Notes On A Scandal (DVD)

I first saw this movie at the cinema back in Feb 2007, and loved it. This is one of my favourite films, and was keen to 'snap up' the DVD as soon as it came out.

When Barbara Covett (Dame Judi Dench), a domineering and solitary teacher at a decaying state-run secondary school in London meets the school's new art teacher, Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchette) her world is turned upside down. Sheba appears to be the kindred spirit and loyal friend Barbara has always been seeking. But when she discovers that Sheba is having an incendiary affair with one of her young students, their budding relationship takes an ominous turn.

Now, as Barbara threatens to expose Sheba's terrible secret to both her husband (Bill Nighy) and the world, Barbara's own secrets and dark obsessions tumble to the fore, exposing the deceptions at the core of each of the women's lives.

This film is the reason why People like Judy Dench and Cate Blanchett are so respected. Their performances make the film entirely captivating and incredibly moving.

It's a film about obsession and loneliness. Cate's character, Sheba, is a bored mother of two whose husband is quite a bit older than her, she becomes a teacher and has an affair with a 15 year old student. The discovery of this affair by one of her peers , played by Judy Dench leads to a rather twisted story of secrets, dependence,misplaced loyalty, moral bankruptcy and unrequited love.

Dench's character is manipulative, dark and obsessive but it is hard to not find a small degree of sympathy for her. She is a lonely spinster whose misplaced affection for younger female colleagues leads her to trouble which she seems doomed to repeat.

Meanwhile it is harder to sympathise with Blanchett's character whose actions seem to grow from a rather spoilt boredom and childish need for attention and excitement.

There are lots of familiar faces in this film which adds up to an excellent supporting cast and the film as a whole is a pleasure to watch.

Even so shortly after the release of the DVD, there were several (original & genuine - not pirates!) copies on eBay, and at a good price - far less than in the shops. That is my main attraction with purchasing on eBay. That, and the fact that if you are a collector, you can pick up some genuine rarities that just can not be purchased elsewhere.

I was very happy with the DVD. Very swiftly delivered & in mint condition and great communications from the seller.

An excellent experience I would throughly recommend.

Good film, story line isn't too bad bit shocking what actually happens in the film but it's good how they attempted to portray it.
Watch once and probably wouldn't watch again.

absolutely brilliant dvd with my favourite acctresses dame judi dench and cate blanchett in it very taut thriller and controversial subject matter. Destined 2 b a classic. A+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Superb acting by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Bill Nighy has a supporting role but is memorable. Every character is believable and the story is engrossing and different.

A must see.

I decided to buy this movie as I work in a school and the storyline appealed to me. This kind of thing tends to go on quite often (pleased to say not at my school), and with such well known actresses in this film, I thought it might be worth a watch. Unfortunately, the film was boring and the storyline was 'rushed', which totally ruined it for me. I would rate this as 3 out of 10 and wondered half way through the film why I carried on watching it. Kept thinking "it might get better!".

I've read the book first then saw the film,very good actors/actresses.a film you will lose yourself in,but a must see,mind changing storey and more of an understanding.
the only improvement would be to have the whole book made into film,it missed the whole ending that the book finished with.

Forget all the "lesbian interest" hype, you don't even know there's anything like that going on til the end !
The great thing about this film is its a wicked tale of jealousy, affairs and trying not to get found out, hence, blackmail and a very tangled web !!
The two leading ladies play their parts brilliantly and keep you on the edge of your seat all the way. Great film ! Easy viewing for those who like a good story with twists and turns along the way..... Enjoy !

fast delivery - item as described - cheap p&p - i am very happy and will shop again :o)
thanks

I have seen this film last year on the cinema and loved it ... was looking to buy the dvd to have a hard copy at home :o)

great service delivery very speedy, item great! would highly reccommend!! film brilliant! it was in lovely as new condition! would definately use again! thanks lisa

Wasn't quite sure what to expect with this film, but found it excellent. Judy Dench plays a very interesting character. Not her usual style & works very well. Although not a fan of Cate Blanchett she was very good @ playing her character. An excellent film, well worth buying.

poor poor, just seriously boring and doesnt make alot of sence. storyline good and acting good just put together badly, not interesting at all.

decided to buy this dvd because i missed the film at the cinema due to being on holiday.
the storyline was brilliant and the film well acted by two great stars.
one of those stories that could really happen and thats what made it a good film to watch.
i am very glad i bought this particular dvd.