MOVIE REVIEW
CHERI
Not only does the term 'La Belle Epoque' refer to an infamous disco group, but also a golden age in European history. 'The Beautiful Era' - the late 19th/early 20th Century period saw wealthier classes develop their own forms of social customs. From haute couture to perfecting champagne, this blend of renaissance styles with modern life represented finest in living. Cheri uncovers how this glittering existence was unable to prevent love's forceful nature in wreaking emotional havoc.
Wealthy courtesan Lea (Michelle Pfeiffer) nears the end of her career. Approaching middle age and comfortable from the earnings of many liaisons, a care-free retirement beckons. This is shattered by Madam Peloux (Kathy Bates), who asks for help with her wilful young son Cheri (Rupert Friend). Ordered to turn him into a 'gentleman', she reluctantly escorts him into her boudoir. Turning into a six year relationship, their honest friendship reveals true kindred spirits. When Cheri is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage, both realise how in love they were with letting each other go a difficult lesson to learn.
Everything about Cheri seeps of stylish sophistication. From clothes to witty dialogue, its atypical nature seems at home with the decadent playground upper echelons of society created. Director Stephen Frears and the cast have a great time with a script full of arch humour deftly making way for acidic dramatics. Against this light and shade, almost every frame of this lush production is visually rich in its extravagance. A bewitching performance from Pfeiffer adds to the overall opulence. It seems ironic that the only element failing to ignite is Cheri himself, as the actor portraying him seems swamped by his surrounds.
It's unfortunate this is the case as his and Pfeiffer's characters are quite interesting. Their blasé attitude towards love has affected their many past relationships due to their emotional detachment. Its only when they form a strong bond do they comprehend the powerful feelings they have bought out in each other shocking them out of their stupor. Although Friend appears unsure how to portray his role, Pfeiffer chews her scenes with relish as an older woman grappling with age and desire. Her underuse in recent years has been concerning and it's a pleasure watching her bite deeply into a multi-faceted personality.
Whilst not perfect, Cheri certainly offers an unique experience in terms of visual splendour. Its frothy leanings hide a deceptively dark heart bringing an interesting unpredictability to an era whose style has been copied many 
times since.
Movie Review
Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review
by Patrick Moore
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Cheri
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
Cheri Official Hompage click here.
Everything about Cheri seeps of stylish sophistication. From clothes to witty dialogue, its atypical nature seems at home with the decadent playground upper echelons of society created. Director Stephen Frears and the cast have a great time with a script full of arch humour deftly making way for acidic dramatics. Against this light and shade, almost every frame of this lush production is visually rich in its extravagance. A bewitching performance from Pfeiffer adds to the overall opulence. It seems ironic that the only element failing to ignite is Cheri himself, as the actor portraying him seems swamped by his surrounds.
It's unfortunate this is the case as his and Pfeiffer's characters are quite interesting. Their blasé attitude towards love has affected their many past relationships due to their emotional detachment. Its only when they form a strong bond do they comprehend the powerful feelings they have bought out in each other shocking them out of their stupor. Although Friend appears unsure how to portray his role, Pfeiffer chews her scenes with relish as an older woman grappling with age and desire. Her underuse in recent years has been concerning and it's a pleasure watching her bite deeply into a multi-faceted personality.
Whilst not perfect, Cheri certainly offers an unique experience in terms of visual splendour. Its frothy leanings hide a deceptively dark heart bringing an interesting unpredictability to an era whose style has been copied many 
times since.
Movie Review
Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review
by Patrick Moore
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Cheri
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
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