HOW refreshing to glimpse the city of Liverpool so beautifully in its most intricate form. The splendor of the Central Library and Museum's 19th century facade, provides the exterior landscape encompassing the iconic Royal Liver Buildings overlooking the infamous River Mersey. Rather apt, considering a majority of Liverpool's architectural monuments derive from the neo classics of ancient Rome and Greece.
Inspired by the internment of 'Enemy Aliens' during Wartime Britain, Enemy of the Heart provides a slice of Liverpool's maritime history and heritage. The narrative, journeys towards the departure of the former passenger cruise ship, The Arandora Star, which embarked on its final voyage in July 1940. More than 1,600 internees of Italian and German heritage were onboard destined for Canada.
Anglo-Italian family, The Ciprianis, provide the pivotal focus alongside their extended family, The O'Connors. A nod to Liverpool's Irish history brought to life in the form of matriarch Maise O'Connor. The stellar cast portray heartfelt characters throughout, enduring newfound complexities fuelled by wartime politics. The Cipriani family residing in Liverpool whilst their country is at war with Britain, encounter a flurry of escalating conflicts as the narrative approaches its torrential conclusion.
Generational and cultural implications are intricately explored, particularly with young Luca and Maria Cipriani, torn between cultures; that of their Italian father and their country of birth. Brother Tomas fighting for the British cause in Dunkirk, fuels discontent with neighbour Celia Romano whose cousins are serving in the Italian forces. Furthermore, a tempestuous mob embark on a prolific rampage, targeting Italian businesses. Thurs enhancing the ramifications of enemy nationality residing in Britain during this time.
Meanwhile, junior police officer Patrick O'Connor, is perpetually tormented by the knowledge of Uncle Gio's impending fate. "Duty bound" by the force, whilst at the detriment of having to withold crucial information from family, despite sister Elsie's persistence to unveil the truth. Patrick's climatic monologue in the presence of Aunt Maisie, is particularly moving as the enormity of Uncle Gio's inevitable predicament becomes ever-more unbearable.
Long-standing friend and neighbour Walter Collins provides the wisdom only a gent of advanced years can offer, delivering the comfort and guidance young Luca so desperately craves. The vertical alignment of the woodland composition in an almost military stature, beautifully illustrates their entrapment. Walter, too elderly to serve "King and Country" whilst young Luca is the recipient of infantile ridicule due to his Italian heritage.
Amidst the tribulation, a sprinkle of light-relief arrives in the form of Welsh WI Chair, Mable Jones, striving to maintain equilibrium amongst the women of the village during a heated debate between Elsie O'Connor and her acquaintances. Mable's disposition and closing statement, timed to perfection.
It would be a disservice to proceed with further analysis, as there is so much more for audiences to discover. An intricate narrative, this is an impressive composition for a debut screenwriter. Meticulously researched with acute accuracy and so beautifully infused with pure realism by a cast who embody their characters with emotional integrity. As such, I await with much anticipation for what will become of these creatives. Certainly, a few to watch out for in the future.
Inspired by the internment of 'Enemy Aliens' during Wartime Britain, Enemy of the Heart provides a slice of Liverpool's maritime history and heritage. The narrative, journeys towards the departure of the former passenger cruise ship, The Arandora Star, which embarked on its final voyage in July 1940. More than 1,600 internees of Italian and German heritage were onboard destined for Canada.
Anglo-Italian family, The Ciprianis, provide the pivotal focus alongside their extended family, The O'Connors. A nod to Liverpool's Irish history brought to life in the form of matriarch Maise O'Connor. The stellar cast portray heartfelt characters throughout, enduring newfound complexities fuelled by wartime politics. The Cipriani family residing in Liverpool whilst their country is at war with Britain, encounter a flurry of escalating conflicts as the narrative approaches its torrential conclusion.
Generational and cultural implications are intricately explored, particularly with young Luca and Maria Cipriani, torn between cultures; that of their Italian father and their country of birth. Brother Tomas fighting for the British cause in Dunkirk, fuels discontent with neighbour Celia Romano whose cousins are serving in the Italian forces. Furthermore, a tempestuous mob embark on a prolific rampage, targeting Italian businesses. Thurs enhancing the ramifications of enemy nationality residing in Britain during this time.
Meanwhile, junior police officer Patrick O'Connor, is perpetually tormented by the knowledge of Uncle Gio's impending fate. "Duty bound" by the force, whilst at the detriment of having to withold crucial information from family, despite sister Elsie's persistence to unveil the truth. Patrick's climatic monologue in the presence of Aunt Maisie, is particularly moving as the enormity of Uncle Gio's inevitable predicament becomes ever-more unbearable.
Long-standing friend and neighbour Walter Collins provides the wisdom only a gent of advanced years can offer, delivering the comfort and guidance young Luca so desperately craves. The vertical alignment of the woodland composition in an almost military stature, beautifully illustrates their entrapment. Walter, too elderly to serve "King and Country" whilst young Luca is the recipient of infantile ridicule due to his Italian heritage.
Amidst the tribulation, a sprinkle of light-relief arrives in the form of Welsh WI Chair, Mable Jones, striving to maintain equilibrium amongst the women of the village during a heated debate between Elsie O'Connor and her acquaintances. Mable's disposition and closing statement, timed to perfection.
It would be a disservice to proceed with further analysis, as there is so much more for audiences to discover. An intricate narrative, this is an impressive composition for a debut screenwriter. Meticulously researched with acute accuracy and so beautifully infused with pure realism by a cast who embody their characters with emotional integrity. As such, I await with much anticipation for what will become of these creatives. Certainly, a few to watch out for in the future.