THE CEMENT GARDEN
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 1996 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ***
[This is one of my golden oldies reviews - written years
ago when I was just getting started and never posted.
I stand by the conclusions, but in most cases many details
are missing that I would normally include today.]
A one phrase review of THE CEMENT GARDEN would be that it is LORD OF THE FLIES meets HAROLD AND MAUDE. This is an unrated show, but could be NC-17.
I have trouble writing G rated reviews of NC-17 class movies. Let me say the film involves solo sex, incest, death of parents, stale bodies and other activities. By now you probably get the basic idea.
This is a film that is better seen that described. It features some great acting. In the cast are the children: Andrew Robertson as Jack, Charlotte Gainsbourg as Julie, Alice Coulthard as Sue, Ned Birkin as Tom; the parents Sinead Cusack as Mother and Hanns Zischler as Father; and Jochen Horst as Julie's friend Derek.
The script is excellent and full of surprises. If you can enjoy quirky shows, this may just be your cup of tea. Personally, I liked it a lot and gave it ***.
**** = One of the top few films of this or any year. A must see film. *** = Excellent show. Look for it. ** = Average movie. Kind of enjoyable. * = Poor show. Don't waste your money. 0 = One of the worst films of this or any year. Totally unbearable.
REVIEW WRITTEN ON: March 7, 1994
Opinions expressed are mine and not meant to reflect my employer's.
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