Hilary and Jackie film review

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HILARY AND JACKIE

Bolstering FilmFour's claim of being at the forefront of pioneering British cinema, this emotional drama drew such rave reviews from the national press upon its theatrical release, that one magazine was even moved to dismiss Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels in favour of it.

Based on A Genius In The Family, the book written by Hilary and Piers du Pre about their hugely talented sister Jacqueline, it tells the story of her virtuoso ability on the cello from an early age.

While her fame grows, Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) - who is almost equally gifted - opts out of the limelight for cosy home fires and baby-making with conductor Kiffer Kinzi (David Morrissey). But as Jackie's (Emily Watson) fairytale seems complete with an engagement to famous pianist Daniel Barenboim (James Frain), her grip on emotional and physical stability begins to slip, and she arrives unexpectedly at her sister's farmhouse fearing something is very, very wrong.

Powerful performances from both leading ladies earned them an Oscar nod each, but if a descent into large-scale histrionics isn't your thing, you may want to avoid this. Acted and adapted with passion, certainly, but there are accusations that a few liberties have been taken with the truth.