness of the two sisters. A brilliant tour de force for all concerned and highly recommended for those who love fine acting and dark thrillers. Grady Harp
Based on the infamous Papin sisters' murder of their employer and daughter in 1932 in France, SISTER MY SISTER is based on a play by Wendy Kesselman (who also wrote the mesmerizing screenplay) and is directed by the imaginatively fine Nancy Meckler. Two sisters - Christine the eldest (Joely Richardson) and Lea (Jodhi May) are shown during the titles in black and white as poor orphans separated to different ends. As the film begins Christine has introduced her estranged beloved Lea to her employer, the rigid and strange Madame Danzard (Julie Walters) and her wallflower daughter Isabelle (Sophie Thursfield). Lea is hired by the penny pinching Madame Danzard and the two sisters co-serve as maids to the household. Christine and Lea view each other as not only sisters but as lovers and it is this latter role that leads Madame Danzard (spying contemptibly on the girls) that is the final straw in Madame's mistreatment of the girls that leads to the rather shocking murder of both Madame Danzard and Isabelle. We know from the start - both from the infamous case and from the opening sequences where the blood of the deed is seen along the stairwell - what the ending will be: it is the progress to that end that concerns the film.
Each of the actresses is brilliant in their roles, roles that are far cries from the usual types that each actress has played. Julie Walters manages to ooze vitriol while moments later being oddly comedic in her la-la land of dancing to her Victrola. Joely Richardson is terrifyingly strange and Jodhi May says more with her facial expressions than legions of actors do with complex scripts. But again the physical ominous presence of the house of bad things is so magnificently created by Rowe's creative photography that is becomes of equal importance as a character. The musical score by Stephen Warbeck works solidly to convey the descent into madness of the two sisters. A brilliant tour de force for all concerned and highly recommended for those who love fine acting and dark thrillers. Grady Harp
Interesting and sick,...but I'm not sure what the point is about the film
- planktonrules
- Jul 10, 2006
- Permalink
ponderous and just plain boring
Spare, dark and beautiful film.
I loved Sister, My Sister...in fact, I bought it without having seen it first based on recommendation alone, and I haven't regretted it one bit. I think that the acting was great, by the entire cast; I felt that the storyline (based on an actual murder case and subsequent play), though revisited in this film, is still relevant in that it addresses issues of classism, oppression, and societal stigmatization. To dismiss this film as merely an incestuous, murderous lesbian romp is a mistake. Even though the lesbian subject seemed to be a large factor, there is a definite timidity to the photography of the sex scenes, in that there was more in the way of well framed shots than fleshy action given the intensity of feeling portrayed. So probably, the film isn't as offensive as the description might imply. I feel that the film was evenly handled throughout. Even the murders, while fairly gruesome as described in the voiceover of the trial, weren't disgustingly splatter film-like, they, like the sex scenes left much to the imagination. I recommend this film highly, it's not at all fluffy feel-good schlock, it's disturbing, dark and painful - that's what makes it so good!
A Sad, Dark, True Story
I was intrigued to watch this because it's based on a true story, but I felt cautious due to its content of lesbian incest. Soon after watching the movie all my cautions vanished. It's surprisingly a good film, very dark, but well constructed.
I think the reason the movie does so well with the sensitive subject matter is that the sisters never feel like sisters. They feel like lovers from the first time you see them. And the relationship comes across as mutual. It's done in a very gentle manner that shows so much love and kindness between the two. And then as the film goes on we see a decent into madness. But you can't help but feel for the sisters and thair horrible circumstances and life. From abuse to isolation to really only having each other its understandable what happened in the end.
The movie is dark especially how things end up. For only having four characters in the movie, it did a really good job with keeping its intensity and pace. I never felt board. The acting was amazing. Jodhi May who play Lea made those panic attacks look and feel real. Her anxiety was palpable. Joely Richardson who played Christine was fabulous with the extreme intensity she brought to the screen. One moment she could be the embodiment of kindness and love. The next she is a raging mad woman.
