It was evident from the onset the 'Ladies in Black' nostalgic journey back to
Sydney circa 1959 would not disappoint. The visual production and period content made it so appealing to watch.
A bookish schoolgirl and a fashion department manager from different
backgrounds were pivotal characters for the narrative of change from the status quo. The dual storyline of a new girl entering the workforce and evolving into adulthood alongside a country evolving with new Australians from Europe . The embracement of these two characters and their positive influence on others around them complimented the awakening of new attitudes from those prevailing at the time. A passage of time handled with humour and contrast.
The film achieved its intention with a great cast. A light-hearted approach of an era some of us remember with characters that can be identified with. Above all, a visual delight to enjoy and be entertained.
Ladies in Black
2018
Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance
Ladies in Black
2018
Action / Comedy / Drama / Romance
Plot summary
Adapted from the bestselling novel by Madeleine St John, Ladies in Black is an alluring and tender-hearted comedy drama about the lives of a group of department store employees in 1959 Sydney.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
December 18, 2018 at 04:22 AM
Director
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
A Visual Delight to be Enjoyed!
I loved this movie!
I loved this movie! It doesn't pull its punches but it isn't a social commentary film, at all. It's kind of a "warts and all" depiction of changing attitudes in 1959 Australia. Adapted from a best selling novel, it won the 2018 Australian "Oscars" (AACTA) awards for Original Score, Lead Actress, Costumes and Hair and Makeup. Great cast, authentic characters, slice of life storytelling. I give this movie an enthusiastic 9 (superb) out of 10. {Optimistic Drama}
A beautiful, entertaining movie
Veteran director Bruce Beresford turns a simple plot about a teenager's Christmas holiday job in a department store in 1959, into a wonderful, heartfelt story about the workers' different troubles in life, and about what refugees bring to our lives. The (frankly gorgeous) set design, script and acting are all perfectly executed. You never say, 'that didn't work'. For me, the centre of the movie is Julia Ormond's character, Magda. As a Slovenian haute couture saleswoman at Goode's department store, you sense Magda has undergone many trials, but she is brave, warm and generous to the new Christmas casual worker Lisa (Angourie Rice) and is one of those people that are the life of the party and whose wisdom has come from experience. Their colleague Fay, comes across as a naive blonde, but there is more to her than you first think. If the movie has one fault, is that it's probably a little too heartwarming. Lisa seems to have a great time, both at work and socialising outside work, and her worst experience seems to be mopping up a customer's vomit. All the loose ends of the story are neatly tied up at the end. The Australians, notably Lisa's parents (played by Susie Porter and Shane Jacobson) find the refugees' food such as salami and wine a bit strange at first, but really don't object too much. One character's husband leaves her, but he comes back later, and all is well. The only person who maybe doesn't have a happy ending is the veteran supervisor Mrs Cartwright (Noni Hazelhurst), but she is a minor character. However one could argue that there's nothing wrong with a movie that makes you feel good. I cannot say that this movie did not entertain me. I really loved it, and it feels unfair to say it's a little bit of a fairytale.