Ladies Room (II) (1999) User Reviews (11)

Nice, but not more than that

[Dutchyfirst · 5/10 · 20 November 2005]

When I saw this DVD in the "special offer" bin at a local book store (for only 2 Euros) I was surprised I had never heard of it before. When I watched it, it became clear why you never see any reference to it.

The reason I bought it was exclusively because of the cast. Just look at it; this can't be a bad movie, can it? Yes, it can. The actors do their trick and they do it well, but there doesn't seem to be much coherence. The story is rather confusing and not because it is so complicated (which it isn't) but simply because you never know what the story is actually about. Don't get me wrong; telling a story with different story lines can be very interesting, but this is definitely no 'Magnolia'. The various elements just don't seem to come together. I have the feeling that this is some kind of private project, for and by friends only, not really meant to reach a large audience.

My advice: if you're a fan of one of the actors (Malkovich is great as always), get to see it if you get a chance, but don't spend too much money on it.

Strange but with some good ideas

[ssiberius · 4/10 · 26 March 2005]

This is a strange movie, but not completely bad . Only the ending is quite usual and poor - but the second part, after the first boring 30-40 minutes, worths the time wasted. I rented it because the presence of John Malkovich, who makes a funny cameo, and watched very perplexed the first part, really too slow and without new glances on the matter. Some moments are quite poetical, others just banal - the music is splendid, even if not clearly listed in the credits. Sometimes it seems old Italian Opera, but with a trivial remake. The actresses aren't equally good, and some stories (there are more) are simply lost in the ongoing of the movie. In certain situation remembers Polansky's "Who?". This may be a good exercise for movie lovers.

Pretentious and cold

[tigerlili · 27 January 2006]

I agree with the above review...truly dreadful.

This film wastes good actors like Greta Scacchi and Lorraine Bracco and even Mr Malcovich with a dreadful accent and playing his usual character doesn't help anything. The problem is that it starts so badly and the good parts come too late. The idea of mistresses meeting the wives of the men they are seeing in ladies toilets is a great one, and full of potency. However the director's use of theatrical devices reminds me of a 3rd year drama student's end of year performance. To further compound the comparison, they add a dash of lipstick lesbianism and there is even a large glass bowl of Ferrero Roche chocolates which are supposed to be a classy addition I suspect.

This film is just like an extended version of the Ambassadors ball.

Not at all like the cover blurb

[luna-61 · 3/10 · 12 March 2000]

My husband and I rented this film thinking it might be a classic farce, as the cover copy suggested. Thirty or so minutes in, we were wondering if we had rented a movie that had never actually been watched by the person writing the promotional material. It was slow and not a comedy, in our opinion, and definitely *not at all* like the description. We were bored and disappointed and ended up returning the film to the rental store.

Avoid!

[1marja · 1/10 · 25 May 2001]

Seeing John Malkovich and Greta Scacchi on the cover credits raised expectations, but this film was very disappointing in many ways. The director was apparently quite desperate to make this an "arty" movie, but the acting was very poor at times and the attempts at jokes were embarrassingly bad. I just couldn't believe that John Malkovich agreed to appear in such a low quality film....

Witty and unusual

[howie73 · 7/10 · 18 September 2005]

This is an off-beat yet charming feminist comedy with a deft dialogue and great photography. The cast is top-notch, in particular Lorraine Bracco and Molly Parker. However John Malkovich's unconvincing turn as Italian Lothario Roberto is both funny and embarrassing but you wonder if that was the intention in this slyly witty Italian production set in Montreal. The conceit of the ladies room is handled well and becomes the centrepoint for anxiety and female companionship. This is, in effect, a celebration of female solidarity in a very surreal, Italian way with a quirky Canadian twist. It's not for everyone's taste but it's better than most films that call themselves comedy today. Expect the unexpected.

A Gem!

[itwoods · 8/10 · 5 August 2000]

While the film is most definitely not what the video cover would suggest (a farce), it does turn out to be a wonderful surreal comedy, with (gasp!) a point to the story. I understand why some may be to say the least disappointed however, I found it to be very entertaining art piece, which is not easily done. Recommended for viewers who enjoy something a bit off (not in a screwball way, but in an artistic way). Those who are looking for a good classic farce (and I love a good farce) are better off with "Clue" or "Noises Off", two of my personal favorites.

Ugh...

[Ace_of_Hearts · 14 November 2003]

This is the first DVD I ever bought. I was having my player delivered and I wanted to have a DVD so I could check if it worked. I bought this particular DVD because the story sounded funny, but mainly because it was cheap, only 5 euros.

If there is one thing I have learned from this movie, it's that you get what you pay for, because this is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Granted it improves as it moves along, that is if you get past the first thirty minutes. The only reason I watched the entire movie is because I'd rather watch an hour and a half of an average movie than thirty minutes of a really bad movie. And fortunately it did move from really bad to average. But that won't give me my 5 euros back will it?

My advice, don't buy it, don't rent it, don't watch it.

0/5 stars

Funny and necessary. A comedy.

[asrako · 9/10 · 15 May 2002]

It´s a comedy. Mess of love, the main excene is when two women are in the ladies room of the opera crying and talking ironically about their affairs and marriage situation and Roberto(John Malkovich) is in the cornice trying to avoid them to discover his promiscuity; ne of the girls open a window and face Roberto there(lol). A brilliant plot, witty.

cute story, loved it

[tellupa · 14 December 2001]

"Ladies Room" came from TV1000. I liked the movie so much that i looked it twice same day :)

The clue in this movie is follow independent scenes that eventually point to something else. Movie is comedy with flavor of black humour. Everything is built with sense and care.

But who is playing/singing in last scenes where Roberto(Malkovits) is staying out looking ambulance leaving? If anybody can tell me from where to find this music plz email, thanks!

Different

[PhilFranklin · 22 March 2000]

After renting this movie, my wife and I were a little disappointed at the first. The movie was very slow to start and did not really get funny until the scene at the Opera House. The Bathroom scene was very funny. I'm not sure I would recommend the movie to others, but we certainly enjoyed it once it got moving. I would love to know who the lady was that was singing in the background music at the opera house. The credits were a little blurry and we could not really make out the name other than, Anna Liani. We would love to get some music by this very talented singer. Not sure if we have the name right, so if anyone knows her real name, please pass it along to us. :)

Phil Franklin Las Vegas, NV. 3/22/2000