I really liked the treatment of Cate's relationship with her sisters, particularly Cynthia. Cynthia's encouragement and efforts in making-over the shop help Cate believe she can define herself differently (as does her match-making). And her quiet honesty when she challenges Cate's beliefs about their parents is so important to Cate beginning to see her world differently.
(I really liked that about Harry, too; he didn't confuse dishonest agreement with supporting his wife, but talked to her when he saw her taking a wrong step.)
When we get to the final dinner party scene, Annette and Francesca are realizing that they can no longer be silent bystanders in the division between Cate and their father, and mount a respectful rebellion around the dinner table. Dominic seems broken -- perhaps the illusion that he could still control his children had allowed him to survive losing the beloved wife he couldn't save. It is Cate who recognizes how profound his distress is, and is moved to follow him in an effort to repair what can be made right. Her apology to him represents her forgiveness of him, as well, and I think they did a very nice job illustrating the way hearts can open fully -- particularly when there is crisis among loved ones -- when there is willingness on both sides. A beautiful final scene for a movie that makes clear there is much story left untold.
I really liked the treatment of Cate's relationship with her sisters, particularly Cynthia. Cynthia's encouragement and efforts in making-over the shop help Cate believe she can define herself differently (as does her match-making). And her quiet honesty when she challenges Cate's beliefs about their parents is so important to Cate beginning to see her world differently.
ReplyDelete(I really liked that about Harry, too; he didn't confuse dishonest agreement with supporting his wife, but talked to her when he saw her taking a wrong step.)
When we get to the final dinner party scene, Annette and Francesca are realizing that they can no longer be silent bystanders in the division between Cate and their father, and mount a respectful rebellion around the dinner table. Dominic seems broken -- perhaps the illusion that he could still control his children had allowed him to survive losing the beloved wife he couldn't save. It is Cate who recognizes how profound his distress is, and is moved to follow him in an effort to repair what can be made right. Her apology to him represents her forgiveness of him, as well, and I think they did a very nice job illustrating the way hearts can open fully -- particularly when there is crisis among loved ones -- when there is willingness on both sides. A beautiful final scene for a movie that makes clear there is much story left untold.
- Cathy
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