RaniaALDMR Reviews

The King's Daughter (2022)

The moon and the sun, a fairy tale, a myth, the story of two cities.

[8/10 · 23 January 2022]

The movie is an adaptation of the novel written by Vonda McIntyre, the Moon and the sun. It's not an ordinary movie, it does not tell the story of the king's daughter; the real meaning is deeper, more subtle. I have not read the book.

The first "reading" of the movie recalls the narrative framework and the characteristics of a fairy tale.

However, a deeper meaning emerges that recalls the spiritual thought of Saint Augustine.

The carnal city, centered on the love of self, and the spiritual city, centered on the love of God. Each has its way of living and enjoying life: the earthly city and its relative happiness here below; the city of God is only passing through on earth, and it lives in expectation of heavenly bliss.

Thus, Versailles, the court, the courtiers, represent the earthly city, governed by the laws of men; a city which Marie-Joseph and Yves reject, seeking a different elsewhere, a more spiritual, freer, fairer city.

The mermaid represents the symbol of the divine city; it represents a lost spiritual world, only visible to those who seek it, who believe in it. Moreover, only Yves, Marie-Joseph and Père La Chaise, can communicate with the siren, can hear it and appreciate it at its fair value.

Then, the outcome of the story is very symbolic insofar as the king, who embodies the city of men, hungry for power, blind to the will, to the divine spirit, opens his eyes, is illuminated by grace divine, the day of the eclipse. Redemption.

Finally, the myth of Atlantis. Plato, "inventor" of Atlantis, confronts two images of the City. Located beyond the columns of Heracles, Atlantis is the gigantic island of Poseidon, god of the oceans. Poseidon unites with Clitô, a young mortal. Their children, male twins, share the island which takes its name from the eldest of them, Atlas, just like the sea which surrounds it, the Atlantic. Governed by wise and moderate sovereigns, the Atlanteans, just and virtuous, experienced on their island, rich in countless resources, a golden age which led them to build an ideal city. Therefore, the end of the movie highlights the couple's quest to find Atlantis. Together, they seek an ideal world, which they manage to find because they have rejected the city of men, because they have chosen the city of God, Atlantis or the lost paradise, finally accessible.

Watch the movie, forget the bad reviews that missed the deep message of the story. They represent today's world, a world that has lost its deep, spiritual meaning; the sense that calls him to a higher world.

In the movie, a little girl sees the mermaid; her mother tells her that mermaids don't exist. An image that represents today's perception of the world: those who call for a spiritual, higher elsewhere, who can fell it, and those who let themselves live in the rapid, insipid flow of life.

Who are you ?

Be My Sunshine (2021)

The north wind, Poyraz, and the June sun, Haziran, a meeting, the eclipse.

[7 January 2022]

I don't want to rate this series because it is impossible to rate it. Why? The series is not the same at the beginning and at the end. The Turkish series industry is so particular that the writers change according to the mood of the producers and the opinion of some Turkish viewers who determine the ratings. The opinion of international viewers does not count; however, the success of Turkish series is determined by their sale abroad. A policy without logic, unfair.

The series ended about a month ago, and, until today, I can't calm my anger. The first ten episodes are wonderful, fabulous, extraordinary. The first nine episodes were written by two talented screenwriters: Yesim Citak and Yelda Eroglu. Then, two other writers joined the team from the third episode: Dilek Iyigün and Emine Yildirim. An excellent team. The title of the series, The Island Fairy Tale, tells the story, in a truly wonderful way, of two opposing characters who meet each other: Poyraz, whose name means the North Wind, and Haziran, which translates to the month of June. Names that are not chosen randomly, each of them referring to an emblematic symbol of their personality: the moon and the sun. A special encounter, announced from the beginning as an expectation, a rendezvous: the much awaited eclipse.

In the first nine episodes, everything is told in a deep, subtle, symbolic way; the whole atmosphere of the series recalls the universe and the codes of the fairy tale, with a praise for the beautiful, the particular link which binds us with nature whose secret language is deciphered, heard, only by those who take the time to see it, to listen to it. People like Poyraz, an introverted character, a photographer, a lover of nature and its language. Haziran, a pure city dweller, learns, thanks to Poyraz, to speak this particular language, to appreciate nature and beauty. Together, they reinvent a new, a particular language. Haziran is also the sun that will illuminate Poyraz's life, marked by a dark, traumatic childhood, a traumatic childhood, a story that connects them.

The feelings, the emotions that the viewer feels are rich, endless, indescribable. Also, the chemistry between Alp Navruz, Poyraz, and Ayça Aysin Turan, Haziran, is so extraordinary that it seems that between them there is also a silent, secret language; another dialogue takes place between them, of which they are the only ones to decipher its meaning.

I was so impressed by the beauty, the depth, the richness of the series, that I opened a twitter account, my first social media account, to write several articles about the series, in English, while my native language is French.

