Far and Away
They needed a country that was big enough for both of their dreams.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman star in this critically-acclaimed romantic adventure from director Ron Howard. This breathtaking epic opens on the west coast of Ireland, 1892. Joseph Donnely (Cruise), a poor tenant farmer, is determined to bring justice to an oppressive landlord. Instead, he finds himself accompanying the landlord's daughter, Shannon (Kidman), to America in a quest for land.
Arriving in Boston, Joseph finds a place for them to live while proving an natural at bare-fisted boxing. But his triumph is short-lived as he and Shannon are thrown out into the bitter cold. Their bickering eventually reveals their true feelings for each other, just as they are separated by a grim turn of events.
Joseph sets off for work on 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 finacé. In the excitement of the Oklahoma land rush, they realize their dreams of land and life together.
Member Reviews
Has a real Titanic feel to it. - cathyottawa
We have the rich girl who isn't interested in being rich, the brash young hero who is not impressed by her wealth, and the villainous man she's meant to be betrothed to.
This is indeed an epic tale, beginnning in Ireland at the end of the 19th century. We follow Cruise and Kidman as they make their way to America, with dreams of owning land.
They end up in Boston, down and out and living by their wits, and eventually make their way to the Great Land Rush in Oklahoma.
The Land Rush recreation is impressive, utilizing 800 extras, 400 horses and 200 wagons. This was also filmed on location in Ireland and Oklahoma, giving it a real authentic feel.
Nicole Kidman is perfectly cast as the spunky upper class Irish girl. Her natural red hair helps her look the part, and she does a good job with her accent. Cruise is passable as the young hero, and I don't think anyone would complain about their chemistry here (unlike in Eyes Wide Shut).
They were newlyweds when they filmed this, and called this their honeymoon movie. It shows on the screen.
This film is longer than it needed to be, it has several lame attempts at humour, and it's fair share of cheezy moments. But this is a fairly charming film overall.A Winner All Around - ArtsGuy
This is a film is a movie that I would recommend to anyone. The director (Ron Howard) did a fantastic job; the visuals of Ireland and America over a century are both accurate and stunning. The plot is compelling and entertaining and the acting is wonderfully done. Nicole Kidman's skill as an actress is immediately apparent; she handles her role very well. Tom Cruise plays the part of a young hero very well. Far and Away is a movie to get lost in. (As a side note, a word on the accents in the film, which are unusually well done.)~ SIMPLY SUPERB SWEEPING SAGA ~ 4 1/4 Epic-Genre Stars ~ - SqueakyChair
SNAPSHOT: Well acted. Intrigue, betrayal, ultimate romance, heroic characters. Long movie but drags very little. Ambitious saga gradually draws you in deep. A young Tom Cruise at his energetic best. One of my favourite movies.
--------------------------------------------------
MORE THOUGHTS: An under appreciated ambitious saga of epic proportions. Do not miss seeing this gem. Characters well portrayed and followed through life changing emigration into a United States of the Oklahoma Land Rush Era. Takes place in two diverse cultures; like two movies in one.
If you like this movie try renting "The Last Samurai" from ZIP.ca
~~> http://www.zip.ca/browse/title.aspx?f=clid(101161)
-------------------------------------------------
FINAL WORD: ~ HIGHLY RECOMMEND ~ ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVOURITES ~ or SoSaysSqueakyChair
Member Reviews
Read All...
Has a real Titanic feel to it. - cathyottawa
We have the rich girl who isn't interested in being rich, the brash young hero who is not impressed by her wealth, and the villainous man she's meant to be betrothed to.
This is indeed an epic tale, beginnning in Ireland at the end of the 19th century. ...A Winner All Around - ArtsGuy
This is a film is a movie that I would recommend to anyone. The director (Ron Howard) did a fantastic job; the visuals of Ireland and America over a century are both accurate and stunning. The plot is compelling and entertaining and the acting is wonderfully ...~ SIMPLY SUPERB SWEEPING SAGA ~ 4 1/4 Epic-Genre Stars ~ - SqueakyChair
SNAPSHOT: Well acted. Intrigue, betrayal, ultimate romance, heroic characters. Long movie but drags very little. Ambitious saga gradually draws you in deep. A young Tom Cruise at his energetic best. One of my favourite movies.
--------------------------------------------------
MORE ...