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Showing all 18 reviews...
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Director Skogland, in attempting to transfer Margaret Laurence's prose to the screen, lost sight of the fact that the viewing audience does not have the luxury of dwelling on her beautiful descriptions of, for example, the Manitoba landscape. Dwelling on his camera shots is not the same thing. Although both actresses gave stalwart performances, plot omissions caused Ms. Laurence's work to be even more jumbled than the timelines in the film. A previous viewer called the film a "proud Canadian accomplishment". The book, perhaps. The film, not so much.
6/10
10.7.2008 -
m,j,brown@ - age: 50+
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Great Canadian literature style. The story isn't for those who wish a fairy tale ending.
8/10
9.7.2008 -
louiscoop@ - age: 50+
This movie is worthy of an Oscar. Fabulous story, great acting... well worth seeing.
9/10
3.7.2008 -
cottage_country27@ - age: 36-49
I loved it, the characters weren't perfect and neither were the scenarios it was a true look at life where everything isn't and doesn't end perfectly, I thought it was well acted, beautifully done and a joy to watch.
10/10
29.6.2008 -
christyannross@ - age: 26-35
Her struggle is the whole point of the movie."The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates.
9/10
24.6.2008 -
shopgirl1@ - age: 36-49
Do strict parents push some of us into 'loving' someone they won't approve of? A growing up story, about lovers and life. He's a wannabe cowboy, she's a determined, very beautiful free spirit. They live isolated from the people they know, with no evident jobs, and there is no apparent concern about providing for children they might have or about what kind of example they could set for them. Not an action or special effects film to help us escape reality, but a story about us, and how despite failures, wonderful adventure can continue into our old age. Brilliant filming and acting, a love story with all the deliciousness and losses. This film is a proud Canadian accomplishment!
10/10
16.6.2008 -
darylclayton@ - age: 50+
An amazing adaptation of a classic novel! Such great and delicate attention to the details of a very complex character. A must see for anyone that loves a literary adaptation.
10/10
11.6.2008 -
rob112422@ - age: 36-49
In many ways, brilliantly done. Burstyn is amazing. The film shows how family attitudes, values and wounds get passed on from one generation to the next, in spite of efforts to break free of the patterns. It's not hopeless, but it can take a lifetime to get it right, as the film's tag line says. I felt some of the turning points and dynamics could have been made a bit clearer, and the result was unfortunately a bit of muddiness in how the story unfolded. Definitely worth seeing, though, as long as you know this isn't an action film; it's a story about the depths of human nature and family dynamics.
7/10
7.6.2008 -
scorpio_mystique@ - age: 50+
It would be more appreciated with the older crowd I think. A different way of looking at life, kinda makes you think about it more seriously. It was certainly realistic.
6/10
6.6.2008 -
moonbeamer007@ - age: 36-49
Well acted, interesting premise... we'll all be there some day. A story well told filled with the emotions of life. Really glad I saw it.
9/10
5.6.2008 -
baylady@ - age: 50+
I could NOT imagine how The Stone Angel--the novel that many of us had to Read in High School--could be turned into a movie. As I remember it, there wasn't really much action in the novel though it was enjoyable to Read. The movie was worthwhile. Burstyn's performance is spot on. The movie reminds me of the book's themes and I think it even brought up themes I hadn't noticed while reading the book. The pointless of it all as esmasee@ points out is the one of the themes. A nice way to re-visit the book. The movie is truly in keeping with the spirit of the book.
7/10
5.6.2008 -
peonygoat@ - age: 36-49
I liked this movie a lot and I am not female! Superb acting, powerful story line. Lots to think about at the end. I think Ellen Burstyn deserves the same kind of plaudits for this film that Julie Christie received for Away From Her last year. But I doubt they will be forthcoming.
9/10
29.5.2008 -
rob,wills@ - age: 50+
Agree with "karizip" - excellent performances, beautifully photographed in Manitoba. Am now going to Read the book, having heard lots about it and the author.
9/10
24.5.2008 -
becowitz@ - age: 50+
Slow moving with a stunted storyline however, Acting superb and beautiful setting.
5/10
19.5.2008 -
pameli@ - age: 36-49
The storyline was never ending with reference to her struggle through life, but this was from her own choice. She did nothing to improve her life or that of her children. I was dissapointed and felt like I could have gone without seeing this one until it was on DVD.
4/10
17.5.2008 -
cat@ - age: 36-49
Slow and kind of felt pointless. Scenery is good, acting is good - just not enough there I think!
5/10
17.5.2008 -
emasee@ - age: 36-49
Brilliantly written! It had my attention till the last frame.
10/10
14.3.2008 -
dash54@ - age: 36-49
Fantastic performances, very emotional. A real female journey.
9/10
3.2.2008 -
karizip@ - age: 36-49
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