ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

Female Film Critics 24/375

Author: Cynthia Fuchs

Reviews 

RED JOAN – Review by Cynthia Fuchs

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Based on the real-life story of Melita Norwood, arrested for being a KGB intelligence source, by way of Jennie Rooney’s 2013 novel, the screenplay by Lindsay Shapero makes clear enough that the “spy granny” upset lots of people. It also makes clear a series of clichés, including Joan’s initial recruitment by a conventionally exotic Communist, Sonya , who enters her Cambridge dorm room window in order to avoid being caught following an escapade with a boy.

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Reviews 

OH LUCY! — Review by Cynthia Fuchs

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“Open your mouth a little bit more. Let out more sound.” At her first English lesson, Setsuko (Shinobu Terajima) learns from her teacher, John (Josh Hartnett), that to speak “American English,” “You need to be lazy, lazy and relaxed, let it go.” The one-on-one class proceeds: John misspells her name on his whiteboard, then gives her an American name, Lucy, before he advises, “Relax, don’t be nervous. Looks like you need a hug.” During the embrace, Setsuko is visibly uncomfortable, but he takes no notice. “What can I say”? he smiles, “I’m a hugger.”

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