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5.0 out of 5 stars
Rita Tushingham is superb in one of her best roles, Sep 20 2004
I can't say enough good things about Rita Tushingham's performance as the ultimately sadder-but-wiser heroine in this adaptation of Edna O'Brien's second "Country Girls" novel. The film's entire storyline rests upon her shoulders, and she carries it with grace and sincerity. She portrays Kate Brady (Kathleen in the movie, Caithleen in the book), a quiet and gentle girl on the verge of womanhood, who wants nothing out of life except to love and be loved. Kate becomes involved with Eugene, an older and world-weary writer played by Peter Finch, who initially is hesitant to involve himself in this May-September romance. In the highly intolerant Ireland of the early 1960's, Kate faces criticism from all sides for her "wicked involvement with a divorced man". But in her innocent romanticism, true love conquers all, and she breaks ties with her family to be with Eugene. Ultimately, their differences in age, values, and upbringing are too much to overcome, and the relationship comes apart despite the couple's true love for each other. Though only 21 years old at the time, Rita Tushingham turns in an absolutely stellar performance. She displays her character's gut-wrenching emotional rollercoaster with complete vulnerabilty and transparency, living and breathing her character. This total submergence in a character is the way Rita typically works. She is utterly believeable in every role that she plays. The shame of it is that in her long career, this world-class actress was not given many roles like this one that could showcase her tremendous acting ability. Beautifully photographed, directed, and especially acted, Girl With Green Eyes (though Rita's eyes are actually deep blue) was made on location in Dublin, Ireland, in 1963. Thirty-three years later, Rita would return to Dublin to film the beautifully melodic and innocent tale of childhood, "The Boy From Mercury". Edna O'Brien wrote the three novels of her Country Girls trilogy between 1960 and 1964. In 1986, she attempted to satisfy the requests of readers who wished to know what happened to Kate and her friend Baba, by writing a short Epilogue. These works can be found together as 'The Country Girls Trilogy plus Epilogue'. But if, like me, you like happy endings, then take my advice and don't read the Trilogy or Epilogue. You will be truly saddened by the terrible things that happen to Kate and Baba. The story of Kate and Eugene, though ultimately doomed, still ends on a hopeful note, and as such, is the only positive story in the Trilogy/Epilogue. So, watch this outstanding film and leave it at that.
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