Unfortunately, the producers, AY Yapim, supposedly one of the best production company in Turkey, made the decision to change the writers from episode ten, replaced by Aksel Bonfil, a screenwriter who has nothing to do with the initial project, which is unfamiliar with the magical world of the series. There will still be a few acceptable episodes, even quite good, but far from the usual quality. Then, as soon as the series was sold overseas, Ay Yapim abandoned the series altogether, especially since they had several other projects pending.

Finally, from episode 20, I think, I'm not sure since I stopped watching the series, Aksel Bonfil was again replaced by inexperienced screenwriters, without talent, without any knowledge of the characters , of the series, writers of the production company Ay Yapim.

The ending was horrible, without any quality, so disappointing. The actors no longer had a stylist, a makeup artist; the clothes of the main character, so elegant at first, have become very poor quality, cheap. All the money from the series was spent to fund Ay Yapim's new series. The main characters hardly had any more screen presence time, why? The series has become the opportunity for Ay Yapim to make tests, to highlight other actors, playing the role of secondary characters, so that they are cast in other series. Besides, two of them, before the end of the series, thanks to the series, were immediately cast for another series.

Turkish series are excellent; unfortunately, because of this outdated, obsolete, ineffective policy, many series, excellent at the beginning, become less good, often different, bad, carried out superficially, hastily at the end.

A lot of viewers like me feel a great frustration, an anger, as the writers change, the series suddenly stop, forcing new writers to complete a story that is not theirs, of which they are not the original authors. No one can write another's story.

The lack of respect towards the actors, the viewers is really unacceptable. Fox channel in Turkey, for example, stopped several series overnight; the channel got rid of these series, of the actors, of a whole team like used, useless handkerchiefs.

In the era of digital platforms, the channels need to change their policies before it is too late.

A Match Made at Christmas (2021)

"We will fight, we will argue, but I will always come back", dreams, illusions and reality.

[10/10 · 6 January 2022]

Each of us has an idea about life, an idea about the meaning of life. Each one of us has expectations, dreams, aspirations. Then there is the reality. Implacable. A reality that is always difficult to accept. The only solution then is to transform reality into a dream where everything is easier, where everything becomes possible. This is precisely what the character of Holly has always done throughout her life.

Then, others shut themselves up, build walls, defense mechanisms to protect themselves, to avoid further pain. Chris's story. I have read reviews of Chris' character being mean and abusive and I find it unfounded, unfair. Chris is broken because he comes from a broken family. Chris was abandoned by his family, his girlfriend and was fired from his job. Anyone who has experienced his traumas, suffers, hurts, becomes aggressive because it is a defense mechanism. Our childhood, our experiences determine our life. Chris is hurtful because he is hurt.

Different strategies to achieve the same goal: to forget, to protect oneself, not to suffer. All along, Holly and Chris aimed for the same goal but chose a different strategy, a strategy that resembles their personality, a strategy that reflects what they experienced during their childhood.

Besides, through the usual Christmas movies, most viewers do like Holly: escape reality by watching a movie that tells an idyllic representation of the holidays, so far from reality, that has nothing to do with reality.

What other viewers blame for this great film? Being too close to reality, being realistic. Life is hard, difficult, nothing is perfect, every day is a victory against the bad days. And, like Chris says at the end of the movie, an amazing ending, we'll argue, we won't agree, but we'll be together to make things right.

I'm glad I didn't listen to some negative, unfair reviews because the movie is very good from start to finish; three million viewers have watch it on you tube.

I'm sure if a woman reacted the same way, there wouldn't have been the same reactions. By the way, the character of Holly is hurtful with her best friend and with Chris, at the beginning of the movie and when he only opened up with her, he trusted her. An incredible act of courage for someone who is hurt and she disappointed him. That is life, no one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. Also, the movie is a lesson in life: the characters evolve, overcome their difficulties, learn to live their life as they want, thanks to their relationship, a very beautiful definition of love.

I'm not a feminist, I reviewed the movie without any agenda, and, in my opinion, a man should be strong, manly, that doesn't mean he's mean and abusive. Words have a meaning.

A Perfect Match (2021 TV Movie)

The victory dance

[8/10 · 6 January 2022]

Such a nice, funny and enjoyable movie! It's really good mostly because of the cast, their harmony, their chemistry. All of them are perfect together, some moments were really funny, like the victory dance, and, besides the leads, I really loved the two side characters: Leo and Jillian, Zoe's best friend. Leo is so funny, Jillian is funny, so cute and she did a great job being Zoe's friend. Finally, the couple, Oliver and Zoe, seem so close, natural.

You will definetly enjoy the movie despite the story which is not original.

