Black Marigolds (2013) User Reviews

Well done but difficult to watch

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 4 April 2017]

My ratings are based mostly on how much I enjoy a film. This film was very difficult to watch especially after the diagnosis was delivered. I am sure that many of the things I disliked were intentional by the writer/director.

Kate and Ryan are a beautiful couple very much in love. You soon realize that Ryan has issues with his memory and perhaps even mentally. Kate is a perfect wife. She adores Ryan and tries to be positive at all times. She loves spending time with him and seeks to help him at every turn. She occasionally loses patience, especially as things get more difficult, but quickly rebounds, and also tries to hide her impatience. Kate remains true to the end.

Both Bean and Boston do a great job in difficult roles.

There are no villains in this movie except the disease. The plot is very basic - it is the degeneration of the life of a happy couple due to a debilitating mental disease. Because the plot is so basic, it moves slowly especially after the diagnosis. There are many scenes where the camera pans slowly through empty rooms or outdoor scenery. In at least one scene this panning is shaky. Kate is so lovable, that it makes her suffering even more painful for the viewer. Ryan appears oblivious to much of his suffering because of the disease. The movie makes extensive use of discordant music and noise which often builds to loud crescendo. As I said before, I am sure that all this is intentional, even artsy, but it is difficult to watch, especially the suffering.

If you like to watch movies for how well done they are then you will probably want to watch this. If, like me, you watch more for entertainment value, then you may want to pass on this one.

Great direction, moving story

[richard_ferdman · 5/10 · 28 February 2024]

Both Boston and Bean do a great job - but the direction/ music/ simplicity of the scenes help draw the viewer into a dark world of disease and failing health.

Many of us know a disease like this is far worse than depicted but at least love and disease were central - again we know in real life it is far harder to care for a young person / a loved person.

I had never seen Boston or Bean in an emotional role (having watched only a few of their movies) but it was good to see them commit to the roles and the director helping to share the intimacy of the relationship. Perhaps more fear and despondency could have been conveyed (what was he writing, what was he not sharing, what was his writing offering others, and mostly: how was he preparing for his end and the end of their love). I think of Julianne Moore, Ralph fiennes and Stephen Rea in the "End of the Affair" as a beacon of love, demise, and death's cruelty.

Fabulous

[jcsmontana-786-259307 · 8 September 2013]

Noah Bean was outstanding in the film. This was a difficult role to play but his portrayal of Ryan was on target. I was captivated from the first scene and there were not any vacancies through out the film. When any actor can bring the audience into the scene with them that it a truly talented person, Noah has accomplished this with this role. I do hope that this film go to the screen as it is a hush hush subject within society. I have followed Noah's acting career, he has grown into an extremely talented actor. He has natural talent and it at easy being in the spotlight, we will see him on screen and magazine in the very near future.

Mice

[kevinsusan-17166 · 3/10 · 28 November 2019]

The two people in the story rent a cabin in the woods and the first thing they see is a mouse. They happen to mention that the mouse chewed through the pancake box and there was in the box. Yet, they take dishes right out of the cupboards and eat from them without washing them.

Total bummer

[jasminecyders · 4/10 · 28 September 2019]

What is the point of this movie is my first question. We already know that people get sick and die. What is redemptive about this whole thing? A waste of my time. I don't understand how anybody could give this a 10. Very unimaginative in my opinion. There was a lot left to be desired. There could've been more suspense and intrigue. It's already a huge bummer at least make it a interesting bummer.

Great Movie

[tsanborn79 · 10/10 · 23 April 2013]

Great movie. I saw this at the Boston International Film Festival on 4/13 the 7th session at 10:15 and thought it was a great. It showed how difficult it can be to watch someone you love slowly pass away while there is nothing you can do to save them. The movie has a lot of literature quotes and is centered around him writing a novel in the woods while his wife accompanying him on the trip. Soon she sees him struggling to write and do every day tasks. The acting and the writing were terrific. The disease the actor portrayed was difficult and he did a spectacular job.I hope this movie gets picked up for wider distribution.

Hard to swallow

[mrgums-87207 · 10/10 · 29 June 2019]

I made an account on here just to rate this movie. The beginning and seeing the characters so in love made me feel deeply for the characters. I would recommend this movie to everyone but make sure to have some tissues once the diagnosis is made. Very touching. I never cry during a movie but this one got.

Very Good Film

[rogerjghannam · 10/10 · 13 November 2020]

Acting is great, most especially of Bean. The plot covers his path very well. I am well aware of the subject matter. I have first hand knowledge though I was not an observer. I felt connected and empathetic to the writer. His self awareness and most convincing performance brings awareness to the audience. Through his emulations I have a greater understanding. Very well done.

I highly reccomend seeing this but not a date flick .Watch with friends

[shydreamguywantsabboyfriend · 10/10 · 18 June 2018]

All Men And Women should see this film but don't see it with the 1 you're dating or married to unless you want to take the chance of breaking up over the ending .

This is a Good film to talk about after seeing it ,Things Like Are you really ready for marriage ?

Noah Bean is Brilliant in his performance The Official description of the movie has 1 error, this is not about a mental illness. It is a rare but debilitating physical illness that has physically and mentally debilitating symptoms .

Myself and the only other person On YouTube who commented left angry at the female lead character .

I even dedicated a song to Kate From Ryan . Just when i needed you most .

Like I said don't see this with the person you are romantically involved with unless you want to test your relationship ."In Sickness & Health " would have been a good title ......Meant Facetiously.

This is a great film that as I said should been seen by everyone.

I'd even recommend it to be required for all high school students to see if it were up to me .