The Young Girl and the Monsoon (2000)

53% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
27% of users liked it
(354 ratings)

Actor and author of the well-regarded book Screenwriting from the Heart, James Ryan makes his directorial debut with this character-driven romantic comedy. The film focuses on respected photojournalist and divorced father Hank (Terry Kinney), who has a proclivity toward covering remote and dangerous… More Actor and author of the well-regarded book Screenwriting from the Heart, James Ryan makes his directorial debut with this character-driven romantic comedy. The film focuses on respected photojournalist and divorced father Hank (Terry Kinney), who has a proclivity toward covering remote and dangerous trouble spots, much to the irritation of his 13-year-old daughter Constance (Ellen Muth). At the same time, something seems to be gnawing at Hank. On the homefront, he is reluctant to commit to his beautiful 26-year-old girlfriend Erin (Mili Avital), while at work, he is equally hesitant to campaign for a prestigious Humanitas award for his photographs. Things come to a head when Constance comes to live with Hank while her mother goes on a three-month long honeymoon. This film was screened at the 2000 L.A. Independent Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: James Ryan, James Ryan (IV)
Written By: James Ryan
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 1, 2001 Wide
On DVD: Jul 29, 2003
Studio: Artistic License

Critic Reviews

John Petrakis, Chicago Tribune
Kinney is solid, as usual, but it is young Muth who gobbles up the screen.
Charles Taylor, Salon.com
This scattershot little movie doesn't have nearly enough going on in it.
Jami Bernard, New York Daily News
A fine example of how a character-based story can be so compelling you don't miss the frills.
Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
The strength of the film lies in Ryan's ability to make us care about all of his characters and to make them highly credible and specific.
Jan Stuart, Newsday
One's admiration for the filmmaker's familial concerns offsets many of its shortcomings.
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Crackles dangerously to life whenever Constance (who narrates the film) is on the screen with her father Hank.
Joshua Tanzer, Offoffoff
An intelligent, personal drama.
Maria Garcia, Film Journal International
Actors move as though they were confined to a small space, hindering their expressive ability.
David Sterritt, Christian Science Monitor
One of the most engaging American indies so far this year.
Frank Lovece, TV Guide's Movie Guide
It's clear that writer-director James Ryan views his characters through a highly self-indulgent lens.
Jordan Reed, Boxoffice Magazine
It's incessantly verbose, so stuffed with explanation and exposition it's as if Ryan finds the idea of even the most basic visual expression unwarranted.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Writer and director James Ryan invests this touching drama with emotional power and deft psychological nuances.
Jeremiah Kipp, Filmcritic.com
Ryan hits and misses, but when he's on, he shows an insight for how people reveal themselves subconsciously in the quick of the moment.
Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine
A story that isn't as yawn-worthy as it is wholly unconvincing, both as a premise and a recognizable representation of something real and tangible.
Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve
Obviously the work of a playwright, this is not at all cinematic.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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