A film of both stark and lush beauty, though the starkness remains mostly on the surface, and the lushness prevails in the depth of its character and meaning as both the town's residents, and the town itself, are drawn through matters of life and death, faith and hope, loss and renewal, and response to final passing.
I know this movie got a lot of flack from veiwers and critics alike, but this is a very cool little flick. It has an almost dream like quality to it, both a little haunting and eerie. Yes, It is one of those films that you'll have to play your own detective, and have to figure things out for yourself, I know a lot of people didn't like it for that reason. However, I think that's what was so great about it! It blends reality with fantasy and fables, in a mesmerizing mix of a talented cast and lovely cinematography.
One of the most visually beautiful movies I have ever seen. The cast could not have been better selected. The Polish brothers (Michael & Mark) have written the gem of the century with Northfork. The movie is filled with symbolism and some of the most delightful dialogue ever filmed. This is a must see for any true movie buff. For others, it may not impress. Watch with an open mind and an open heart...
Set in 1955, this is the story of the residents of the small town of Northfork, Montana and their surrounding neighbors, who are being re-located to make way for the lake which will power a new hydro-electric dam. It's also the story of a sickly, orphan boy, named Irwin and the priest who's caring for him. Written by brothers, Michael and Mark Polish, and directed by Michael, the film is a veritable feast of visual imagery meant to be gorged upon. I got the feeling that I was viewing an Andrew Wyeth painting which had been infused with motion and a slight touch of surrealism added. James Woods, Nick Nolte, newcomer Duel Farnes and a brilliant ensemble cast, including writer Mark Polish, are all perfectly cast in their respective roles. I'm so thankful that I was in the right frame of mind for viewing this film, otherwise I might have bailed early on and missed a truly beautiful work of art. Awesome...
This movie is a bit on the sad & eerie side. The town of Northfork is going to be flooded to be used as a man made lake. People are hired to evacuate the citizens of what is left of the deserted town. While this is going on a sickly orphan is close to death before meeting a group of spirits (really weird) that take his spirit in before the town is flooded. Very interesting movie.
Surreal, haunting, ingenious, uneven. This is as much a personal work of art as the Polish brothers' debut film, Twin Falls Idaho, was.
With a fantastic cast, amazing setting and a strong visual sense, the film is almost the exact opposite of TFI. If that one was an intimate story with some allegorical elements, this is an allegory with plenty of intimacy.
Expect to see angels, boats on dry land, floating caskets and other surreal images throughout the film, but they are never gratuitous. It is a strange universe the Polish brothers dwell in, a dark, sad universe where loss reigns, but one that makes it 'ok' to laugh at absurdities as we meet them.
Beautiful original music theme throughout the movie by Stuart Matthewson. A wonderfully mystical journey about the daming of a valley. Much like the wiseacres who damed the Old Man River & drowned some of the most breathtakenly scenic farms in Southern Alberta Valley to make a handful of bigger farms richer. (Best Quote) Remember when you leave,to pack all your good memories.No one else will.
A sad and depressing tale of a town being evacuated before a flood, and a little boy who tries to convince a group of angels that he is one of them, that is told with a sense of impending doom from characters who are trying to find a meaning in a land that offers them none.
I liked the imagination in this film. It reminded me in some way of Big Fish. The only thing that really turned me off about the movie was that there were a lot of things that didn't make sense. It is a very complicated movie and many things are left unexplained. The ending leaves you waiting for more. Besides all these things the movie maintains you entertained and guessing.
One of two movies I thought were completely ridiculous and pointless. There probably was redeeming value, but I completely lost track of it when I couldn't pay attention for laughing at the sight of the dog...
MCT:August 18, 2008
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