I looked into the facts of the true story behind this movie and felt a little disappointed. It does follow the story pretty well and adds in all the main points. But the real story is more awful and intense. And would have made a better movie if they would have followed it more closely. It would have been nice to have added more of the backstory of their childhood to give more context for their actions. And they were abused by their employer for years causing them to come to the end of themselves. It's a really interesting read. It's too bad they didn't add in more.
I think the reason the movie does so well with the sensitive subject matter is that the sisters never feel like sisters. They feel like lovers from the first time you see them. And the relationship comes across as mutual. It's done in a very gentle manner that shows so much love and kindness between the two. And then as the film goes on we see a decent into madness. But you can't help but feel for the sisters and thair horrible circumstances and life. From abuse to isolation to really only having each other its understandable what happened in the end.
The movie is dark especially how things end up. For only having four characters in the movie, it did a really good job with keeping its intensity and pace. I never felt board. The acting was amazing. Jodhi May who play Lea made those panic attacks look and feel real. Her anxiety was palpable. Joely Richardson who played Christine was fabulous with the extreme intensity she brought to the screen. One moment she could be the embodiment of kindness and love. The next she is a raging mad woman.
I looked into the facts of the true story behind this movie and felt a little disappointed. It does follow the story pretty well and adds in all the main points. But the real story is more awful and intense. And would have made a better movie if they would have followed it more closely. It would have been nice to have added more of the backstory of their childhood to give more context for their actions. And they were abused by their employer for years causing them to come to the end of themselves. It's a really interesting read. It's too bad they didn't add in more.
- AngelHonesty
- Apr 27, 2024
- Permalink
The Good, The Bad, & The Kinky
This otherwise ponderous, arty pic is saved (but just barely) by some enthusiastic lesbian scenes between the two appealing leads. A hothouse atmosphere prevails, but the guilty pleasure is offset somewhat by arch performances and a good amount of scenery chewing. Numbingly dull and pointless in places, the film murks its way to a preposterous and over-the-top climax that sets a new standard in pretentious portent. The film clobbers the audience over the head in the most ridiculously blatant manner with its psychological interplay, which at times comes embarrassingly close to the level of tedious undergrad productions.
However the forbidden ardor between the sisters is just enough to make this a worthwhile selection for those who like that kind of thing. Brittle feminists will probably also enjoy it.
However the forbidden ardor between the sisters is just enough to make this a worthwhile selection for those who like that kind of thing. Brittle feminists will probably also enjoy it.
Disturbing
The song at the start lets you know it won't be all pretty, it's a film loaded with repression, fears, despair and a developing mental breakdown.
I strongly recommend everyone (who likes that kind of things) to watch it and are looking for a film that will make you think about how society can isolate it's members from both sides.
I do not think homosexuality is the big factor here, watch closely and you'll see it's more about hitting bottom line.
There are other movies based on sisters Papin, unfortunately I haven't watched any of these, I can tell all of you tho, that these British actresses are of very fine quality, the entire ambient is dark and makes you inhale deeper.
This is my first review ever, so I hope it helps anyone to decide on whether watch Sister my sister or not.
I strongly recommend everyone (who likes that kind of things) to watch it and are looking for a film that will make you think about how society can isolate it's members from both sides.
I do not think homosexuality is the big factor here, watch closely and you'll see it's more about hitting bottom line.
There are other movies based on sisters Papin, unfortunately I haven't watched any of these, I can tell all of you tho, that these British actresses are of very fine quality, the entire ambient is dark and makes you inhale deeper.
This is my first review ever, so I hope it helps anyone to decide on whether watch Sister my sister or not.
- strangeland_tours
- Jun 20, 2007
- Permalink
Murderous Maids is much better.
I watched this movie way back last year, and this is what I experienced on watching this.
The film is darker, and somewhat scarier especially on the last part of the film. However, the it is somehow not getting the point of the story whether it is really based on true events or they're just creating an original story.
