Triumph of Love [DVD]

This is a movie of what was a very successful stage revival a few years ago. It is a lot of fun. Mira Sorvino is beautiful, all of the actors are great, the costumes and scenery are wonderful. I especially want to mention the music, which is based on a lively modern interpretation of music by Rameau. It turned me on to Rameau, who has become my favorite Baroque composer. It is based on a comedy by Marivaux, dating from around 1640 I believe, and today the comedy at the expense of the philosopher and his sister seems rather cruel. In Marivaux's day, with the action way up on the stage, the characters could easily be played with broad strokes as foolish buffoons. But on the screen, where we can clearly see, close-up, their faces and their feelings, they seem very human. This adds a touch of sadness to the mix that, for a twentieth-century audience, gives the play a dimension that seventeenth-century audiences probably would not have seen. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves costume drama, and light-hearted romantic comedy.

Absolutely charming!!! This period piece (OLD play from 1732!!! and French) done for modern audiences (in English) with modern quirks - like rock instruments bursting into the Baroque music, a garden set with a contemporary audience, and obvious splicing for dramatic effect - is simply delightful. I can't express my enjoyment enough. The transformation of stern intellect, softened with a touch of love, brings revelation to all - an important theme in those historic days, which still rings true today (hence the modern audience). The scenery, costuming, makeup, lighting, camera work and editing, coupled with the perfect musical choices and brilliant acting from the entire cast, make for a fun and light-hearted romp, with poignant meaning as well. This play and its beautiful modern presentation in film, remind me of Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro, The Marriage of Figaro, in which human character rises to its honorable heights when true love is allowed to reign. Sweet.

The storyline was a good idea, but so badly filmed, edited and over the top, that it was amateurish. The splicing of retakes was so poorly done that the scenes jumped several times and were too obvious. All of the acting was overdone, but not enough to be a lampoon, just enough to be annoying. The scenery and costumes were the only good parts of a bad movie. Don't waste your time!!!

It's charming Mira Sorvino, doing the central role of this French farce that was written by Marivaux first played in Paris back in 1732 (so they say). The filmmakers somehow made it in English, with ever-reliable Ben Kingsley and Fiona Shaw. Lucky that they secured these three talents. Sorry that it's not Shakespeare, and equally sorry that the film is not as charming as it should be, like delightful Mira Sorvino herself.The premise is contrived; you see Ms. Sorvino as the heroine Princess Leonide, who falls in love with Prince Agis (Jay Rodan). Unluckily, the prince is the righteous heir to the throne which the princess has now, for her parents usurped his parents. So, the Princess has to disguise herself as a man, talks her way into the house where the Prince is protected for fear of another assassination. Can you follow me?If you don't, just forget this part. In short, the film is about the mistaken identities and genders, caused by the protagonist Leonide, or Mira Sorvino, who dresses herself as a man, or woman if the occasion requires, and uses her/his charms to the full. In consequences, all the members of the house -- including the stern protector/philosopher Ben Kingsley and amateur scientist Fiona Shaw -- where Ms. Sorvino sneaks in, find themselves hopelessly and helplessly in love with him ... or her.One thing must be said. Mira Sorvino is so drop-dead gorgeous (as you know) that no matter how she tries, she cannot look like a male for a moment. Of course, this is a stage contrivance, I know it, and some characters see through it, yes. I know this film is not 'Orlando' where Tilda Swinton was so convincing as both sexes. But the director should have done something, at least.Another flaw is its bad cameraworks. The camera of Clair Peploe (the wife of Bernado Bertolucci, incidentally), as if to impress us, often floats like a fidgety child. Where the scene should be more romantic to concentrate on the leading actors, the director uses both long shots and close shots (even jump cuts), all disturbing our attention.The actors are charming to see, and though Mira Sorvino is very funny with her cute, pout mouth, it's Fiona Shaw and Ben Kingsley who are really recommended.This is no Shakespeare, or 'Shakespeare in Love' for that matter. Still, the actors are good, and well-worth looking for if you like costume dramas.

Why at the beginning does it show in the garden a modern audience? That kinda ruined it for me.

As described, quick shipping.

This farcical movie is certainly unique! While a bit silly at times and some scenes drawn out, it was overall fun to watch.

This is the film version of a very old (1700's) play.Deception, disguises, intrigue all in classic comedic farce style.On stage, fast action, quick changes, entrances and exits keep things lively. A movie version runs the risk of slowing things down.This top-notch troupe of actors properly blows everything out of proportion which is what you have to do in order to make a piece like this work on film. Well done.