Christmas on Ice (2020 TV Movie)

The right choices that make all the difference

[7/10 · 5 January 2022]

Christmas on Ice could have been another boring Christmas movie because the story of the movie is common: saving the seasonal skating rink. Nothing original, a cliché.

However the choices made have allowed the movie to be very pleasant to watch, sometimes touching; all in all, a good Christmas movie, heartwarming, to watch with the family. Why?

First the choice of actors, all the actors, who are in complete harmony: the mayor, the main character's friend, her boyfriend, the little girl and the two main characters are perfect together, and are good actors, a very good choice. Also, the couple have a very good chemistry which makes the story more realistic, interesting, touching.

Then the director's choice to tell the story: in a simple way, without emphasis, with an emphasis on family, the meaning of Christmas, important values.

It is true that the beginning of the movie seemed to take the usual direction of the Christmas movies but the rest, which I will not reveal, is unexpected. The only criticism I will make is about the music: the choice of songs is not very good, too bad!

I advise you to watch this very pleasant, touching, unpretentious Christmas movie if you want to have a good time.

A Very Merry Bridesmaid (2021 TV Movie)

Merry, seriously?

[3/10 · 5 January 2022]

I really like the two actors but not at all together as a couple. Casey Deidrick, who is usually very good, looks bored and doesn't seem at all attracted to the character of Emily Osment, always very pleasant and funny. The film is boring; there is no harmony between all the characters including between the bride and groom; the character of the future bride keeps complaining and talking about her dream wedding. Actors do not deserve such a masquerade; viewers do not deserve a movie that fails to achieve any of the goals: neither to please nor to entertain. I don't understand the rate. Six, really?

The Christmas Contest (2021 TV Movie)

Up side down world, another chance in life

[8/10 · 5 January 2022]

Most of the movies that I find good are often poorly rated and vice versa; I think my tastes are more and more out of sync. This movie is exactly what you would expect from a romantic comedy; the cast is great, the couple is perfect, it's funny and romantic. However, what I especially liked is the relationships between the characters which are very well told: the mother-daughter relationship, the relationship between the main characters, another chance.

It is a very good movie because it entertains and makes people think.

Pearl in Paradise (2018 TV Movie)

A beautiful adventure to find love and to remember the true meaning of faith.

[10/10 · 2 January 2022]

I loved every moment of the movie, I loved everything about the movie: the story, the characters, the cinematography, the landscapes, everything was perfect. How can a film like this not get better rated?

Jill Wagner and Kristoffer Polaha are perfect together! One of the best Hallmark's couples!

I also really liked the evolution of the characters; the reunion between the fictional character, Blake Montoya, and the writer, Colin Page and the most beautiful journey of Alex, the photographer, towards love, towards herself.

Finally, the film reminds us the true meaning of faith, whatever it is: believing in a legend or in God without needing proof. Faith is a power which defies all the laws of reason and logic. Love has its reasons that reason ignores, Pascal, a French writer. This movie is a gem.

A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love (2020 TV Movie)

A beautiful and heartwarming story

[8/10 · 2 January 2022]

The cast is perfect especially Brooke D'Orsay and Sam Page: they are perfect together, I really liked their connection. Besides, Sam page often has good roles.

Sweet Autumn (2020 TV Movie)

A tastless autumn

[5/10 · 2 January 2022]

I disagree with most of the reviewers, I was so disppointed! Usually Nikki Deloach and Andrew W. Walker are good together but in the movie there was no chemistry at all, they looked like friends. She was really better with Scott Porter and he is better with Bethany Joy Lenz. And what's with Deloach's hairdo? The movie was boring and I did not see anything romantic.

Christmas with the Darlings (2020 TV Movie)

A delightful movie

[10/10 · 2 January 2022]

I had a great time watching the film that reminded me the Sound of Music. The same atmosphere, the sense of family and children who learn to have fun and build a family relationship. Carlo Marks finally has a partner with whom he has a great chemistry, he is perfect with Katrina Law! They are great together. A very good touching movie, funny and very nice.

'Tis the Season to be Merry (2021 TV Movie)

There are no rules just the right moment

[10/10 · 2 January 2022]

I really loved the movie, a true romantic comedy with a beautiful message about love, family, and the meaning of giving, loving and being loved for who we truly are.

Rachel Lee Cook is perfect in her role; she was both funny and touching. Travis Van Winckle is excellent, so natural, a very good actor. In addition, in the film, his character does what he realizes in real life: building houses, schools for disadvantaged people in underdeveloped countries.

Seasoned with Love (2021 TV Movie)

rice is life and food connects people regardless of their culture

[7/10 · 2 January 2022]

I really liked the film for several reasons; first, the cast, the main actress who is very good, the script especially about the bond between people thanks to the kitchen. However, the main actor is unnatural and there are a few clichés that kept me from appreciating the story more. Indeed, the same ideas are found in the majority of romantic comedies: the sudden appearance of a problem towards the end of the film, quickly resolved, an important statement interrupted, listening to someone speak which often triggers a series of events. It is a shame to fall for these clichés when the script is good and the story interesting even if it is not original: the way of telling the story matters a lot.