Their Madame Lancelin (whatever her name in this movie) looks like a typical master who is a comedic and only cares about her daughter, while their Genevieve (whatever her name) is much like a mere decoration. And also Christine doesn't show her obsession towards her younger sister and her madness towards having paranoid schizophrenia is not enough shown in this movie. Plus their love scenes are way too boring, or too much censored despite of the steamy-looking movie poster. Aside from these, there are other characters in this film who are not explorable enough, like a nun named Veronica something that she has a connection to Christine whether if she is Emilia or not.
If you're looking for a full-dramatization of the story of these two sisters, better watch Les Blessures Assassines (Murderous Maids) instead. This movie lacks of story-telling about the infamous sisters who committed crime in France, and also the insanity and madness of the elder sister.
The film is darker, and somewhat scarier especially on the last part of the film. However, the it is somehow not getting the point of the story whether it is really based on true events or they're just creating an original story.
Their Madame Lancelin (whatever her name in this movie) looks like a typical master who is a comedic and only cares about her daughter, while their Genevieve (whatever her name) is much like a mere decoration. And also Christine doesn't show her obsession towards her younger sister and her madness towards having paranoid schizophrenia is not enough shown in this movie. Plus their love scenes are way too boring, or too much censored despite of the steamy-looking movie poster. Aside from these, there are other characters in this film who are not explorable enough, like a nun named Veronica something that she has a connection to Christine whether if she is Emilia or not.
If you're looking for a full-dramatization of the story of these two sisters, better watch Les Blessures Assassines (Murderous Maids) instead. This movie lacks of story-telling about the infamous sisters who committed crime in France, and also the insanity and madness of the elder sister.
- karinalovesselena
- Jan 4, 2022
- Permalink
Beautiful and Twisted Sisters
This is a great film for oppressed workers. We who toil daily can't help but identify with the two sisters, trapped, terrified of being fired, with only one another to turn to. Their revenge is terrible, but also, in a twisted sort of way,understandable. Besides being a beautifully acted film with a sustained mood of wonder mixed with dread, Sister My Sister explores taboo subjects: incest, lesbianism, and worker revenge. I have frequently recommended this movie to friends, and everyone of them has loved it!
This is Why Movies are Made
Most viewers could gloss over this film and say that it's about incest, or lesbian incest. But it's not; it's about class warfare. Or rather, a cold war between the upper and lower class. Neither side wants to commit the first strike. But when it finally happens, it unravels savagely as years of bottled-up frustration erupt at the worst possible time.
It's also a parable about the unnatural structure of state society. One that creates predicaments in which people like the Papin sisters could be mentally repressed to the extent that their sexuality is misguided in an unorthodox direction. Christine and Lea's suffering happened because society has become complacent in the way class order is practiced.
I enjoyed this narrative because there's no plot, yet the antagonist is clear from the beginning. The harder the oppressor bears down on Christine and Lea, the more introverted their sexual energy became.
From an artistic stand point, this was an exercise in subtlety. At no point does the script underestimate the viewer's intelligence. Only available lighting was used- creating an atmosphere of seclusion and privacy while underlining the fact that Christine and Lea's conduct were perfectly natural (given their circumstances). Low color saturation emphasizes the inhibiting nature of man-made social structure.
At one point, we cross cut between the madame and Izabelle playing cards with the maids having sex- indicating the distinction between superficial pleasure and organic pleasure. The performances are an example of four actresses who genuinely enjoy acting. It's a shame movies like this are difficult to find and are rarely viewed.
It's also a parable about the unnatural structure of state society. One that creates predicaments in which people like the Papin sisters could be mentally repressed to the extent that their sexuality is misguided in an unorthodox direction. Christine and Lea's suffering happened because society has become complacent in the way class order is practiced.
I enjoyed this narrative because there's no plot, yet the antagonist is clear from the beginning. The harder the oppressor bears down on Christine and Lea, the more introverted their sexual energy became.
From an artistic stand point, this was an exercise in subtlety. At no point does the script underestimate the viewer's intelligence. Only available lighting was used- creating an atmosphere of seclusion and privacy while underlining the fact that Christine and Lea's conduct were perfectly natural (given their circumstances). Low color saturation emphasizes the inhibiting nature of man-made social structure.
