The Marsh King's Daughter

The Marsh King’s Daughter 2023

• Director: Neil Burger
• Seen by this director: The Illusionist
• Based on the novel by Karen Dionne
• Cast: Daisy Ridley, Ben Mendelsohn
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in
• Daisy Ridley – Star Wars etc, Murder on the Orient Express
• Ben Mendelsohn - Ready Player One, Darkest Hour, Rogue One, The Place Beyond the Pines, The Dark Knight Rises, Vertical Limit
• Why? Possibly interesting                
• Seen: 23 September 2024 

Helena (Ridley) is brought up in the wilds by her father Jacob (Mendelsohn). It emerges that her mother was kidnapped by Jacob before Helena was born. When she is about 12 the mother manages to escape with her. Helena grows up. Her father has been in prison, but escapes and now she and her family are in danger.

Similar to Where the Crawdads Sing, it’s not too bad, but not great either. 

2* of 5

 

 

 

Ruby Jand's Film Blog: A Prairie Home Companion (rubyjandsfilmblog.blogspot.com)

 

 

 

  

Les Misérables 1978

 

Les Misérables 1978

• Director: Glen Jordan
• Seen by this director: Sarah Plain and Tall
• Based on the novel by Victor Hugo
• Cast: Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Cyril Cusack, John Gielgud, Ian Holms
• Anthony Perkins – Catch 22, Psycho, Green Mansions
•  Cyril Cusack, John Gielgud, Ian Holms - many
• Why? For my collection of Les Mis films
• Seen: 22 September 2024  

The novel is a favourite classic. I’ve seen many film versions at least once as well as the stage production in London last year.

If you don’t know the story, Google it.

This is an adequate adaptation, a bit theatrical, i.e. hammy and melodramatic without much genuine emotion. It’s hard not to think of the stronger versions but it’s a respectable attempt and worth seeing. 

3* of 5