Ginger and Rosa - Vue West 12 - 24th October 2012

(Rated 3/5 film/script... 4.5/5 performances.)

This is a beautiful little coming-of age story, by Sally Potter of Orlando-fame,  concerning the power of female friendship to bond two people and the power of love that can tear them apart. At the time of the Hiroshima bomb, Ginger's and Rosa's mothers (Christina Hendricks and Jodhi May) go into simultaneous labour and so begins a friendship literally from birth. Ginger (Elle Fanning) and Rosa (Alice Englert) share all their experiences, including kissing practice with each other and then one being present as the other moves on to a boy. They discuss deeply and join anti-bomb protests - attempting to put the world to rights. But whilst Ginger is genuinely wedded to important causes and intelligent thought - some of which she shares with her father (Alessandro Nivolla), Rosa is more wedded to herself and the growth of her femininity, which she also desires to share with Ginger's father. Will this betrayal of trust rip them apart?
The story is good in a nice simple way, and the film is beautifully shot - though at times feels disconnected. But it's the performances that make this piece. ALL  - including supporting players Timothy Spall and Annette Bening - are absolutely stunning. Elle Fanning is exceptional in a highly sensitive, understanding and emotionally intelligent performance. She needs no dialogue to convey precisely her feelings and thoughts to us and is gorgeous to watch.
Highly recommended as a feelings film interestingly of a similar vein to Song for Marion, but involving younger people.

Ginger and Rosa – Review by TheRestrictedReviewer © 2012

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