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Poirot - Murder in MesopotamiaRating:
Release Date: 31 July, 2001 Retail Price: $19.95 OUR Price: $17.96 You SAVE: $1.99! Cast: Complete Cast (5 total) |
Poirot - Murder in Mesopotamia Reviews
Did the Super Sleuth's Sidekick's Nephew Commit a Murder??
+++++
I watched this movie without reading the 1936 Dame Agatha Christie novel that it was based on. I'm glad I did this! Why? Because it forced me to really watch the movie in order to try and deduce who the murderer was.
The main murder takes place at an archaeological excavation site in Mesopotamia (a part of Iraq) where Hercule Poirot's (David Suchet) friend and trusty sidekick Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser) is helping. Poirot who is on vacation visits this site when the murder is committed. This is a difficult case because the murder takes place in a locked room that no one could have entered. Besides Hastings, Poirot has the help of Police Superintendent Maitland (Iain Mitchell). Eventually, another murder and a suicide occur. At this point, Poirot "hopes [this investigation] holds no more surprises."
Who are the people at this site? They are as follows:
1. Head archaeologist Erik Leidner (Ron Berglas)
2. Louise Leidner, Erik's wife (Barbara Barnes)
3. Archaeologist Annie Johnson (Dinah Stubb)
4. Archaeologist Joe Mercada (Alexi Campbell)
5. Marie Mercada, Joe's wife (Debbie Poplett)
6. Archaeologist Richard Carey (Chris Bonner)
7. Nurse Amy Letherson (Georgina Sowerby)
8. Father Lavigny (Chris Hunter)
9. Bill Coleman, Hastings' nephew (Jeremy Welch)
10. Sheila Maitland, the superintendent's daughter (Pandora Clifford)
As usual, Suchet's performance stands out. He gives a stellar performance portraying Poirot. Barbara Barnes as the head archaeologist's wife also does a good job in her role.
This movie was intriguing to me because the main murder was so complicated and ingenious. As well, the motive for this murder was interesting.
The cinematography is visually stunning. All costumes are authentic looking. As well, the background music adds to each scene.
The DVD has the usual text extras. Newcomers to the series might find these
interesting.
Finally, the only problem I had with this movie was with the final deduction scene. Poirot admits earlier in the movie that the person who committed suicide had a motive for the main murder. However, in the final deduction scene, this suicide was not even mentioned! I felt this was a major oversight.
In conclusion, this is a fun movie even if you have read the novel it's based on!!
(2001; made for TV; full screen; 100 min; 11 scenes; British drama; color)
+++++
Another Terrific Agatha Christie Mystery on DVD
I have enjoyed the Agatha Christie novels on DVD - they restore television to its primary mission: entertainment. And this twisting plot is no exception!
In the land of Irag, filled with sun and the science of archeology, the expedition runs into trouble when murder rears its head. Fortunately, the indomitable Poirot is on the scene! He unravels the deep complexities of the murder(s), entangling alliances, and takes an axe to the root of bitterness and jealousy.
All in all, the story is thoroughly entertaining and the mystery unfolds in a marvelous way. Like following breadcrumbs to an expected end, the director leads us inexorably, but logically, to the conclusion.
So, put a fire on, micro the popcorn, sit back and relax and enjoy pure entertainment.... again!
More Customer Reviews (6 total)
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