Solomon & Gaenor
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Movie Reviews of Solomon & Gaenor
Movie Review: Solomon & Gaenor
Summary: 5 Stars
Some people say that love is without reason. For Solomon, the young and gentle Jewish packman, and Gaenor, the tender and obedient daughter of a Welsh miner family, the fated attraction between them began with a glimpse, a few words, and a red dress, which he was up all night and made for her. Some people say that love is innocent. Concealing his identity, he loved her no matter what gap might be in between them. Discovering his true self, she loved him for who he is. Some people say that love is transcendent. Their relationship was inevitably secularized by their religions and origins. At the end love was fulfilled beyond everything but life itself couldn't. This is a beautiful and tragic love story. But more than just a love story with romance and sentimentality, this film is an authentic portrayal of the cruel realities of barriers and bias between two families, or two cultures, so to speak. Ioan Gruffaudd and Nia Robert are excellent as Solomon and Gaenor. As much as Solomon's light personality and charming manner appeals Gaenor, Gaenor's womanhood and demureness attracts Solomon. He is deeply attached to Gaenor, while at the same time, he struggles to choose between his family and his love. This time "Hornblower" reveals his softer side and delivers the complexity of Solomon vividly. Nia Robert, with her fine artistry, brings unique strength to the character, which can be felt just from the expression of her eyes and her face. The music is beautiful. The camera depicts the story with simplicity and yet striking effectiveness.
While the story of Solomon and Gaenor is sad, the sadder lies in the fact that nobody but their own families, people who loved them, was to blame for the tragedy. Although one may find the time and location of the story - 1911 Wales - remote, the story itself is but familiar even in the modern times. If only there were more understanding and respect among people no matter what they believe in and where they come from!
Movie Review: Romeo and Juliet in Wales
Summary: 5 Stars
Just as Romeo and Juliet had to live out their tragic love in the midst of warring families,so too do Solomon and Gaenor in 1911 Wales.This is a true star-crossed-lovers film that finds it's main characters fighting against the most impossible odds.Gaenor is from a Protestant Welsh family,whose lives are being tossed about by the coal mine strikes.Solomon is a son of transplated Russian Jews who run a goods shop on the other side of the mountain.Solomon is a pacman,a door-to-door cloth seller, who, one day selling his wears, comes upon the lovely Gaenor(Nia Roberts).Solomon (Ionn Gruffudd) is weak-kneed at the sight of her,and Gaenor is as well captivated by him.Because Solomon is aware of prevailing anti-Jewish sentiment among some of the Welsh natives,he fabricates a new name,nationality,and family history in order to ,as he thinks,make the wooing of Gaenor easier.Well...that just doesn't happen!!!Watch the film and you'll see!
Ionn Gruffudd never ceases to amaze with the depth of his acting.The suffering that Solomon undergoes could not have been acted better.Nia Roberts is thoroughly convincing as the very shy yet incredibly passionate Gaenor.The two stars are lovely to watch and are quite affecting.
Shot on location in Wales,this Oscar-nominated film is a real eyefull that grips the whole range of emotions.
Movie Review: POWERFUL, INTENSE & HEART WRENCHING
Summary: 5 Stars
I'll be brief, 'cause I don't like to give too much away. This is superb filmaking. If you liked "Feast of July" then this one's for you. The story: an amazing study of racial tension and industrial unrest set in the Welsh Valleys of 1911. Perfect direction from Paul Morrison. Nia Roberts as Gaenor, and Ioan Gruffudd as Solomon are flawless, and the rest of the cast are in top form. The cinematography is breathtaking. Other films you just sit and watch...this one you will experience!
Run, don't walk to see this excellent film. All else will pale by comparison.
Movie Review: Awe inspiring
Summary: 5 Stars
It takes a lot to make me cry. This was one of those films. Paul Morrison is an outstanding writer. You feel like you are there with Solomon & Gaenor. You feel their pain. You want Solomon to win out but you know it can only end one way. With Nia Roberts as Gaenor and Ioan Gruffudd as Solomon. Solomon is a change of pace for the Welsh actor after some of the other pieces he has done. He is more than up to the task, learning Yiddish for this role.Movie Review: wonderful, simple, love story.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are in the mood for a simple love story, and you will need the box of tissues for the end of the movie, this one is it. It's right up their with "Wuthering Heights", a tragic love story that has no happy ending. Wonderful movie.