By Far, A Wonderful Movie (Far And Away (DVD))

Member Name: linut

Product:	Far And Away (DVD)
Date:	02/04/01 (548 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good performances, subtle humour, understandable Irish accent!

Disadvantages: The fighting scene is a bit gory

Set in 1893, this movie follows the dream of two Oirishmen (and women) in their quest to own their own piece of land. The story starts out in Ireland, where families of farmers are being oppressed by their wealthy landlord. An unintentional accident results in one of the farmers 'being damaged' and subsequently dying (twice) after relaying his message to 'never give up' to his hardworking and dreamy son, Joseph (played by Tom Cruise).

During the funeral procession, the landlord's men proceed to burn down the farmer's house without any remorse and condolences to the family. This ignites Joseph's anger and he vows to seek revenge on behalf of his family. Joseph's murder attempt in itself is very comical and he himself professes that it is not an easy task as he initially thought. One reason being that the landlord, Mr Daniel Christie happens to be a jolly fellow who does not know the workings of his men below. At the landlord's mansion Joseph also meets Shannon (played by Nicole Kidman), the spoilt but spunky and modern daughter of his enemy. More entanglements results in Joseph being dared to a shootout with Stephen, Mr Christie's right hand man who also has a heart for Shannon. (Stephen is played by a very familiar and mature looking Thomas Gibson of Dharma & Greg fame).

In a split second decision, Joseph decides to run for his life with a little help from Shannon who had been planning to run away from home to escape the suffocating life she sees her future to be. Incidentally, Shannon's plan to run away was indeed to a far and away place. A place called America where land is actually being given away for free.

When they get to America, all is not as it seems. The two have to live it out as brother and sister in a brothel, work at a chicken plucking factory by day (much to the dismay of the modern and sophisticated Shannon), Joseph fighting in boxing matches by night. They save their
money in hope to join the great Oklahoma Land Rush and win themselves a piece of Uncle Sam's land. When the odds finally go straight against them, the two are forced to separate only to be reunited before the land race starts. The ending is one that might be thought of as predictable but there are still some surpirses in store for you.

I can think of this movie as an unintentional black comedy. There are so many witty and comedic scenes that cant help but to make you laugh. Joseph's murder attempt, Shannon's curiosity, the bit where the ladies in the brothel tell Joseph to just get on with it and shag Shannon already..he goes, 'but she's my sisterr..' the ladies goes 'and I'm your mother!', the part where Joseph's horse literally drops dead..and so many more.

The Irish accents are even believable and understandable (more so than the few attempts by Mr Brad Pitt!). The landscape and cinematography is wonderful . From the dazzling cliffs of Ireland right down to the wide acres of Montana where the land race takes place. This is accompanied by equally beautiful and dreamy celtic/irish music, wonderful direction by Ron Howard (especially at the scene of the start of the land race) and good performances by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman; this being their first pairing in a film (in which they were a great team, will we see more, now that they are Hollywood's golden couple no more?).

This is a great movie nonetheless, one that I have watched a couple of times and have not grown tired of. I actually appreciate it more now due to its subtle humour and all so important message, to never give up ones dreams.

Summary: