Maudie

Sally Hawkins gives an outstanding performance as Maud in the movie MAUDIE. From the beginning of the film, the audience knows to root for her. The character is a well written multi-dimensional one adapted by screenwriter Sherry White.

MAUDIE is based on the real life story of Nova Scotia artist Maud Lewis. Maud lives with her aunt Ida, played by Gabrielle Rose. Her brother Charles, played by Zachary Bennett, sells their mother's house without telling her. After feeling disrespected, Maud cleverly goes after the job of a housemaid for a local fish peddler named Everett Lewis, played by Ethan Hawke.  Hawke's performance is captivating, as the role is much different than others he has played.

Maud and Everett's relationship starts out rocky, moves along, and then enters an arena neither one of them expects. Other than coming into contact with a few townspeople, they only communicate with each other; therefore, their romance is inevitable. In addition, he sells fish and she sells her paintings--the first customer is Sandra, played exceptionally well by Kari Matchett--acquiring international acclaim. Furthermore, there is a storyline involving Maud's child and Sandra becomes an honest confidant.

MAUDIE is a delightful film directed by Aisling Walsh and currently playing in theatres. The official Web site is http://sonyclassics.com/maudie/.

Woman In Gold

I saw the movie, WOMAN IN GOLD, almost one year ago. I realized I had not written about it here so today I will share my thoughts on this really nice film about Maria Altmann (played by Helen Mirren). Maria was a Jewish refugee forced to flee Vienna during World War II.

The movie begins at present day, following Maria living in Los Angeles, and the narrative is given in a series of flashbacks. She pursues obtaining a painting of her Aunt Adele, known as "Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I." At the time Maria escaped from Vienna, not only are Jewish individuals being captured, but the Nazis are stealing many items from them. "Portrait of Adele Block-Bauer I" is a painting of the "Woman in Gold," and very special to Maria. It means so much to her that she hires an attorney, played by Ryan Reynolds, to help her get it back from Austria. Unfortunately, the Austrian minister and art director are unwilling to part with the painting.

It is intriguing watching Maria and her inexperienced lawyer, Randy, as they travel to Austria to retrieve the portrait. When the minister and art director insist on leaving the painting at the gallery, Maria and Randy argue their position within the law. The case is even heard by the United States Supreme Court.

WOMAN IN GOLD is a historical and educational film.  Through literature I teach students about the Holocaust. The stories are usually from the point of view of survivors that were forced into concentration camps. Those stories are important and should be shared. However, WOMAN IN GOLD brings an awareness of the other wrongs committed by the Nazis, such as stealing valuable artwork.  These details should become known and taught as well. It furthers the reality that the Jewish people taken by force had class and lived normal lives.

For more information about WOMAN IN GOLD, visit the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WomanInGoldMovie/timeline?ref=page_internal.