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Reviews
Burden of Proof (2023)
Sad, absorbing, multi-layered drama
This beautifully presented documentary is at once a profound family drama and a haunting mystery. Its themes range from coming of age feminine angst over first love lost to a dogged pursuit of elusive justice for a younger sister whose fierce light never dims for the older brother investigating her disappearance in the course of decades. Away at college when she simply vanishes from her bedroom one night, aged 15, he turns over every stone he can, sacrifices a relationship with his mother, and turns middle aged while believing that both his parents conspired to cover up their part in her loss. His own "side investigation" and the case authorities re-open at his urging unfold and show various facets, growing ever more complex, while his personal perspective slowly but surely begins to shift. So we, the audience, also grow in knowlege--and ultimately--in some measure, in wisdom. Pacing is wonderful, allowing for reflection, which continues after the credits have rolled.
Gracepoint (2014)
Obviously, it's no Broadchurch
But watchable and entertaining if not a top-rate thriller with the acclaimed character range, complexity, atmosphere and acting chops Broadchurch brought to this genre. Then most shows touted as Broadchurch quality aren't.
David Tenant's detective is intentionally charmless and interpersonally challenged. His partner would be fired in real life for her sappy lack of professionalism as, though repeatedly warned, she keeps advocating for the family. And none of the lesser roles are very interesting.
Love the beachy town. Plot fairly involving. Nick Nolte does an entirely credible job playing an old geezer while the young journalists could be played by anybody nice looking.
I find it irritating, in reality too, that the family vs police theme revolves around their resentment at not being let inside all the investigative operations, thinking, discoveries. Police don't help because they refuse to explain exactly why total transparency is out of the question, their liason is equally ill-equipped to field family's frustration, and at times, detectives promise to keep them abreast when to do so risks undermining attempts to find the culprit and could jeopordize a future court case.
More than half way through I can't yet predict who done it though I can spot some red herrings.
If you are a Tennant fan and can suspend the obvious comparison to Broadchurch, by which this version is a hands-down impoverished relative, give Gracepoint a chance. Undemanding, rather bland fare, but not as awful as some critics claim.
Berkeley Square (1998)
Simply wonderful
Good reviews here are spot on. Show has it all--story, characters, acting. Aesthetics, heart. Etelo Pardo's performance is a revelation, haunting and profound. Entertaining and emotionally affecting as the series overall is, her performance rises above this engaging material to the heights of great classic film and theater performance levels. Those eyes, that face. She's raggedy and regal all at once. Her anguished compassion, her dedicated selflessness!
Another striking feature is the charm of the children, especially Bertie.
This is a "pretty" production, but social issues come through. Do wish for a sequel n some form. Still.