At one point, we cross cut between the madame and Izabelle playing cards with the maids having sex- indicating the distinction between superficial pleasure and organic pleasure. The performances are an example of four actresses who genuinely enjoy acting. It's a shame movies like this are difficult to find and are rarely viewed.
Riveting...in a Perverse Way (Not that there's anything wrong with that)
ASTONISHING ACTING
This is a profoundly disturbing and intriguing character study based on true events. The writing and directing is subtle and beautifully lyrical - the twist in this film is anything but predictable. However it is the acting in the film which its real glory, Julie Walters is brilliant as is Jodhi May - but it is Joely Richardson who delivers a tour de force. Just like her mother, she is profoundly entrancing to watch - understated with volcanic eruptions at the just the right moments. She deserved an Oscar nomination for this - as did they all. Well worth a watch.
- mk_k6-326-626621
- Dec 17, 2018
- Permalink
Finally a horror-drama that isn't stupid or dull.
The first fifteen-twenty minutes don't promise that much, but after that the film gets more and more interesting, all the way to the fascinating and brutal finale. Well-made, very well-acted, and an intelligent story (based on a real case) of sexual, emotional and any-other-kind-you-can-think-of repression. The director intentionally didn't show any men, even when their voices are heard (the photographer, the lawyers); this was done to try to show just how isolated and in their own world the two nun-turned-maid sisters really were. The characterization is flawless, and the increasing tension in the house is reflected by suitably atmospheric direction.
Frighteningly jarring yet captivatingly beautiful
- I_Ailurophile
- Jul 20, 2021
- Permalink
Interestng film based on a true story
brilliantly done
what a brilliant film. every moment is just dripping with the heat of it. every drop of water from the tap intensifies as the story persists and comes, all at once and with some ferocity, to it's apex.
jodhi may is stunning. joely richardson is breath-taking and frightening. you come to understand them and to... well, to like them. julie walters and sophie thursfield provide some comical relief as the madame and her daughter isabelle. their interactions with one another are strikingly bourgeoisie, but equally as maddening as each little minutia of their day is brought to an extreme. bravo to the makers of this film.
it will stay with me for days, if not weeks, if not a lifetime.
jodhi may is stunning. joely richardson is breath-taking and frightening. you come to understand them and to... well, to like them. julie walters and sophie thursfield provide some comical relief as the madame and her daughter isabelle. their interactions with one another are strikingly bourgeoisie, but equally as maddening as each little minutia of their day is brought to an extreme. bravo to the makers of this film.
it will stay with me for days, if not weeks, if not a lifetime.
this hauntingly lurid movie is powerful
It could be said that good acting is that which requires a minimum of words to convey its idea or stir up the viewer's emotions. In this way, Jodhi May has proven herself as an astounding actress. Meek, yet passionate in her role as a sweet repressed sister, she steals the show with a third the dialogue of her costars. The movie demonstrates how facile the wealthy can be in their overestimation of the subservient's tolerance for callousness and mistreatment. This is a quiet movie that seems to soak in the sound around its viewing space like air through a partially open door---a phantom moving silent through the room, but not without leaving its indelible footprints behind.
..
Great acting!
I think that "Sister My Sister" is a very good film. But one of the most important things in this drama is the acting. Julie Walters and also Jodhi May play their roles very well. The best actress in "Sister My Sister" is Jodhi May. She is playing her role as the little sister Lea great, better than Julie Walters plays Mme Danzard. I give 8 out to 10 .
- Sweetie-10
- Apr 3, 1999
- Permalink
Separate Together
Sister My Sister
A compelling drama of emotional abuse, and withdrawn love. Two sisters Christine(Joely Richardson of Redgrave pedigree) and Lea(Jodi May) re-unite after a long separation, since very young. Their relationship becomes obsessively incestuous, and their lives begin to unravel as episodes during their employ parallel their childhood. Their employer, a wealthy, odd Widow Madam Danzard(Julie Walters)and her daughter Isabelle(Sophie Thursfield) are awed by their maid's perfection of many skills; but clueless to the affects of their uppity personas.
- jhawanderson
- Dec 2, 2020
- Permalink