Plot: What’s it about?
Hilary and Jackie is one of those movies which is widely overlooked by American audiences, though not by the critics. It received several Oscar nominations, most noteably for Best Supporting Actress(s).
Hilary and Jackie is the true story of two sisters who are musicians (one a cellist, the other a flutist), the story starts off when they are kids (only briefly) then follows them into adulthood. Early on, Hilary (Rachael Griffiths), who plays the flute (that’s how I distinguished them, anyway) enjoys success. She wins competitions and is obviously very talented. Thus, her parents give her all the attention. Jackie (Emily Watson) is not to taken by all this and starts practicing day and night; she wants to be the one winning the competitions and is obviously the more driven of the two.
Cut to adulthood–Hilary is just not as motivated as her sister, and all but gives up the flute. She marries a conductor (who courted her by granting her concerts) and is satisfied to enjoy life as a mother. Jackie, however, has become a very talented cellist and becomes famous. She later marries (against her father’s will)…but later decides to leave him (in a very dramtic scene) and live with Hilary and her family.
The movie wraps up with what shocked me the most, I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say that Jackie’s physical condition very rapidly deteriorates and is left to be cared for by Hilary and her family. A very good story, well acted and well directed.
Video: How does it look?
Polygram has decided not to give this film a 16:9 transfer, but it still looks very good (most movies that are new, do). There is some shimmering and a little artifacting, but for the most part it’s a nice picture.
Audio: How does it sound?
This being a movie about music, there is of course a lot of it. Dolby Digital 5.1 sounds great, as there is music (symphonies and solos) radiating from all channels. The dialogue is clean and clear as well. Very good sound.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Some cast bios and a featurette add to what is already a good movie, but anything more is better (when will people learn this).
