Rating: 
Summary: Songcatcher?
Review: If you want a movie to reflect a book - this is NOT it! I was never so disappointed in my life! The book, by Sharon McCrumb, is a brilliant story and this movie does not, in the least reflect that story. I was so disappointed by what the filmakers did that I want to share that. It is most insulting to a wonderful story/writer. If I were Ms. McCrumb, I would suit for defamation of character!
Rating: 
Summary: Review of Song Catcher
Review: A great movie! Even though I missed the first part of the movie, I was glued to the television until it was over. I'd love to have soundtrack. Is it available? -- Jeanette
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent film from a number of perspectives
Review: I enjoyed this film immensely. As a music scholar, I appreciated the excellent portrayal of the turn of the century musicologist. Having studied the practice of early recording techniques, seeing a film demonstrating cylinder recording in practice was quite interesting, and accurately portrayed. The music and performanceswere very enjoyable, with some beautiful voices and interesting renditions of some interesting repertoire.From a film and script perspective, the subtexts were sensitively approached; I particularly appreciated the tasteful approach to the homosexual relationship between the two school-mistresses. The film did not strike me as making a political statement about feminism or sexuality or about the encroachment of industry on rural communities. Overall, the film maintained its focus on the music and it's collection. The areas of sexuality, industry and relationships were, as they indeed should be, secondary and only existed to place the music in its context. An excellent film, which I recommend highly.
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Summary: The Importance of Music
Review: I have seen many reviews trash this movie but I absolutely loved it. There were many things going on in this movie but the central theme was always the music. The pure music of Appalachia handed down through generations. What we today call "old timey" but during the time frame of this movie it was "life music". Take yourself back to a time before electricity in the mountains, before running water, before TVs, radio's and all the modern things we have and you see where the movie is set. In the mountains, when live music, sung and played by families and friends was a way of life. Was ingrained in their fabric and handed down from parent to child. This movie was an outstanding depiction of that time. Of the lifestyle and hardships of the mountain people and how the music ran through it all. From birth to death music was the constant thread of life. If you have any interest at all in "old timey", "roots music" or "bluegrass" you need to see this movie. If you have a curiosity about the Appalachian Mountain folks just after the turn of the century this movie will also hold some worth. See it and enjoy it!
Rating:
Summary: No videophile; really enjoyed it
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed SONGCATCHER. To the reviewer who wonders what's the central theme: an educated music woman escapes to backwoods America in the 1800's and finds herself , to her surprise, in the heart of the very music she loves. Yes, there are other goings-on (the buy-out of resident farms, a lesbian relationship, more). These are called "sub plots" and add atmosphere to the film. It's hard not to see that the main character's discovery of and love for the music is the central theme. While I wish the main characters carried more emotion toward each other, I appreciate that it didn't sacrifice the message for a mushy love story. The movie is very realistic for the time period, and the music is wonderful.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful Music, great idea, pendantic drivel
Review: Love the idea of this movie, but I completely agree with the people who have pointed out that it is is a series of smug sermons on the injustices of the past. Yes, mountain people were exploited and women were oppressed but in this movie they all have great skin, teeth and access to hair mousse. I was especially irked with the scene where the two women were caught kissing in the woods. Lesbians or "spinsters" from that era would never, ever ever have taken such a risk because they knew the terrible consequences if they were caught. That's opression for you. This movie (despite a great effort from the cast) was contrived and patronizing - even though I agree with most of its politics. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture, just get the Songcatcher II CD. Those who voted for this at sundance were probably voting for the music and the message, not the movie.
Rating:
Summary: A confusing piece
Review: Quite often while watching this film I was left wondering what the director was really trying to convey. A interesting look into the lost songs carried to America? A woman coming to terms about her life and purpose? A look into the lives of lesbians at the turn of the century? Loss of Appalachian culture to the coal industry and modern society? A social commentary on culture exploitation? There are so many doors this film opens, yet refuses to step inside one and explore anything deeper than it's emotional surface. The storytelling in this movie feels like it took a second place to the "gimick" of the actual songs. ...and music is the real star of this film and would be better served with a good soundtrack, a book about these folk songs and people, and a good documentary. What's left is a mediocre and only mildly passionate love story between two people, surrounded by events that don't lead to anything specific or profound. The "climax" of the story does not have any lasting resonance in the main character's lives and feels random. The acting, mostly by Janet McTeer is acceptible, given the whirlwind she's been thrown into. The supporting cast are also great/charming, especially those who give performances of the more musical sort. Hopefully someone will revisit this topic with a more serious statement and explore it a little more deeply than what has been done here. Somewhere in this mess is a great historical biopic or even a small quite film/documentary here that got muddled by late 20th century political ideals concerning religion, homosexuality and stereotyping that really do this topic, the music, and all the characters involved a disservice.
Rating:
Summary: songcatcher
Review: Although this movie was released without much fanfare, it is a nice gem. The music is exceptional and I am tempted to buy the soundtrack. Unlike other reviews with the obvious political bias, I recommend this film. As a Rush Limbaugh type, I liked the film, although I could do without the juvenile reviews from the likes of "A viewer from Poconos, PA." If you like an interesting story, see the film.
Rating:
Summary: A delightful surprise
Review: I had never heard of this movie, perhaps it received no promotion at all. I found it delightful on many levels, but most outstanding was the music of the mountain people and I believe that I will buy the CD. I thought the filming was carefully and craftfully done, the plot well developed and the acting (particularly Pat Carroll, who I haven't seen work in years) terrific. Please note that part of the plot of this movie involves women's struggles in the early 1900s and there is a (gasp!) lesbian relationship. Rush Limbaugh types will HATE this movie, so don't watch it and spare us your "unbiased" opinions.
Rating:
Summary: THE MUSIC IS THE STAR - THE PEOPLE ARE THE STAGE
Review: The mountain music is so well done in this film. Pat Carrol is real and warm, and the cast carries the feeling of the life and times into a memorable trip in the turn of the century mountains. The soap opera part of the work, the lesbian teachers, and the feminist point of view are the distractions, but not enough to overcome the wonderful music and the scenery. The realistic depiction of the life and scenery of the mountains, as well as the camera work in the interiors and the great scenes at the dance, makes this worth seeing more than once.
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