THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (2016)

This magnificent film directed by Derek Cianfrance from his own screenplay adapted from the international bestseller of the same name by M.L. Stedman is why movies are made in the grandest tradition. Without revealing the plot for those of you who did not read the book this is a story that all of us will be able to relate to with gorgeous photography showing the desolate island landscape where most of the picture takes place. Shot stunningly by cinematographer Adam Arkapaw in Tasmania and New Zealand (passing itself off for Australia) with a beautiful score by Alexandre Desplat, this film will be assured of numerous Oscar nominations especially for its cast. Michael Fassbender (really the first time I thought he was perfect for the role and truly likeable), Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz are all assured nominations for Best Actor & Actress and Best Sup[porting Actress respectively. Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson, Caren Pistorius, Florence Clery, Emily Barclay, Jane Menelaus and Garry McDonald among many others round out an exquisite cast. This is one of the few times Hollywood got it right in adapting a beloved book for the screen (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD being the standard bearer on screen adaptations), so if you loved the book you won’t be disappointed.