Description:Genre: Drama / Theatrical Release: 1993 / Director: Jon Amiel / Actors: Richard Gere, Jodie Foster ... / DVD released ... more

Sommersby (DVD) ... 24 January, 2000 at Warner Home Video / Features of the DVD: Dubbed, PAL, Widescreen / Based on the French film, The Return of Martin Guerre (which itself was based on a famous court case), this 1993 film by director Jon Amiel recasts the same essential story in post-Civil War Tennessee, in a dirt-poor town suffering the effects of the South's loss. Jodie Foster plays Laurel Sommersby, a widow whose husband died in the Civil War--or so everyone thinks. Then one day, Jack Sommersby (Richard Gere) strolls back into town and back into Laurel's bed--seemingly a very changed man. Gone is the selfish, nasty guy no one much liked. In his place is a friendly, sensitive and resourceful new Jack who not only rekindles the long-dead fire of his marriage, but revives the entire town. Except for one small catch: he may not actually be Jack Sommersby at all. Beautifully shot by Amiel (with a great assist from cameraman Philippe Rousselot) from a script by Nicholas Meyer and Sarah Kernochan, the film features a sturdy, even flinty performance by Foster and a beguiling one by Gere. Though the ending will squeeze the tear ducts, the film earns those tears. --Marshall Fine, Amazon.com

Newest Review: ... has a nice enough ethic and great supporting cast, but the basic premise of the film is weak and can't carry it, which ... more

 ... unfortunately is all I ultimately remember it for. Richard Gere ... John Robert 'Jack' Sommersby Jodie Foster ... Laurel Sommersby Bill Pullman ... Orin Meecham James Earl Jones ... Judge Barry Conrad Issacs Lanny Flaherty ... Buck William Windom ... Reverend Powell Wendell Wellman ... Travis Brett Kelley ... Little Rob Clarice Taylor ... Esther Frankie Faison ... Joseph The DVD is available for £2.99 on Amazon or Play.com....more