A simple, but heart-warming story, writes Christine Powley.
Director: Akiva Goldsman
Cast: Colin Farrell, Matt Bomer, Lucy Griffiths, Kevin Corrigan, Alan Doyle, Russell Crowe, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jon Patrick Walker, William Hurt, Will Smith
Rating: (M)
2 stars (out of 5)
The film Winter's Tale (Rialto) is not to be confused with anything by Shakespeare.
It is based on a fantasy novel by Mark Helprin set in old New York where the love story between an orphaned burglar and a wealthy young woman dying of consumption turns into a battle between the forces of good and evil.
The burglar is Peter Lake (Colin Farrell), who grew up on the streets of New York.
His parents were turned back at Ellis Island so they placed him, Moses like, in a miniature sail boat and left him to the new world.
As a young vagabond he came to the attention of Pearly Soames (Russell Crowe), who trained him up as a safe-cracker.
Pearly likes crime for the devastation it causes, while Peter was more attached to the softly softly approach.
The difference in styles led to a major falling out and this is the point where Winter's Tale kicks off.
Peter is trying to keep out of Pearly's grasp and Pearly is determined to kill him to show everyone that the only way is his way.
As one last job before he flees the city Peter breaks into a house that should be empty but discovers that there is someone left behind, Beverly Penn (Jessica Brown Findlay), whose consumption means she must live in very cold conditions.
One look at Beverly and Peter is gone but what future is there in loving someone living with a death sentence?
Best thing: Our Russell does a grand job as a crime boss with a big secret.
Worst thing: Almost every element is illogical. The longer I watched the more I felt like Mr Spock trying to figure out Captain Kirk.
See it with: A cosy jacket: almost every scene contains snowdrifts.
