Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Written by: David Johnson
UK Cinematic release date: April 2011
Young Valerie falls for poor orphaned woodcutter Peter, much to the consternation of her family who want her to marry blacksmith Henry. But will anyone survive when a wolf starts attacking the village?
Sharing a director and Vancouver setting with the Twilight films, Red Riding Hood has a similar feel and aesthetic quality to the aforementioned vampire films. The medieval village, swathed in snow and surrounded by woods and mountains, is absolutely stunning and a perfect backdrop to this creepy love story.
And what love story would be complete without a love triangle? Since childhood Valerie has been in love with bad-boy woodcutter Peter, however she is now betrothed to Henry. I could certainly see why she would be attracted to the dark and wild Peter, but I have to admit I warmed to the thoughtful Henry.
Gary Oldman's character, Solomon, enters the village in imposing style offering to rid them of their wolf. Whilst his character was ambiguous at first - is he a good guy come to rescue the villagers and protect his children or a man just out for revenge at the cost of everyone else? - his acting as always was impeccable. In fact I couldn't fault the acting at all throughout the film.
As the film plot is very loosely based on the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale, I can see how some would be annoyed by the slant of the film, deviating from the original story by featuring a werewolf who is able to turn those it bites into wolves during the blood-red moon. I figure if you watch the film not expecting the fairy tale then you shouldn't be disappointed.
Who this werewolf is, is a big mystery throughout the film (thanks to all the actors wearing brown contact lenses or having brown eyes).
Normally I can guess straight away who is the murderer or mysterious character, but I had absolutely no clue in this film until it was revealed at the end. This one will really keep you guessing!
Rating: 4*
If you haven't yet seen the film, here's a sneaky peek at the trailer...
9 comments:
The whole Twilight vibe really put me off seeing Red Riding Hood, but if Gary Oldman's in the mix ... that's a different story altogether. Might give it a shot. Thanks for the review :)
I really want to watch this film! :D
Thanks for reminding me about it!
Just watched it (thanks for your review I made up my mind to which movie I should see 1st). I was put off in watching this due to the Twilight phenomenon out there. I was a fan of the vampire book/movie but the vibe just made me tired of it. I guess that was the reason I was reluctant in watching this movie.
I actually liked it very much. And I admit being surprised in the end with who the wolf was - it never crossed my mind :P
There was, indeed, a familiarity in the movie, specially the landscapes and all. Very Twilight-ish. But all directors have their own signature therefore I'm going to say that Hardwicke's is those views of snow, mountains and woods.
Gary Oldman was brilliant as always. Being a fan of the man also helped me choosing this movie. To be honest, as soon as he appeared I knew how his character was like *winks*
Yes, I understand why Valerie would choose Peter - good looking bad-boy and all - instead of Henry. But Henry was sweet and in the end proved being a worthy man. I was hoping that he would find a sweetheart for himself at the end of the story :P
Well, I don't understand the criticism around this movie. I wasn't excepting the fairytale in it at all, just the bone structure and I think the movie was very well adapted.
Thank you for your review. And I'm sorry the big comment about it.
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