MOVIE REVIEWS

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I’ve been involved with Veuve Clicquot for over a decade as a lifestyle writer.  Clicquot in the Snow in Queenstown to fashion shows and Polo. It’s a brand very dear to my hear and having visited the cellars and vineyard in Reims last year I was excited to see “Widow Clicquot” coming to New Zealand Cinema of the year, Lumiere Cinema, on my birthday.

Widow Clicquot tells the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, the powerhouse widow who transformed her late husband’s modest champagne business into a global empire. Directed by Thomas Napper, the film stars Haley Bennett, who delivers a nuanced performance, balancing vulnerability and determination as she battles societal constraints and fierce competition in 19th-century France. 

The mixture of the period, their struggle and the sexuality between characters outshone what I think I was looking for in some of the exciting things that the Veuve Clicquot champagne is about. If you want a great read, New York best seller “The widow Clicquot” by Tillar J. Mazzeo is an enthralling read. I was going in expecting a mixture of that and the story of Barbe-Nicole.

Visually, the film is stunning, with sweeping shots of sun-drenched vineyards and opulent period costumes. The production design immerses viewers in the elegance of the era, though the script struggles to match this visual splendour. At times, the narrative feels more like a commercial for the champagne brand than an intimate portrait of a trailblazing woman. Given the hint of modern day love stories where sexuality and appropriate blend.

Despite these shortcomings, Bennett’s portrayal anchors the film. She captures the heart of a woman defying expectations, her quiet resolve shining through even in the movie’s more formulaic moments. The supporting cast, including Tom Sturridge adds charm, but his character often feesl underdeveloped. I did enjoy Sam Riley, as the dashing Louis Bohne, salesperson extraordinaire, cad and fence standing bravado did appeal to me personally. 

While Widow Clicquot may not break new ground as a biopic, and really didn’t cover the champagnes true depth on bringing a brand the brand to life. Yes, more a commercial than film, it still offers an good tale of resilience and ambition. Paired with a glass of bubbly, and a rich association with Clicquot yellow, it’s a cinematic toast was pleasant — even if it leaves a slightly bittersweet aftertaste.

It's Wednesday, 5th March 2025, and across the world in cinemas, the film Purple Rain is playing a one night only debut, and I’m seated comfortably at Lumiere at the arts centre with a collection of true fans.

It's June 15th, 1984, and “When doves cry” hits the airwaves in Christchurch. I’m fixated with this linn drum-based, no bass, heart soul track by an artist called Prince. A month later, the Film Purple Rain debuts at cinemas here. By this time, I own the album, and it's resonating with this kid who is trying to identify himself too. The soundtrack is being listened to daily. 

The film is something else. Purple Rain isn’t just a movie — it’s a cinematic extension of Prince’s genius. The film follows "The Kid" (played by Prince), a talented but troubled musician navigating a toxic home life, a turbulent romance with aspiring singer Apollonia, and fierce competition in Minneapolis' vibrant club scene. It also catapulted Morris Day into the limelight. A prince friend from his teenage years, Morris’s character is the perfect competitive foil to Prince. On their third album, “The Time” were a powerhouse in their own right, and the rivalry on film was happening in real life, too. The opening act prior to the film’s release on Princes 1999 tour. That rivalry on film was very real.

Jump 40 years into future and I’m at the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain in Minneapolis in July I’m now friends with the Revolutions drummer, Bobby Z and keyboard player, Matt “Dr” Fink and I’m well known by the band and their partners. 

The teenager in me is pinching himself when I get invited to be a VIP at the concert celebrating Purple Rain at the venue it was filmed, the Iconic First Avenue. You can feel the electric feeling of two thousand fans getting down to the groove, and after 40 years it’s the same crew.

Purple Rains storyline itself is straightforward, sometimes bordering on melodramatic, but the raw emotion Prince pours into every scene makes it impossible to look away. His acting is earnest, if rough around the edges, but it adds authenticity to the character’s struggles with vulnerability and ego. It’s the film and album that catapulted him from the edgy side act for the Rolling Stones to the hottest thing that summer and what truly elevates Purple Rain is the music. 

The electrifying live performances — especially the title track — transform the movie into something transcendent. Songs like When Doves Cry and I Would Die 4 U perfectly punctuate the narrative, conveying emotions the dialogue sometimes struggles to capture.

It’s a drama showing his struggle with family, women, and his band. I was eating it up with a spoon in 1984. The film’s style, with moody lighting and unapologetic glam fashion, is a time capsule of the '80s, yet it remains iconic. 

While certain elements may feel dated, its exploration of artistry, pain, and redemption is timeless. Watching it at Lumiere was a surprise. The big screen and the new quality had me spotting things I hadn’t noticed before. Nuances to a fan who thought he knew it all. The people in the cinema were laughing, and the odd lyric popped out, and you could see heads bobbing. After 40 years, it still got it. A rock concert that’s a movie or is a movie that’s a rock concert. To me it’s a time capsule. Taking me back to a place of innocence and passion. The moment my life changed forever.

It is the perfect melange of 80’s quirk with just enough magic so it doesn’t age too badly. It’s fun, cliché’, a bit over the top. It's Prince. Ultimately, Purple Rain is a must-watch for music lovers and a powerful testament to Prince’s unparalleled artistry. It’s not flawless, but it’s unforgettable — just like the artist himself.

Dracula reimagines Bram Stoker’s classic tale with a lush, operatic intensity. This visually opulent adaptation stands out for its rich atmosphere, blending gothic horror with romantic tragedy. I’ve seen a couple of 4k redo’s at Lumiere and it always catches me by surprise when you get more out of it than when originally watched it. Like fine wine, it gets better with age.

Gary Oldman delivers a mesmerizing performance as Count Dracula, capturing both his monstrous cruelty and tormented longing for lost love. Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves play Mina and Jonathan Harker, though Reeves’ wooden delivery pales beside Ryder's heartfelt portrayal. Keanu’s character wasn’t an academy award winner, yes,  but the story really wasn’t about him Unfortunately, with a few rodeos under my belt, I couldn’t help feeling for Johnathan. The sexual tension you could cut like a knife was still captured and quite visceral. Combine this with the stunning vision and cinematography and yet again, something worth revisiting on the big screen. 

The film's bold visual style, inspired by Expressionist cinema, employs striking costumes, surreal lighting, and practical effects, enhancing its dreamlike quality. Wojciech Kilar’s haunting score elevates the drama, underscoring the film’s themes of desire, immortality, and redemption. When it comes to affairs of the heart, I found myself cheering on Drac and Mina knowing that it wasn’t going to end well. Having lived a full, non-blood sucking life, you see the road crash coming. The debate on why it ended, as it should, was top of conversation on the ride home. Something that I totally missed in my younger years when I saw it first.

While occasionally veering into melodrama, Coppola’s Dracula is a testament to the power of cinematic spectacle. It’s not just a horror film but a passionate exploration of love and mortality, cementing its status as a gothic masterpiece. Lumiere have a fantastic team who pick their films with expert knowledge of a GREAT film. Another one to put on your list to see.

Reviewed by Nicholas Henare for Cantabrian Magazine.