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March 09, 2005
The Civilization of Maxwell Bright
Writer/Director: David Beaird
Cast: Patrick Warburton, Marie Matiko
“The Civilization of Maxwell Bright” is a film you want to hate, but end up enjoying. The opening is over the top with male chauvinism and violence bravado that I wanted to bop the Maxwell Bright character into unconsciousness. He’s a pig, a prig, rude, crude, and a waste of human flesh. Enter his mail-order bride, Mai Ling, and his studied world of male domination changes as he learns about himself and the world around him. It’s almost as if there were two films. The first half hard to accept, the second half, endearing, compelling, and touching. Warburton is masterful as the dominating b$%^&*d. However, stealing stardom from the entire film is Marie Matiko. She was masterful in grace, a joy to watch, and serene to follow. She keeps her commitment for better or worse, and not much could be worse than being married to Maxwell Bright. The gentle spirited Mai Ling helps bitter and torn Maxwell Bright through some very difficult times. Extremely touching conclusion. Note: The opening was so repulsing that I almost bailed. I’m glad I stayed through to the end. I was rewarded with a solid feature.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Feathers
W. Fred Crow
ANG Newspapers
Posted by W. Fred Crow at March 9, 2005 08:16 AM