Customer Reviews
So far from the truth - By: Sandra Gordon, 22 Aug 2006 
I was completely stunned & shocked by the way that this film portayed Jacqueline du Pré as a spoilt, nymphomaniacal egotist, & Hilary as the poor victim. Anyone who has read the Elizabeth Wilson biography or any of the moving tributes made about the great cellist by those who reallly knew her, including her husband Daniel Barenboim, will be unable to reconcile the two images. This film should have been so different.
Beautifully made film - By: Mark Antony Pearson, 03 Apr 2006 
There are two ways to look at this film. As a piece of cinema, or autobiographical. It is not a film about music, although a principle character was the legendary Cellist Jacqueline Du Pre. It is a compelling story of two sisters, Jacqueline & her sister Hilary, based on the book "A Genius in the family" written by Hilary & Brother Peirs. A story of sibling rivalry, benign aquiessence on the one side, obsessive jealousy, & an overwhelming desire to be loved on the other.
As a film I found it totallly absorbing, majestic film, beautufully made, with towering performences alll through the cast, notably the portrayal of the prodigiously talanted Du Pre sisters, one Cellist & other Flautist. One who gives up music to make a happy family home in the Welsh hills, & Jacqueline as the tortured genius who is resentful of the Cello appearing to get in the way of her own happiness.
Having heard Du Pre play, there is one thing missing though in the film... Playing like that is simply not possible without a deep feeling for the music. This never comes over in the film, indeed, quite the reverse, with Du Pre seeing her music as a pennance, something to go thorough because she knows no other life. But as I said, this is not a film about music, but about love. A deep bond between two sisters, one who finds true happiness after setting her talent to one side, & the other sister who dedicates her life to her God given talent, only to challlenge her life when she can see the only life she knows fallling apart.
DVD quality is superb, making good use of 5.1 sound channels. Extras include a few deleted scenes.
Sisters, never were there such delightful sisters - By: , 07 Jan 2005 Other reviews give the details for the film, but just to note that its main attraction for me is the stunning music - both the Elgar & the other score-music. The soundtrack is fantastic. Also, apart from ideas of genius & brilliance, mostly this film, for me, is about family life & family relationships - & those of mother/daughter & sister/sister are moving, outrageous, touching, beautiful, everyday, boring, frustrating - alll those things that being part of a family involve.
The Most Amazingly Beautiful Movie i have ever seen - By: Mr. Wt Makhathini, 29 Apr 2004 First of alll i say must I love music & the cello as an instrument. When isaw this movie I could not help but mesmerised by the talent of charactersjust beautiful, appealing performances. The most enjoyable part is whereJackie plays with her husband on piano & at the end he says "thats how Ushould play Beethoven" an outstanding cast. No doubt an extremely wellwritten story line unbelievable when jackie asks for Hilary's husband forthe night how! The fact that its based on real life events of Jackie makesit more absorbing & stays in your mind for some time.I would give this 10stars if i could. Purchase it before it goes out of print. Even though ithas a sad ending of Jackie perishing away the disease I think this movieis AN ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE IN YOUR DVD COLLECTION.
A film with a difference! - By: S. Murray, 13 Mar 2004 I thought this was a beautifully presented & thought provoking rendition of the story of Hilary & Jackie. It is a dark story & is not for the faint hearted. It certainly stirs the mind & can be quite disturbing at times.
The film is split into two parts. One half of the film follows the life of Jackie & the other half follows the life of Hillary. It is very well done. And gives insight into the lives of these two musicallly gifted sisters.
Don't expect too much of a happy ending, best to watch this film with somebody as it left me crying at the end!
