Directed by:
Ron HowardScreenplay:
Bob DolmanCinematography:
Mikael SalomonComposer:
John WilliamsCast:
Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Thomas Gibson, Robert Prosky, Barbara Babcock, Cyril Cusack, Colm Meaney, Michelle Johnson, Barry McGovern, Jared Harris (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
This breathtaking epic opens on the west coast of Ireland, 1892. Joseph Donelly (Tom Cruise), a poor tenant farmer, is determined to bring justice to an oppressive landlord. Instead, he finds himself accompanying the landlord's daughter, Shannon (Nicole Kidman), to America in a quest for land. Arriving in Boston, Joseph finds a place for them to live while proving a natural at bare-fisted boxing. But his triumph is short-lived as he and Shannon are thrown out in the bitter cold. Joseph sets off for work in the railroad, until a passing wagon train reminds him of his original goal to possess his own land. Preparing to stake his claim in the new territory, he runs into Shannon, who is unhappily reunited with her former fiancee. In the excitement of the Oklahoma land rush, they realize their dreams of land and life together in this satisfying grand-scale adventure. (Shock Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (3)
It's strange that a few years after movies like Rain Man or Born on the Fourth of July, Tom Cruise suddenly seems like he has forgotten how to act. That's why his agricultural debut is truly terrifying. Good filmmaking only comes with Nicole Kidman, who with her well-played quarrels brings a smile, and her glances at the newcomer are (as expected) a demonstration of a true spark. It is precisely the changing and surprisingly strong relationship between Joseph and Shannon that is the plot line that easily led me to the end with the feeling that I really want to know their fate. On the other hand, Cruise's statements about fateful decisions and the idea that everyone should fight for land are so blatantly stupid that they almost overshadow everything positive.
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Sometimes it pays to just sit in front of the TV and watch what's on. In the beginning it’s a bit of a nontraditional romantic drama which slowly unfolds throughout the film, with "Mr. Big" John Williams playing along. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman give great, natural performances and Ron Howard does a good job as usual. A pleasant surprise.
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The chemistry between the two leads is incredible and linearly increases from the tentative introduction to the emotional finale. There is the right amount of exaggeration, it is technically at a high level, with an excellent musical scroe. It's like those proper films from the 1990s with a juicy budget and acting aces, which are generally recognized and respected, although it's not completely great due to its dragging pace and uneven script.
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