MovieChat Forums > Sparkle (2010) Discussion > Why had I never heard of this film?

Why had I never heard of this film?

posted 14 years ago by dkimuk
3 replies | jump to latest

This is (no pun intended) a hidden gem. I saw it last night on BBC (UK) and enjoyed every moment. I've lonmg considered myself to be a bit of a film buff but this had passed me by completely!
From understated emotion (Stockard Channing, an awesome Bob Hoskins showing tenderness in ways that only he can) to the O.T.T. ( Lesley Manville and a super, just the right side of tasteful, turn from Antony Head) the story was carried along by the superb cast. That's before I mention Shaun Evans and Amanda Ryan, making a beautifully touching and very realistic romance blossom in front of my eyes. I loved the hand touching on their first night together, I got goosebumps!
I know there was nothing new in there and the inter-connecting lives was a bit convenient but it was so charmingly done that it doesn't matter. Totally recommended.

[–] thylacine89 14 years ago

I couldn't agree more. I just saw this film for the first time also, though I'd never heard of it before. Bob Hoskins was brilliant. Compare some of his other characters, such as Mr. Micawber or his gangster characters, and you see how wide his range is.
Amanda Ryan looked beautiful, and some of the scenes between her and Shaun Evans were very finely played.
I loved the scene where Bob Hoskins finally declares his feelings for Lesley Manville too.
I agree with you about the touching hands scene too. Beautiful.

[–] dkimuk 14 years ago

Bob Hoskins performance in this reminded me of his role in 24/7, so touching and emotional. I really enjoyed this film and I can't believe Shaun Evans is from Liverpool (as am I) but I'd never heard of him before!
I think the promotion for this film must have been nil as it was a complete newie to me, a real shame such a lovely film wasn't given a fair chance to be seen, IMO it can hold it's head up amongst the RIchard Curtis/Brit-rom-rom clasics.

[–] sirjeremy 11 years ago

It's very underseen, sadly. I went to a delightful preview and Q&A in 2007 with the directors and some of the cast and remember hoping it would get seen widely, somehow, but that hasn't happened. Agree with you on Anthony Head in this film, he's quite wonderful here.