Now and Forever
by Bob Clark
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Adam Beach, Gabriel Olds, Gordon Tootoosis, Mia Kirshner, Theresa RussellDirector: Bob Clark
Brand: ALLUMINATION FILM WORKS LLC
Producer: Bill Boyle
Writer: Bill Boyle
Producer: Cameron White
Producer: David Doerksen
Producer: Kent Wingerak
Producer: Leanne Arnott
Producer: Tim Gamble
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 101 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2005-11-22
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Allumination
Movie Reviews of Now and Forever
Movie Review: A Must Watch Movie That Should Be Heard And Felt, As Well As Viewed, To Truly Appreciate
Summary: 5 Stars
I find it difficult at times to articulate the appropriate words to describe a movie that reaches out to me in ways I do not comprehend; that stir feelings, memories, thoughts, and conceptualizations into a mixed bag of emotions. To my chagrin, "Now and Forever" is one of those movies. Yet, it is the movie I turn to most often when I am feeling down and out, all alone, or self-pitting. And every time I watch this magnificent film, I ask myself, why is this movie not more popular; why am I just the 19th person to write a review; what can I contribute that will motivate others to view this theatrical wonder? That is, how can I accomplish what John Myron (Adam Beach) in the movie tries to get Angela to do: "to see what I see through my eyes." It would seem that I am less capable of such a feat than John; yet my passion for this film is like John's for Angela Wilson (Mia Kirshner), and so I must try.
Like many films involving Native American themes, "Now and Forever" is told like a tale or campfire story, in mimicry of the oral tradition. Hence, John is narrating the story, and the story walks the sacred circular path in its telling; and Trickster is involved as well. Now if you are familiar with the usual traditional Native American story telling format--and let me make it clear I am not suggesting all Native Nations nor all their stories use the same format--the viewer should have no problem "hearing" the story under the obvious. However, if you are not familiar with the oral story telling format, you most likely will "see" the movie rather than "hear" the story. Unfortunately, learning to "hear," and not just "see," is a process difficult to explain and harder to accomplish. And while there may have been a time when I could have explained the process, my mind is not what it used to be, and I will have to resort to hints that may help facilitate the process for the viewer.
My first tip is that many Native American stories are told to educate or inform the listener; which means the story may contain information that seems pointless or out of context. That is, for many the story will "drag" in parts because the content seems to have no linearly logical connection to the story--because the story is telling us details to enlighten us about something important. This raises my second tip: as stated previously, Native American stories are circular, not linear in their telling. For those steeped in linear thinking, consider how flashbacks in a movie return you to a different point in the story. Circular thinking is similar, but more complex. Another analogy may be taken from birds of prey: they circle, dive, circle, dive, etc., until they are ready to snatch the prey; so, circular logic circles and moves towards the theme/plot numerous times, until the story is filled in, and then it exposes the theme/plot. And so it is with "Now and Forever;" except that the movie is layered so one can "see" the surface story and/or "hear" the underlying story. The most simplistic layerings, then, include the narration--circling--and non-narration--dives or steps towards the objective; and flashbacks. My third hint, again as suggested earlier, is that Trickster is a major "character" in the underlying story of "Now and Forever"--although he is spoken about in the movie. Trickster is easier for many to spot because he is an antiquated character found in the older stories of European origin as well; so those familiar with such stories may recall hearing of them (Loki is one name used, for example). Trickster's role in any given story can range from helpful to comical to hindering, but almost always not what you expect; hence, the name Trickster. Fourth, most Native American stories delineate between the sacred and the profane, not good and evil. The sacred involves "power" and "spirituality, " while the profane concerns commonality, everyday, mundane, and material aspects of life. And to complicate matters, a being or object can possess both sacred and profane characteristics--the profane being obvious, the sacred being hidden. In "Now and Forever" the stone is the most obvious of thing that represents both, while the characters--as, indeed, all people--are the second easiest to recognize.
"Now and Forever" contains within it all four aspects discussed above, and that is why it is hard for me to fully put into words the story that touches me so deeply. And in many ways, like a truly great story, "Now and Forever" must be watched repeatedly to hear more and more of what the story is telling us, because not only must one hear the story, they must feel the story. It is in truly feeling the story that one can come to fully appreciate, respect, and understand the power of this wonderful film.
That is not to say a viewer cannot "see" the beauty and charm of the film--or even hear the depth and meaning of the movie--in just one viewing, but rather to suggest that like many things in life, repetition strengthens one's ability; in this case one's ability to hear, feel, and more fully understand and appreciate the story and the movie. And in doing so, "Now and Forever" will no longer seem like just another story of romance, another "Love Story," or another Hallmark story. "Now and Forever" is a low budget movie that produces more than one could expect, because the script, story, portrayals, editing, and production all interact in a simple, yet powerful, way to create a picture that is way more than the sum of its' parts. I can only image how much greater the film would be if it had the "budget" to make it comparable to major releases.
Then again, I wonder if people/viewers would be willing enough to slow down and take the time to absorb the film, and, more importantly, be willing to view a movie in a more attentive way than most want to view a movie. And of course, there is the stereotyping issue: "Now and Forever" is most likely preconceived as an "Indian movie," rather than a "humanistic" movie with universal meaningfulness. Sadly, I believe, that in the final analysis, the difference of opinions about "Now and Forever" have been reduced to this stereotyping--especially on Amazon.com where it pops up as a similar movie to other movies identified as "Indian," American Indian," or "Native American," but never for "romance," "drama," "spirituality," or other "non-Native American like" tags.
So, in the end, all I can say is, please give "Now and Forever" a chance to win you over; to lift you above its' apparent simplicity and stereotyped genre, and truly enjoy a movie of great value.
Update--1 July 2008: If this review was not helpful to you, I would appreciate learning the reason(s) so I can improve my reviews. My goal is to provide help to potential buyers, not get into any arguments. So, if you only disagree with my opinion, could you please say so in the comments and not indicate that the review was not helpful. Thanks.
Summary of Now and Forever
As soon as they meet despite clashing cultures angela & nativne american john form an unbreakable bond. One fateful night john rescues angela. In the aftermath angela flees town unaware that she has set in motion a chain of events that will alter their futures in this life..And the next. Studio: Peace Arch Home Entertain Release Date: 05/09/2006 Starring: Adam Beach Mia Kirschner Run time: 105 minutesSimilar DVD Movies
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