Hilary and Jackie

It is a pleasure to see a film that has believable characters and an engrossing story which both entertains and enlightens. "Hilary and Jackie" tells the story of two sisters, Hilary and Jacqueline Du Pre, from their early years as devoted sisters and fledgling musicians, through their divergent life choices as professional soloist and housewife.

Jacqueline's career as cellist takes off just as Hilary decides to marry and raise a family on a rural farm. The music is integral to the development of the story. Director, Anand Tucker, uses it to comment on the action, much as the piano performances were used in "Shine". The digital stereo sound highlights the richness of the music combined with emotionally gripping sound effects.

Emily Watson shines as Jacqueline in a varied and multi-faceted performance that may well earn her another Academy Award nomination. As the quieter more sensible Hilary, Rachel Griffiths is also effective in a less showy but subtle portrayal.

The key dramatic sequence comes at the film's center where Jacqueline leaves her husband, pianist and conductor, Daniel Barenboim, to stay with Hilary and her family. The surprising favor and request she asks of her sister will not be revealed here. Suffice it to say, this is not a film for children.

The powerful final scenes will remain long in memory. The fine music should encourage those not familiar with the careers of Du Pre and Barenboim to sample their recordings. Put this fine film on your must-see list.

Minutes to Midnight

Songs
Wake
Given Up
Leave Out All The Rest
Bleed It Out
Shadow Of The Day
What I've Done
Hands Held High
No More Sorrow
Valentine's Day
In Between
In Pieces
The Little Things Give You Away

Back To Bedlam

Songs
Billy
Cry
Goodbye My Lover
High
No Bravery
Out Of My Mind
So Long Jimmy
Tears And Rain
Wisemen
You're Beautiful

Music for Tourists

Songs
Castle-time
Relief
Black & Blue
Saturday
So Far
First Place!!!
Hymn
Baby's Romance
Not Nice
Blue Suede Shoes
We Don't Try
Sad News
Halloween
Bonus Track

Not Going Anywhere

Songs
Not Going Anywhere
Polly
Road Bin
End Of May
Sailor & Widow
Sit In The Sun
Right Now & Right Here
Seventeen
Spanish Song Bird
By The Cathedral
Ending Song

Under My Skin

Songs
Take Me Away
Together
Don't Tell Me
He Wasn't
How Does It Feel
My Happy Ending
Nobody's Home
Forgotten
Who Knows
Fall To Pieces
Freak Out
Slipped Away
I Always Get What I Want (bonus Track)
Nobody's Home (live Acoustic Bonus Track)

Let Go

Songs
Losing Grip
Complicated
Skater Boy
I'm With You
Mobile
Unwanted
Tomorrow
Anything But Ordinary
Things I'll Never Say
My World
Nobody's Fool
Too Much To Ask
Naked
Complicated (the Matrix Mix)

The Best Damn Thing

Songs
Girlfriend ( Clean Edit )
I Can Do Better
Runaway
The Best Damn Thing
When You're Gone
Everything Back But You
Hot
Innocence
I Don't Have To Try
One Of Those Girls
Contagious
Keep Holding On