 |  | A Better Period Piece than Story |  |
In this movie about a 16-year-old 'mail order bride,' probably the best aspect of it is that it gives some idea of what life was like in Manitoba in the middle of the 19th Century. I would submit that the situation of Anne in this movie would certainly have been more the exception than the rule, however. [More common would be the situation found in the 'Love Comes Softly' series of six movies, most directed by Michael Landon.] What isn't explained is, when her husband is killed in a hunting accident (at least that is what the dead man's brother claimed), why they would try to cover up the death. Even more mysterious is why, later in the winter, would Anne trudge through the 40-below snow to 'confess' to his death at the fort? It makes for a mystifying story worth watching, however. But, I would still say that the main value of the film is the glimpse it gives of life at the edge of the frontier.
October 29, 2008Like other reviewers, I looked into this film because of the lovely and very promising young actress who starred in the short-lived sitcom "Wonderfalls". After having let the DVD lay around my room for the past week or so, I thought i'd pop it in my DVD player and watch it finally. I can't say I fell in love with it, but for the performances, setting, story goes.. it all kept me very engaged and involved as the story unfolded. and - Although it wasn't a perfect movie, I'd say I enjoyed my experiance and will surely keep an eye out for the woman at the helm of this project. I have a feeling she's got a ton and half of talent and I'll be the first one in line when her next movie arrives in theaters (or videostores. either way). Overall Diagnosis: 7 out of 10.
September 8, 2006I had never heard of this film before in the US. Like another reviewer I only came upon this film after looking into the work of Caroline Dhavernas, a tremendously beautiful and talented actress largely (and sadly) unknown to US audiences. The cinematography of the Canadian wilderness and gritty realism of the settlements bring to life the hostility of the Canadian frontier. The violence is disturbing, but in context, and excellently portrayed. Brendan Frehr is both believable and despicable as the tormentor of Dhavernas' character, and Anne Wheeler did an outstanding job directing the talented young cast in such a challenging environment.
Having become familiar with Dhavernas through Wonderfalls, this film brought to light the breadth of her acting range and I hope to see her in more projects in the US.
March 26, 2005I just watched this film and was amazed by the acting as well as the directing. Anne Wheeler does a wonderful job in capturing the beauty of the Canadian Wilderness in the 1800's. The acting in this movie is superb. Caroline Dhavernas, who plays Annie Herron, is an amazing talent and her performance in this film was wonderful. The violence in this film was tastefully done, if that is even possible. Brendan Fehr, who plays Annie's angry and abusive husband, did an excellent job. You really dislike this guy and want him to suffer the way he makes those around him suffer. I am from the U.S. and knew nothing about this film or the short story it was adapted from until I started researching the work of Caroline Dhavernas. I recommend this film, it's beautifully put together.
February 15, 2005| | | If you can't beat Hollywood at CGI, beat 'em at realism. | |
What must it have been like in the mid-1800's homesteading the Canadian plains for a young woman in a marriage of convenience to a brutish husband, when the accents mingled curiously? I think I have acquired a sense of that because of the authentic texture the film-makers gave to this frontier setting.
The story is presented in the form of a mystery, altho the resolution is pretty easy to anticipate. It's the characters and situations we meet along the way, their interaction, their sensibilities, that move the story. But at a languid pace, like the times--when commuting was measured in hours and days.
The resilient young woman is at the center of two plots and her determination is made plausible by the immensely talented Caroline Dhavernas, and palatable with her offbeat beauty and lovely French-Canadian accent. The other actors acquit themselves well, even the normally amateurish Brendan Fehr. But only the direction (by Anne Wheeler) and photography contribute as much as Dhavernas does.
Not a great film, but fascinating if you want atmosphere, and a glimpse of a different era, and plenty of glimpses of a nude Dhavernas.
May 18, 2004More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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