Far and Away
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Movie Reviews of Far and Away
Movie Review: A man who does not have land of his own;has nothing.
Summary: 5 Stars
A movie classic is one that bears watching many times.This is such a movie.It reminds me of "The Quiet Man" in many ways.
At first,I could not fathom Tom Cruise as a fierce Irishman ,nor Nicole Kidman playing the part of Protestant Irish Gentry;but what marvelous performances they make in this epic.
The story begins on the west coast of Ireland in 1892,when Joseph Donnelly ,a poor downtrodden farmer, in his early 20's, has had about all he can take from the brutal domination of the British Landlord system,and sees as his only hope for the future is to emigrate to America. At the other end of the social structure,Shannon Christie ,sees her priviliged life just as suffocating ,and also looks to America to start a new life.
When I started to watch this movie,I had no idea whatsoever about it ,or its story. How I missed it several years back,I don't know.As it turned out,I an just as glad;because that is just the way to enjoy such a great epic,at least for me.Just sit back and let it all onfold.
The scenes in Ireland are beautifully done. In a few shot minutes you really see how terrible the system was for the tenent farmers and how cruel the system was ,that had been imposed on them from England.
Shortly, the story takes us to the slums of Boston where conditions were much as they were in New York; and we witnessed in the later movie of "Gangs of New York" or the novel "Five Points." The great actor ,Colm Meany, gives his usual magnificient perormance in the role of slum strongman,Kelly. Boy,I admire his work,even if I dislike the character he portrays in this movie.
Within the year ,the story moves to the Ozark Mountains and finally to Oklahoma and the great Land Rush where their hopes for free land would be realized.
What a great epic,all in about 2 years, and covering so much country.
There are great characters ,you will come to love and hate.I have read and studied a lot of Irish history and dispora,but never did I see the Landlord portrayed in such a revealing way.All the landlords were not alike and many ,like Christie ,were as much prisoners to the British system as were the tenents. You will come to like him as much as O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind".
With so much territory being covered,you would think that the story might drag;after all, the movie lasts for 2hours and 20 minutes. Such is not the case,it is so filled with action,emotions ans scenes,that are so good,that you will only wish that it could have lasted much longer.
The scenes of the Oklahoma Land Rush are almost unbelievable and as good as any scenes of such magnitude and chaos that you will ever witness. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman show riding skills that are breathtaking;and if they weren'tperformed by the personally;it sure fooled me.
I will be watching this wonderful epic over again;and will surely find many things I missed first time.
Movie Review: A True Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Far and Away is a real gem. Along with Apollo 13, it is Ron Howard's finest film. The epic story takes us from Ireland to Boston to Oklahoma, and for over two hours the film hasn't a single dull moment. Cruise and Kidman breathe life into their characters, and Howard's direction keeps everything moving in appropriate fashion. That's the key to Howard's excellence as a director: He always puts the story first. The clothing, sets, cinematography: all serve the story.
As with Apollo 13, everything builds to one heart-tugging moment at the climax of the film, and repeated viewings don't diminish the power of this moment one iota. In fact, seeing the film a second and third time only enhances the viewing experience, as the script is so well constructed. Everything from the characters' personal tics to ability to fight and ride horses is set up in the beginning of the film, and the growth and development of Joseph and Shannon flows logically from their life experiences.
This edition of the dvd doesn't provide much in terms of features, but the sound and picture are terrific. In fact, the sound in particular is noteworthy, as the score does not overpower the dialogue. On most dvds, it always seems like the score and sound effects are twice as loud as the dialogue, so I'm constantly adjusting the volume. Not so with this dvd. I was able to watch and listen comfortably throughout.
At the time, it seemed important that Cruise and Kidman were married. In the years to follow, of course, the real-life couple divorced, Kidman would make some pretty poor pictures, and Cruise seems to have gone totally nuts. But watching Far and Away, you forget all about that and get pulled completely into the film. This is a beautiful story, a wonderful film romance, and a great epic adventure. It's the absolute definition of a classic movie. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
Movie Review: It'll Take you Far and Away
Summary: 5 Stars
Hollywood has made many poor films in the last twenty years. Almost every movie is atypical, hero goes through three stages, the fall, the rising and finally the conquering/winning, young lover is won over. This movie follows the same guidelines. But whereas the official critics hailed it as a poor screenplay and predictable, there are a few aspects of this movie that they are overlooking. One, the actors, while being big names, are pretty darned good. Two, the setting of the movie and the troubles that they face mean a lot more to the movie historically, than the plot. Three, the music to this movie is amazing and has been used in commercials and trailers for countless other films. While it is true you won't be seeing much new in the way of storyline, the way in which the story is told is unique. This movie, while not being a box office favorite, certainly became the favorite to many viewers. I give it five stars not because of it's originality and break from the norm, but for the exceptional way in which the story is told, and the way that the viewers become part of the story. And if nothing else in the movie peaks your fancy, the music is some of the best ever written.
Movie Review: Dream ... for as you dream so shall you become.
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw this movie on vhs when it first came out. At that time I wasn't familiar with Cruise and Kidman. Watching it again on DVD recently I appreciated it even more. It is a great story which starts in western Ireland. The widescreen scenery is beautiful. Joseph (Tom Cruise)is a hard working Irishman with big dreams of owning his own land someday. When his home is burned and his father dies he sets out to kill the man responsible. At his landlords mansion he meets his daughter Shannon (Nicole Kidman)who feels she's too modern for her parents way of living. The two of them end up on a ship to America in search of free land. They encounter more trials than they expected. And there's plenty of fist fights and action for the men, romance and dreams come true for the women. I feel this is a movie worthy of owning and watching again. It's on my list. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman make a good team. Tom played the firey strong willed irishman very well. And Nicole was a beautiful strawberry blonde irishwoman with a bite. The big race for land at the end was my favorite part. Don't give up on your dreams...when you loose your dreams you die.Movie Review: Nothing Wrong With `Old-Fashioned'
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fairly long movie but one that keeps your interest - at least it did mine - all the way with an epic-type adventure tale of Irish immigrants back in the 1880s in the U.S.
This movie is broken down into three distinct parts: 1 - Ireland (40 minutes, featuring some stunning scenery and good Irish music); 2 - Boston (one hour, featuring many brutal scenes of tough Irish immigrants and bare-knuckle fights); 3 - Oklahoma (the days on mining and the famous "land rush.")
The story is very intense and involving. I read one well-known critic, who called it "old-fashioned" and meant it as an insult. Well, I think the opposite. It's epic storytelling and that's a good thing. It features solid acting by Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and all the others, and Kidman isn't the only attractive thing in there. The photography is magnificent. I only wish the sound was better as there is almost nothing from the rear speakers.
Overall, a memorable movie and one that you truly will care about the characters and the final outcome.