Rating: 
Summary: A Wonderful Film
Review: John Sayles is a truly brilliant filmmaker. This film combines great story writing with precise interpersonal direction. Both Mary McDonnel and Alfre Woodard deliver characters who develop clearly throughout the story. Mr. Sayles' depiction of Cajun culture as it crosses with Yankee cultures is really quite impressive. Although the screenplay leans towards sentimentality, it never becomes trite as so many interpersonal dramas have a tendency to do. Sayle's scathing commentary on the self-centeredness of mainstream American culture through his depiction of people associated with daytime drama while avoiding any negative commentary on southern culture is refreshing and a pleasure to watch.
Rating:
Summary: Underrated
Review: Mary Mcdonnell is the most underrated actress bar none. Passion Fish should have won her an Oscar.
Rating:
Summary: A Neglected Masterwork
Review: Passion Fish makes one sit up and take notice. Not through the razzle dazzle style of film-making favored by so many of modern Hollywood's young guns but, rather, through the combined subtle power of the spoken word, quietly affecting editing, and carefully modulated performances. Unfortunately, for these very reasons, John Sayles' masterwork has always been conspicuously absent from those attempts to catelogue the best films of the 90s.From what I have read, the most persistent criticism of Passion Fish appears to be that it is maudlin and predictable. (It is worthwhile to note that this two-prong attack is commonly used to belittle films where the mechanisms of the plot are female driven.) Here, at least, that criticism is without merit. Indeed, what is most striking about Sayles' film is how each of his "damaged" women, around whose stormy friendship his film circles, still have, at film's end, miles to go in her attempt to return to the life she seemingly covets. Plainly said, John Sayles has written too good a script (completely justifying its Oscar nomination) to cheat his viewer with an all too pat ending. He is helped along, in no small part, by the performances of Mary McDonnell, also justly nominated, and Alfre Woodard who -- inexplicably -- was left off Oscar's short list. The range of emotion these two women register through their eyes and beautifully modulated voices is mesmerizing. There is no stronger indictment of the current folly that is Hollywood than the fact that these two actresses have all but fallen off its radar screen. Finally, a word about the DVD. While it offers no scintillating extras such as a director's commentary or an alternative cut, this is not a movie that unduly suffers for it. I can think of no greater compliment than my fervent hope that Passion Fish finds a place in your DVD library.
Rating:
Summary: You must see this film.
Review: Perfect writing, casting, acting and directing. This film is great for any mood. It will make you laugh and cry at the same time. The actors (Mary, Alfre, David etc.) are a joy to watch. John Sayles writing is always wonderful but this is by far my favorite of his films. If you love film, you must see this one.
Rating:
Summary: John Sayles - Best Director/Storyteller
Review: Sometime in the late 80s I was introduced to the work of John Sayles with the film of "Matewan". Over the years I have come to regard him as one of the best writer/directors around. Currently he is the only director whose work I go to see the moment it appears on the big screen. As such, when this film first appeard I went to see it and as usual was not disappointed. It still amazes me that so much attention was lavished on "Lone Star" when every other John Sayles movie is worthy of mention. Disregard any review which proclaims this to be Thelma and Louise meets... this is not what the film is about. An intelligent, well scripted, well-acted film, Passion Fish just happens to focus more on female characters and especially the friendship that develops between two women. Another fine film from John Sayles. I hope that there will be plenty more of his films released on DVD (City of Hope being one particular fave). The DVD transfer is generally good, with only minute occasional bouts of artefacting. The picture quality is excellent and the sound is very good. On the negative side there is nothing else on the DVD - no trailer, no biographies.
Rating:
Summary: a good movie
Review: This is a well-acted movie with a good locale,a good script,and a good soundtrack.Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Memorable
Review: This was a memorable and poignant sleeper of a movie - and a very smart one too. It is a hopeful film about taking chances and getting on with life, a subtle message that permeates the movie. The chemistry between Mary McDonnell and Alfre Woodruff is incredible. Both play women trying to deal with their pasts and the difficulties of going forward; women who are dependent on each other and do not want to be. But life has forced both of them into this circumstance in the bayou country of Louisiana, an area not of either's choosing. The entire movie was well-acted and filmed...it was just a great viewing experience.I especially liked the way that May Alice was depicted interacting with all of the people in her past life. The scenery in Louisiana was gorgeous and the music was an extra-added treat. Worth viewing--several times!
Rating:
Summary: Be passionate about Passion Fish
Review: Truly one of the best films I have ever seen. It renews my faith in the human spirit to overcome adversity. Had this been a mainstream film, it would just have a happy, unbelievable upbeat ending. Instead it gives a realistic, yet hopeful one. See it and you will remember it.
Rating:
Summary: Great film!
Review: Very empowering movie - one that will hold the interest of everyone.
Comfortable or tension filled, the interaction between various "damaged" charactors is marvelous and so believable!
Even the water played it's part beautifully. David Strathairn brings to life a genuine "down home" gentleman in his easy portrayl of the swamp wise Cajun(coon ass)/handiman! He is the unsung hero in this film! Absence of vulgarity is very commenable! Thank you John Sayles!
Remarkable music deserves much better soundtrack quality.
Rating:
Summary: A compelling, non-syrup drama.
Review: With great acting, superb writing, and well developed characters, this movie is an overlooked gem. It's refreshing to find a drama that is not overly sentimental and that balances fine performances. The music is lively and, combined with the cinematography, leave the viewer with a real taste of what life in rural Louisiana might be like. The movie, much like its setting, moves at a leisurely pace.
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