Gwen

Nothing in this movie, slow , no actions no conversations no events , weak story and bad end .

source: Gwen

A very cold and slow film . don't waste your time for this tragedy

It's beautifully shot and the story starts out interesting but just never really went anywhere. Sad, sad, sad is the way I'd describe this movie.

Gwen is a slow but catching story of cruelty loneliness and vulnerability. It is a horrifying sad story that takes place in a little far land where hope fades and there is no miracle to lead the story to a happy ending. Truly it is horrifying that you feel how bad things can be and how helpless humans could be. When the movie ends you will think of many similar situations in our time. and maybe you think of many political and social factors behind humans' misery. However it is not a typical horror film. If you are interested only in demons or other typical horror movies, this one could bore you. But considering real matters that make humans suffer life, it is an interesting and really horrifying movie.

Dark and moody with great acting,but nothing much happens.

This is literally the worst and most agonizing film I've ever watched! This is the first time ever I've actually been mad after watching a movie because it was such a waste of time, money, fake blood....etc!

No Spoilers, but Gwen is a beautifully and skillfully shot atmospheric physiological story similar to The Witch or even the Russian film The Mirror in terms of feeling more like a dream or a memory at its best...and this last just until the conclusion where it basically decides it was too smart for its assumed viewership and dumbs everything down. Watch Gwen if you enjoy gorgeously bleak landscapes and haunting themes of mental strife. But if you're like me when the 'evil business' angle unfolds it all becomes incredibly predictable and rote. The final 'action' bit felt like a disservice to what could have been a solid character piece. This is not a spoiler because every version of the description of this film feels the need to bring up the evil mine 'story'. It feels tacked on, the mine company is hilariously overwrought, and it leaves the sensibility of a piece of skillful art hacked to pieces to make a conventional horror flick. I'm tired of movies that sell for money and take money to make complaining about people who make money.

So this is a strange, dark, and brooding film. I admit I chose the film because of the blurb, once again. Luckily, this time it worked to my favour. The promotional text states this is a folktale set in Wales and for this, I picked it up. However, it's not. I cannot see this story being passed down from generation to generation as there's little morality within. There's also little superstition which is also a major element to folktales. I should have been upset as I chose this for my Friday Night is Fright Night viewing pleasure. As the story progressed and nothing supernatural happened, even though it is hinted at, I still couldn't feel let down. This is due to one main fact. This is a good film. It is a strong historical drama that exudes atmosphere, all of it dark. The director, William McGregor is a master at his art. I would gladly watch more by this man if they're all this good. The only drawback is the story, written also by McGregor, which is basic, to say the least. However, that isn't too big a hindrance as the direction and acting lift the film above the story. McGregor uses his cast ascetically. For the most part, there's very little dialogue the characters tell their story through their actions. You know the sisters are close and loving as they sleep in the same bed. The older one tickles and plays with the younger. When the family walk anywhere the two girls are side by side. You even know who the bad guys of the play are even though they seldom speak. In fact, it's because McGregor records some of their speech in hushed tones, too quiet to make out, that your mind informs you they are up to no good. You also know that this small family isn't completely trusted or thought of in high praise by the community from the furtive glances they receive. I think it's because your mind engages to pick up these nuances that this film is so powerful. All of this also adds to the oppressive atmosphere of the film. Even the slow pace of the film works to add an unease and an eerieness to the proceedings. Though the tempo of the film is slow it never feels sluggish. Truth be told, when the film ended I was surprised. I hadn't even realised I'd been watching for an hour and a half. I wanted more. I wanted it to continue. This is not only down to the wonderful direction of the film - the iconic shots, the use of light, the landscape, and the constant howling wind - but also with thanks to the great cast. Maxine Peake is a wonderful actress and I will check out a film or a series should she be in the cast. Unfortunately, this included the dreadful Keeping Rosy, of which she was the strongest cast member - should've had this guy directing. However, she's on top form as the stoic mother, Elen. This woman gives new meaning to strength. Being alone in the Welsh wilderness bringing up two girls and running a farm... her portrayal is worth watching this film for alone. Though it's Eleanor Worthington-Cox as the title role, Gwen, who shines the strongest. Life for a teenage girl was much different back then. Cox superbly embodies the strength required to survive in the dire conditions, as well as showing love and concern for her sister and mother, both of which are different. She also expresses the eagerness of youth. All of this is performed subtly and falls perfectly into the context of the movie. I would highly recommend this picture to historical drama lovers and lovers of film alike. I would also say; if there are any filmmakers out there who want to know what atmosphere looks like, sounds like, tastes like, feels like, then watch this film. I am so glad I did.

'Gwen' is one of those rare films that comes along every few years and shakes you to your core. It's a raw and shiveringly cold treat which asks important political questions with a strong emotional backbone. In a time of mediocre cinema and the low-mid budget film dying out - this is a film which rekindled my love for independent horror. I'd recommend investing in the Blu Ray to experience the film in how it was intended, it has the same scope of something like Leans' 'Laurence of Arabia' or Tarkovsky's 'Solaris' but in a melancholy Welsh setting. A film that says so much while saying so little through dialogue - and when words are spoken - they're heard and heard loud. Cox and Peake are... I know it is cliché to say... but genuinely Tour De Force's, Peake's nuanced performance comes only second to her incredible work on 'See No Evil'. McGregor captures something here that in my belief will become a cult favourite in years to come, get in early and watch it now - you won't regret it.