It's a classic from the screenwriting school: two incompatible characters embark on a difficult project, and learn to appreciate each other while doing so. In the end, they succeed against all odds.
'Military Wives' (or 'The Singing Club' as it's called in some countries) is a very formulaic film: the plot development is very predictable, and there are no surprises whatsoever. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining and enjoyable movie, because it is made so well. It shows how a group of military wives start a singing club (the word 'choir' would make it too official) and get invited to perform during a live television show. The incompatible characters are the two leaders of the club, the stiff-upper-lipped Kate who wants to do everything by the rules, and the easygoing Lisa who focuses on the fun factor. Kate likes Mozart, Lisa likes The Beatles - that sums it up. The difficult project is to get their club ready for the performance.
Both leads are great. Kristin Scott Thomas is the perfect actress for Kate's part, but Sharon Horgan is just as good playing Lisa. The film is perfectly balanced between a laugh and a tear. It doesn't shy away from serious themes (the wives have to cope with several tragedies), but it's never melodramatic. This is a crowd-pleaser in the positive sense of the word.
'Military Wives' (or 'The Singing Club' as it's called in some countries) is a very formulaic film: the plot development is very predictable, and there are no surprises whatsoever. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining and enjoyable movie, because it is made so well. It shows how a group of military wives start a singing club (the word 'choir' would make it too official) and get invited to perform during a live television show. The incompatible characters are the two leaders of the club, the stiff-upper-lipped Kate who wants to do everything by the rules, and the easygoing Lisa who focuses on the fun factor. Kate likes Mozart, Lisa likes The Beatles - that sums it up. The difficult project is to get their club ready for the performance.
Both leads are great. Kristin Scott Thomas is the perfect actress for Kate's part, but Sharon Horgan is just as good playing Lisa. The film is perfectly balanced between a laugh and a tear. It doesn't shy away from serious themes (the wives have to cope with several tragedies), but it's never melodramatic. This is a crowd-pleaser in the positive sense of the word.