Is La Fille mal gardée Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2012)
This DVD showcases Frederick Ashton's version widely regarded as the definitive interpretation initially devised for the London Royal Ballet in 1960 and first screened on the BBC over the Christmas period of 1962. This performance featured the cast of the 1960 original, with Nadia Nerina in a role that Ashton created with her in mind. Nerina's "joyous, soaring skill, which is Lise's signature (Financial Times) and David Blair's technical and interpretative genius in the role of Colas are perfectly offset by Stanley Holden's hilarious travesti turn as Widow Simone, and Alexander Grant, who brings pathos and humour to the character of Alain.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of cinema, then La Fille mal gardée offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2012 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
La Fille mal gardée, a standout production of 2012, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into This DVD showcases Frederick Ashton's version widely regarded as the definitive interpretation initially devised for the London Royal Ballet in 1960 and first screened on the BBC over the Christmas period of 1962. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "This DVD showcases Frederick Ashton's version widely regarded as the definitive interpretation initially devised for the London Royal Ballet in 1960 and first screened on the BBC over the Christmas period of 1962. This performance featured the cast of the 1960 original, with Nadia Nerina in a role that Ashton created with her in mind. Nerina's "joyous, soaring skill, which is Lise's signature (Financial Times) and David Blair's technical and interpretative genius in the role of Colas are perfectly offset by Stanley Holden's hilarious travesti turn as Widow Simone, and Alexander Grant, who brings pathos and humour to the character of Alain."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Nadia Nerina, the performance in La Fille mal gardée feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.
The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is La Fille mal gardée truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, La Fille mal gardée explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2012 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, La Fille mal gardée is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Nadia Nerina or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, La Fille mal gardée is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.