Swept Away (DVD 2004)

I might well be committing a cardinal sin by saying that I actually enjoyed this film. I even laughed once or twice! Chances are this film was given bad reviews even before it was finished just because it's a remake of an old film, stars Madonna and was directed by her husband. She may not be the greatest actress in the world but you have to give Madonna credit for making a good effort.

She plays Amber Leighton - a rich, spoilt, and arrogant woman, invited on a private cruise around Greece to Italy by her husband Tony (Bruce Greenwood). Throughout the cruise Amber treats the crew like dirt, and makes the first mate Guiseppe (Adriano Gianni) a commonist fisherman, take her out in a dingy which subsequently breaks down. After battling through a storm, they find a deserted island where they set up home. After some time they fall in love with each other, but unlike most romantic comedies this doesn't have a happy predictable ending.

Even if you do find Madonna's acting irritating, personally I did not (she's been worse) you can enjoy the beautiful locations on which this film was shot in Italy, Malta and Sardinia, providing some lovely cinematography. Gianni is quite funny as the fisherman and you do empathise with his character from his frustration and anger dealing with such a horrible woman, to his loss at the end. At just over and hour and a half the film isn't dragged out either so it is watchable. There are some typical Guy Ritchie directorial bits - subtitles and sped up shots, but these don't spoil the film so much.

On the whole it's a bearable, enjoyable film if you just want to watch something that doesn't expect you to take it seriously. Give it a try you might like it.