Because Pt. 1 was so much fun to do and being such a movie lover
there were more dialogues I needed to post!
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) - Lord Benedick's garden monologues'
Context: Lord Benedick of Padua cannot understand how his recently engaged best friend could throw away his life for marriage.
Review: Although these are two differing dialogues, I tend to put them together to highlight the contrast between Benedick when he was opposed to love and then Benedick to opening his mind up to the idea of love. Kenneth Branagh delivers both opposing dialogues with so much humor and charm. It's impossible to have a favorite.
Turn: Washington's Spies (2014-2017) - George Washington sees the ghost of his brother, Lawrence
Context: At Valley Forge, a weary and broken-down General Washington either witnesses' madness or a miracle when he sees his long dead brother, Lawrence.
Review: I have no idea what exactly is going on regarding the context of the episode because this is the only scene I've ever watched from Turn: Washington's Spies. Yet, it's subtle in its delivery and deep in its message.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023) - Charlotte's Wonderful News
Context: Queen Charlotte of England tells her husband King Geoge III (the Mad King), that they are expecting a grandchild that will be the first legitimate heir to England's throne.
Review: To understand the emotional context of the scene you would have to watch the show itself (or you can click on my review embedded in the title), however, I love how this scene connects the sadness of the present, the hope of the future and the memories of the past. I cry every single time I watch this scene and I'm always so relieved that Charlotte chose to stay with George instead of leaving.
Richard II - "This Sceptered Isle"
Context: An excerpt from Shakespeare's Richard II of John of Gaunt marveling at the beauty and history of his home, his England.
Review: So simple and yet so magnificent! Shakespeare's love for his country shines so clearly in this excerpt!
Thor (2011) - Thor's plea to Loki
Context: Thor pleads with Loki in order to save his friends and the people of a small town in New Mexico.
Humble surrender, noble sacrifice and glorious victory...really nothing else can be said! Thor's dialogue (talking to Loki) is so small and may even get overshadowed by the big battle. However, it's proof that no words, deeds or sacrifice can be too small or insignificant.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) - Charles and Mr. Dark in the library
Context: Kindly Charles Holloway confronts a maniacal demonic presence in the form of Mr. Dark, the leader of a traveling supernatural carnival that for centuries has brought despair and suffering to people.
Review - In this classic battle of good v evil, Charles Holloway, an elderly librarian and loving father and Mr. Dark, who is everything oppressive and unmerciful, fight for the lives of the small town, especially two young boys (one of them Charles' son Will). Charles is human, aging, but has a strong faith and loving heart, something that Mr. Dark a supernatural entity, was not expecting.
The Prince of Egypt (1998) - The Burning Bush
Context: God tells Moses to return to Egypt and free the slaves. However, Moses has his doubts.
Review: No film has captured the mystery, beauty and awe-inspiring wonder of Moses' first encounter with God through the Burning Bush of Midian like The Prince of Egypt. The score of course adds the extra layer majesty that just leaves one breathless every time.
The Gospel of John (2003) - Jesus Prays for His Disciples
Context: John 17:1-26 - The High Priestly prayer of Jesus
Review: Jesus knew how to talk and how to teach and sometimes tended to say things in an intense repetitious manner. And the constant repetition of certain words and phrases can hinder the real beauty and meaning of the dialogue (be it prayer, a parable, etc.). Upon seeing this scene for the very first time, the filmmakers and the actor (Henry Ian Cusick) were able to use Jesus' exact words while also giving visual portrayals at the same time. We are in Jesus' head while he is praying. We can almost feel his sadness and his fear.
The Adventures of Merlin (2008-2012) - The Fisher King
Context: Merlin finds himself face to face with the legendary Fisher King.
I always knew this was a lovely scene, but after rewatching it, I never realized how stunning it really is. Merlin encounters a myth, a legend, that has a great story behind his name. Little does Merlin know that he will become the same as the Fisher King. He too will become a myth and legend with many stories behind his name.
ACK, I just was watching Much Ado About Nothing (for the 100th time, lol) seconds ago and paused right after the second of Benedick’s speeches. SO MUCH FUN. I adore those two monologues and the contrast between them so much. I once used the first as an audition piece and it was a delight to do but also so hard to not just copy everything Kenneth Branagh does with it. XD That film is a work of art and I will stand by it. ^_^
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