W.E.

Madonna directed this and intertwines 2 story lines beautifully from the point of view from Wallis & Wallie. I was impressed because I think it is her first movie. It may not be somewhat historically accurate, but it is romantic while showing the darker side of relationships. Actor for Edward/David is taller than the real man, lol. I watch it about once a year.

Apparently this movie didn't get good reviews by the critics, but I thought it was very pretty and watchable, though perhaps a little slow. Very nice OST music and cinematography. Since most movies are re-makes of the same plots for the hundredth time, it was refreshing to see something new.

One receives according to the mode of the receiver, and, that being said, please allow me to attempt to interpret Madonna's interpretation. For starters, being that I am frequently scandalized by Madonna's crazy behavior, and moreover, well aware of her past failures in the movie industry I chose to ignore this film for the longest time, and, boy was I ever mistaken in doing so. In this film "W.E." Madonna has produced a most profound work of art in the manner in which she employed many various devices of communication in which to portray one of the most touching love affairs (emotionally speaking) involving incredible paramount sacrifice. Further, she effectively endeavors to excite insight into Wallace's feelings in regards to what she had to sacrifice as well. How does Madonna bring this off? She creates and utilizes a fictional character and story line in both communion and juxtaposition with the true story in order to let us see the true story through the eyes of the fictional character who seems to endure and be subject to similar plights and/or problems. That is to say, it is though the eyes, emotions and feelings of sadness and despondency of the fictional character that we see the actual true story of Wallace and Edward. Now granted, it is probably presumed that the viewer (for the most part) is familiar with the events of the past concerning Wallace and Edward (though there is enough substance provided in the film to articulate the story for those who may be unfamiliar with the events) and, therefore, sufficient time may be given to the development of the fictional character and her story. After about 40 minutes or so into this film I just could not stop saying: WOW!, WOW!, WOW!, WOW!...the entire time. This film is so well done! I absolutely loved it! Beautiful music score as well. The only caveat is that the film is rated R for two scenes of graphic domestic violence (and a total of five f-words in the two scenes). There are no sex scenes (though it starts to appear like one may happen but does not). Anyway, these two scenes can be quickly fast forwarded through (they are only a few seconds each). So, let me conclude by saying that I not only love this movie, but, I totally get it! I suspect many do not, however, and that is why it did not do very well. Please do not be deceived by the poor reviews from the critics for this film is a true masterpiece! A profound masterpiece! I give it 5 gigantic stars!!!!

