Love period dramas. Am a big fan of Alan Rickman, one of the biggest acting inspirations of my childhood (mostly for Snape in the 'Harry Potter' films and 'Sense and Sensibility', but getting older love even more in 'Die Hard' playing one of the greatest screen villains). Also wanted how he would fare in his second film as director. The concept sounded nice enough and the cast (with Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci, Matthias Schoenaets, Helen McCrory and Rickman himself) are immensely talented.

'A Little Chaos' is one of those films that has people liking it but judging from the mixed critical reception it is one of those films that hasn't clicked with everybody. It is not hard to see why. It may not be a consistent film. It may not be a remarkable film. It may not be great. For me though, 'A Little Chaos' was a little charmer with many great things and enough to be enchanted by. Couldn't help feeling emotional too, knowing that it was one of Rickman's last roles and projects, 2015's very good 'Eye in the Sky' being his last (he's excellent in that),before his ultimely death two years ago.

Getting the flaws out of the way, there are parts that drag a little and are a little muddled as a result of the story being very slight with not an awful lot to it.

Did find too that the romantic chemistry between Winslet and Schoenaerts didn't convince. There are parts where it is nice enough but there is never enough passion and it doesn't really bloom in development. Schoenaerts being more engaged would have helped things, found him a little too low-key on occasions in his scenes with Winslet.

Which is a shame because his performance is otherwise quite dignified and sympathetic and is actually much more animated and passionate in the more dramatic scenes with McCrory. Their chemistry did have intensity, and in a fiery sense making for some highlight scenes, lifted quite significantly by the atypically venomous performance of McCrory. All the other performances are without complaints too, with the radiant and touching Winslet coming out on top. Rickman is suitably droll and very amiable while Tucci is delightfully flamboyant.

Visually, 'A Little Chaos' looks wonderful. The exquisite and evocative costumes and the stunningly picturesque buildings and scenery are a feast for the eyes beautifully shot. The music score is pleasant and harmonious with the atmosphere. There is a nice mix of subtle droll comedy, poignant emotion and tense drama, while the script is uneven and with not an awful lot of substance it is at least coherent and thoughtful. The story mostly compels despite its slightness, Rickman being mistaken for the head gardener is a highlight and Sabine is written with heart. Rickman directs quite adeptly.

Overall, inconsistent but charming. 7/10 Bethany Cox

One of the last big films that Alan Rickman was involved in before his untimely death, A LITTLE CHAOS was also directed by the famous British actor, although his direction is middling at best. This is a low key romance set in the court at Versailles under Louis XIV, the Sun King, played by Rickman himself in support. The main thrust of the story is a romance between gardener Kate Winslet and a landscape artist in the king's employ. I found the whole thing hard to swallow. The romantic scenes feel cheesy and overblown and Winslet walks around with a funny expression on her face the whole time, like she's just smelt something terrible. The film's setting is sufficiently opulent and the supporting cast isn't bad, although I wish more had been made of strong actors like Jennifer Ehle and Danny Webb who are little more than window dressing.

André Le Nôtre (Matthias Schoenaerts) is a respected landscaping working for King Louis XIV of France (Alan Rickman) after his mother Queen's death. He interviews Sabine de Barra (Kate Winslet) to create an outdoor ballroom at Versailles. She lost her husband and daughter. Her vision clashes with his need for order. The interview goes badly but he accepts advise from his father. She gains notice at the Royal court and by the King. She gets closer to André raising the ire of his wife.

The Royal court intrigue is muddled. The characters and their relationships are given little time or effort. That limits any dramatic ability from that element. Matthias Schoenaerts is quiet in his acting to the point of inert. There is one shinning star that this story revolves around and that is Kate Winslet. She is powerfully reserved and emotionally expansive. She never fails to deliver. There are some unexpected turns while the main relationship has limited drama. This is all about Winslet and her ability to carry this movie.