Pluskylang
Great Film overall
Lollivan
It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.
Verity Robins
Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.
HuddsOn
The cameras are not state of the art and there are few tracking shots - not surprising with it having been made on such a tight budget - but they still could have made better use of the resources available. The impact of some sequences is weakened by excessive cutting. Potentially majestic images, such as construction cranes against the sky, are often only in shot for about two seconds before we cut to something else, which seems entirely the wrong approach aesthetically if you trying to make a dreamy, contemplative film rather than an extended pop video. Despite these flaws, good use is made of St Etienne's songs, and the imagery accompanying them is agreeable enough, although rarely breathtaking. If you expect a documentary to impart information or give you a radical perspective on familiar subject matter then this is definitely not for you. But if you've simply had an awful day at work and you need something to relax with, providing minimal intellectual and emotional stimulation, then Finisterre could hardly be more perfect. Bland, but soothing, it's best thought of as digital lavender oil, or perhaps the film equivalent of listening to the shipping forecast.
Gordon-11
This film is a series of snapshot of London viewed through the eyes of a British band, Saint Etienne.I am a Saint Etienne fan. I remember "Finisterre" being released on DVD back in 2003, and it was on the shelves for 17 pounds. I thought the price was steep so I did not buy it. After seven years, I finally got to watch the film. And, wow, I am so disappointed by it."Finisterre" is a collection of shots filmed in London. It can hardly be called a film. There is no plot. I find it so boring to sit through minutes of graffiti, bicycles and uninspiring council blocks of London. It does nothing to promote London, actually people might get put off by it. I don't understand, why would Saint Etienne present London's unglamourous side when they are obsessed with it? "Finisterre" seems to be a self indulgent project. I guess the meanings behind the shots can only be comprehended by the filmmakers and the band. I am so glad I did not buy it when it first came out.
TheLester
Being a fan of Saint Etienne and the City of London, I was very excited to see this movie on the list of the Vancouver International Film Festival. This movie has great shots, an absolutely excellent soundtrack and interesting insights into a 'not so well known' London.The movie is held completely in 'dark' colours, which I personally don't like too much. Furthermore the narration was a little too British and the comments sometimes got a little flat. Other than that, there are some great comments by Londoners and excellent shots. FINISTERRE doesn't glorify London by showing all the great attractions of the city, but rather gives deep insights in what London is really like. From the East end to the vibrant centre with its music scene as well as the 'special little retreats' for Londoners.All in all:+Great Soundtrack +Nice shots +great insights-Narration -Tiering to watch at times -Very dark pictureWorth watching! I give it a 7/10
faster1974
Anyone familiar with the music of Saint Etienne (who provided the soundtrack, and whose Bob Stanley co-wrote the script) will instantly recognize their input into this film: the referencing of classic pop lyrics, the obsession with London, at once mythologising and yet very honest.
A documentary about London- its buildings its people and the magic it holds, Finisterre can draw comparions with the films of Patrick Keiller. This, however more accessible and has some lovely (albeit rather brief) interviews and reflections from artist Julian Opie, recording studio owner Liam Watson, and musicians Lawrence (from Felt) and Vic Godard (from Subway Sect).Never shying away from showing uglier sides of the city, but managing to find beauty in them, Finisterre is a very entertaining and quite magical documentary.