As someone who has read extensively about the Windsors there are some troubling inaccuracies, but the film is worth seeing. The photography is gorgeous, most of the music suits its scenes, and the unusual camera angles add a lot of interest.WELL DONE1 - The photography of a sea of umbrellas at the entrance to Sotheby's is imaginative and well-photographed.2 - The "letter montage" near the end of the movie is extremely well done. The quotes are well chosen, wonderfully spoken, and imaginatively combined. In pure movie terms, this is absolutely wonderful.3 - I don't know if the quotes in the "letter montage" are real, but I suspect they are. Wallis confesses to her Aunt Bessie that she sometime feels suffocated by the Duke's constant attentions. Those of us who know their history know that this is absolutely accurate, and hearing it read gives one some sympathy for the Duchess. Even more so is when she points to "my own familiar friend" as the source of her troubled situation. Wallis and the Duke were stuck in an ambiguous situation, where they were not a full royal couple, yet they were not non-royals either. Wallis was known to be a prolific letter writer, so this is quite a revelation.HISTORICAL INACCURACIES1 - The king preceding Edward VIII was George V, not George III. Really, this mistake is hard to excuse.2 - Wallis Simpson hated smoking, never rode a horse, and didn't play the piano, yet she is depicted doing all three.3 - The scene in which Prince Edward overhears his parents discussing him never happened.4 - The scene in which Edward adds benzedrine to his guest's drinks never happened. He would have considere such a thing unthinkable.5 - The king and Wallis never entertained the Duke and Duchess of York in Cap d'Antibes. The Yorks only met Mrs. Simpson a few times and always in England.6 - Wallis did dash across France to her friends the Rogerses, but she arrived late at night, not in the daytime.7 - It might make for a good story, but the last item in the Windsor auction was NOT the Abdication Desk.UNLIKELY TO UNBELIEVABLE1 - Wally Winthrop travels to Paris, ingratiates herself with Mohammed Al Fayed in order to see letters written by the Windsors. Yet at their parting he calls her "Miss Montague," a name she assumed, and she calls him "Mohammed." Extremely unbelievable.2 - The Duke on his deathbed asks Wallis to dance for him. She does so while Chubby Checker sings "The Twist." Not credible. She would have played a song from the 30s or 40s when they were first married. Unlikely.3 - Wally's Russian friend shows up at her New York apartment building and is admitted only by giving his name and employer. Unlikely.BAD JUDGMENT1 - A party scene is underscored with wildly inappropriate rock music.2 - Would someone smart enough to adopt a pen name, travel to Paris, and arrange a meeting with Mr. Fayed really ask a hotel employee if the Duke and Duchess actually stayed in the Duke and Duchess of Windsor Suite? Pure clumsiness.3 - There are too many scenes in which Wally just looks morose. We almost stop caring about her.4 - The last third of the film needs a quicker pace, leading up to the "letter montage" scene. In many movies this is a fault. By this time the audience has been watching for well over an hour and a half, and this is when the plot needs to proceed briskly, with fewer atmospheric shots.As a Windsorphile, I enjoyed this movie, despite its flaws. Yet I can see within it a different story that might have been more interesting. The parallel stories could work if the Duchess was portrayed as Bogart was in "Play It Again,Sam," as an imaginary friend giving advice to a contemporary woman. It could have included all the historical scenes and been much more interesting. As it is Wally is portrayed as morose too often, her connection to Wallis Simpson is not really clear, and her longing for a baby with her nasty husband is inexplicable.Still, it is an interesting film.

A wonderful film with an unusual approach. Subtle and intelligent, a wonderful movie, highly recommendable. Madonna surprises as a director - very insightful and well researched.

安かったので、英語の勉強のために輸入盤を購入。社交界の綺麗な英語が聞けたらいいな、ラブストーリーだからそんなに難しい専門用語とかもないだろう、と考え、英語字幕を頼りに一気に見たのですが、過去と現代のストーリーが交互に同時進行するため、映像と英語字幕を追いかけるのに結構必死でした。

I was a little tired the first attempt at watching it BUT i did so the next day and was actually surprised and delighted with the script and the duel story running side by side. The Movie was wonderful. The script was great it held our attention. The costumes, make up and locations were all stunning. Madonna did a great Job and really she should be proud of this film. I loved it. I watched it twice and thought it was so lovely, so well done & with all the fashion creations just stunning. As for casting Abbie Cornish is a beautiful Australian Girl. Andrea did a fantastic job as Wallis maybe a touch too pretty but she was well cast. All of the Windsor Men were quite short. King George V, David and Bertie but at least in this film both Brothers matched each others height.Well done. i bought the soundtrack too and that was just beautiful with the Piano pieces haunting.

This film presents another view of the Mrs. Simpson matter, one seldom allowed. More than that, more than a view of two women abused by their own destinies, is an elegant fashion show of an era that we are given permission to enter and savour.

Non c'è niente da dire. Questo film è la perfezione. Amo follemente la soundtrack, Abbie Cornish poi...il blu ray poi è montato a dovere ma non è troppo diverso dal dvd, cambia la qualità ma niente di contenuti in più. Consiglio a tutti questo film unico, una storia d'amore piena di caos che poi alla fine finisce in un modo drammatico ma non troppo, una storia d'amore tra le più belle raccontate in un modo tutto nuovo. L'interpretazione e la direzione di Madonna è qualcosa di perfetto. Per produrre arte ci vuole una grande artista...e così è stato. 110 e lode ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ a Madonna che ha scritto, prodotto e girato questa grande opera d'arte. Bisogna vedere e capire per poter giudicare.