Made for You, with Love (2019 TV Movie)

The female character, her personality not very logical, convincing

[4/10 · 1 January 2022]

I didn't like at all the shop owner personality; her reactions were often inconsistent, unrealistic and rude, mean to the photographer, the lead actor, who was really nice, too nice maybe? I did not understand the need for him to wear a dress to make her laugh.

Should a successful romantic relationship necessarily mean the complete submission of the man, his lack of virility?

Finally, Brendon Zub is underrated; he is funny and seems always natural in front of the camera.

Love at Sunset Terrace (2020 TV Movie)

Love again despite the fear

[1 January 2022]

I really loved the story and the setting; Carlo Marks, as usual, is very good.

However, I think that the choice of the actress was not a smart move: she looks older than him even if she is a good actress.

Just for the Summer (2020 TV Movie)

Funny and enjoyable to watch

[9/10 · 1 January 2022]

I really enjoyed the reunion between the two childhood friends; I particularly appreciated their personality and the return, the journey to childhood, a memorable moment, happy or unhappy but always decisive, unforgettable. Both grandmothers are very nice and funny.

Love Stories in Sunflower Valley (2021 TV Movie)

A nice, enjoyable movie under the sun, among sunflowers

[1 January 2022]

A beautiful, nice and enjoyable movie. I like both of the actors, Erin Cahill and Marcus Rosner, but not together: Erin Cahill looks older than Rosner and there is no chemistry between them; it's the only thing that I didn't like.

I think the casting of the leads is often an issue in most of the romantic comedies unfortunately.

Hint of Love (2020 TV Movie)

Dennis Andres

[1 January 2022]

Dennis Andres is the best part of the movie; he's perfect in this movie and in Blueprint to the heart. He is a natural: he masters comedy, drama and he can be both funny and touching without putting in any effort. I think however in both of the movie the leading actress was not a good choice: no chemistry what so ever.

Blueprint to the Heart (2020 TV Movie)

Dennis Andres

[1 January 2022]

Dennis Andres is the movie; he's perfect in this movie and in A hint of love. He is a natural: he masters comedy, drama and he can be both funny and touching without putting in any effort. I think however in both of the movie the leading actress was not a good choice: no chemistry what so ever.

Love at the Thanksgiving Day Parade (2012 TV Movie)

Feel very good movie

[10/10 · 1 January 2022]

Autumn Reeser and Antonio Cupo are perfect together; I've seen them both with different partners but they have a great chemistry together. I really loved and enjoyed the movie which was funny, romantic and touching.

Good Morning Christmas! (2020 TV Movie)

Funny, moving, warm: a beautiful movie

[10/10 · 1 January 2022]

Besides from the story, the first thing that I look for in a romantic comedy movie is the pairing of the leads; sometimes, often, I don't watch the movie because of the couple. So in this case, I was really happy to see Alison Sweeney and Marc Blucas: together they are perfect! I've seen them together before and they are great! The chemistry is unbelievable! The story is always interesting when it's about perceptions, insecurities, expectations, guts and love of course. Funny, moving and warm.

Five Star Christmas (2020 TV Movie)

Smiling, sometimes laughing the whole movie

[10/10 · 1 January 2022]

Such a wonderful movie from beginning to end. All the actors where great, the casting was really good.

They really portray a lovable, lovely and funny family; I especially love Bethany Joy Lenz even if I would have prefered her to be paired with Tyler Hynes with whom she has a great chemistry or Andrew Walker. You will enjoy every minute of this movie.

Making Spirits Bright (2021 TV Movie)

A very enjoyable movie

[7/10 · 1 January 2022]

I enjoyed watching this movie, a real romantic comedy. Also, I really like Carlo Marks even if he's seldom paired with a leadind actress with whom he has no chemistry.

It's a nice entertaining movie.

An Unexpected Christmas (2021 TV Movie)

An enjoyable movie with good acting

[7/10 · 1 January 2022]

Tyler Hynes Bethany Joy Lenz are both good actors and they have a great chemistry together; both of them seem so natural that we forget that they are playing a role. They also seem like they're close: they're what makes the movie enjoyable.

Raise a Glass to Love (2021 TV Movie)

The world of wine and vineyards

[10/10 · 31 December 2021]

I really liked the film for several reasons. First for the true, realistic aspect of the movie where the world of wine, vineyards and cuisine is very well told. In addition, the choice of actors is very good, they all go very well together especially the main actors and those who play the role of Jenna's parents. However, I really don't like an actor's acting, Matthew James Dowden, that is present in almost all the romantic comedies lately, he seems so pretentious, arrogant, and it's not even just a role for the story.