Where the Rivers Flow North

Rating:
Summary: A quiet thought-provoking drama about individualism.
Review: A stunning example of 'underground' film making at its best. The strong characterizations, and the intriguing story make this compelling watching. Rip Torn has always been a versatile but undersung actor and his role here is worthy of Academy award nomination. The 'names' who donated their time and talent are no less effective and Tantu Cardinal thoroughly rounds out the ensemble. Add the quiet music of the Horseflies and this becomes a movie experience worth revisiting over and over.

Rating:
Summary: Pride And Progress
Review: An old man's pride and stubborness does battle with progress in the woods of 1927 Vermont. Fine performances and music make for a film worth seeing.

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT ADAPTATION OF A WONDERFUL STORY
Review: Director Jay Craven's adaptation of Howard Frank Mosher's 'Where the rivers flow north' is one of the finest transitions from literature to the screen I've ever witnessed. Craven is obviously an admirer of Mosher's work -- he also directed 'A stranger in the Kingdom', another piece of fine writing from this Vermont writer.

The cast is absolutely superb -- especially Rip Torn and Tantoo Cardinal. Torn throws himself into what could be the finest role of his career with such totality that he BECOMES Noel Lord, the fiercely independent former lumberjack who is the center of this story. Tantoo Cardinal's portrayal of Lord's live-in housekeeper/common-law wife is dead-on as well. I'm both amazed and disappointed that neither of them were nominated for Oscars when this film was released -- I suppose it was overlooked among all of the 'blockbusters' that year, which is a real shame. Performances of this calibre should be acknowledged. The only character that's a little hard to swallow for me is the power company executive played by Michael J. Fox -- Fox is a good actor in his own right, but he just looks too much like a kid in this role. I guess there's a curse attached to youthful looks, no matter how much people want them.

The score by the Horseflies is also first rate -- it fits the mood and scenery perfectly.

Craven has done a nice job here in bringing the character of early 20th century Vermont to the screen -- locations, angles, sets, all combine to transport the viewer to the time and place of the story.

And the story itself...? One of the most compelling portrayals of the fiercely independent American pioneer spirit ever -- a trait that is on the wane in this day and age. When it appears in modern times, the person is often looked upon with suspicion and disdain. In Noel Lord, we have a character whom we can admire for his values, and even for his stubbornness.

This is not a stodgy 'period piece' -- this is a vibrant look at an era that is gone, and a type of character that has all but vanished. These are not gold-plated heroes, but real people, with both strengths and weaknesses at play within them. struggling in a harsh environment to live their lives and at the same time be at peace with the world in which they live. Like today, there are those who weild power that would have it otherwise.

This is one of my favorite films of the modern era -- I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Rating:
Summary: A GREAT ADAPTATION OF A WONDERFUL STORY
Review: Director Jay Craven's adaptation of Howard Frank Mosher's 'Where the rivers flow north' is one of the finest transitions from literature to the screen I've ever witnessed. Craven is obviously an admirer of Mosher's work -- he also directed 'A stranger in the Kingdom', another piece of fine writing from this Vermont writer.

The cast is absolutely superb -- especially Rip Torn and Tantoo Cardinal. Torn throws himself into what could be the finest role of his career with such totality that he BECOMES Noel Lord, the fiercely independent former lumberjack who is the center of this story. Tantoo Cardinal's portrayal of Lord's live-in housekeeper/common-law wife is dead-on as well. I'm both amazed and disappointed that neither of them were nominated for Oscars when this film was released -- I suppose it was overlooked among all of the 'blockbusters' that year, which is a real shame. Performances of this calibre should be acknowledged. The only character that's a little hard to swallow for me is the power company executive played by Michael J. Fox -- Fox is a good actor in his own right, but he just looks too much like a kid in this role. I guess there's a curse attached to youthful looks, no matter how much people want them.

The score by the Horseflies is also first rate -- it fits the mood and scenery perfectly.

Craven has done a nice job here in bringing the character of early 20th century Vermont to the screen -- locations, angles, sets, all combine to transport the viewer to the time and place of the story.

And the story itself...? One of the most compelling portrayals of the fiercely independent American pioneer spirit ever -- a trait that is on the wane in this day and age. When it appears in modern times, the person is often looked upon with suspicion and disdain. In Noel Lord, we have a character whom we can admire for his values, and even for his stubbornness.

This is not a stodgy 'period piece' -- this is a vibrant look at an era that is gone, and a type of character that has all but vanished. These are not gold-plated heroes, but real people, with both strengths and weaknesses at play within them. struggling in a harsh environment to live their lives and at the same time be at peace with the world in which they live. Like today, there are those who weild power that would have it otherwise.

This is one of my favorite films of the modern era -- I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Rating:
Summary: 64 times, and counting
Review: I caught this on PBS, and it was very good! A great story, and what actors!
It's a period piece, set in the late 1920's. Rip Torn is this lumberjack type guy who has a Native American Indian woman companion he hangs out with all the time. There is a dam being built around his property, and the builders are trying to buy him out. He does everything he can to not give in to their bribery. It's fine drama, and some comedic momments sprinkled in. I thought the acting by both Torn, and the woman was outstanding! I always liked him. She was just amazing. It's movies like this that have the truly talented actors.
PBS doesn't edit either, and there were no commercials. Both my husband and I liked it alot. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: Extremely good period piece
Review: I caught this on PBS, and it was very good! A great story, and what actors!
It's a period piece, set in the late 1920's. Rip Torn is this lumberjack type guy who has a Native American Indian woman companion he hangs out with all the time. There is a dam being built around his property, and the builders are trying to buy him out. He does everything he can to not give in to their bribery. It's fine drama, and some comedic momments sprinkled in. I thought the acting by both Torn, and the woman was outstanding! I always liked him. She was just amazing. It's movies like this that have the truly talented actors.
PBS doesn't edit either, and there were no commercials. Both my husband and I liked it alot. Highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: Film Festival Gem
Review: I experienced this film at the Sundance film festival, and feel it continues to be a treasure yet undiscovered by most. This film touched me, and my mind often wanders back to it. I loved the music of the Horseflies. Truly a wonderful discovery!

Rating:
Summary: 64 times, and counting
Review: I have seen this movie 64 times, and I plan on seeing it at least 1,000 times more. It has an awesome plot; the chemistry between the actors is absolutely amazing, and it has superb camera work.
I would recommend this movie to anyone seeking a quiet night in front of the television! It is a bit "slow" but the acting and plot make the time well spent.

Rating:
Summary: Rip Rips it and Tantoo tatoos it
Review: If I could give this more stars I would...... The photography is beautiful and gives justice to the setting.... The music is perfect but the acting is just incredible. What a pair... Rip Torn as "Mister" became my favorite all time actor with this one. Tantoo Cardinal is perfect in her role.

Rating:
Summary: Rip Rips it and Tantoo tatoos it
Review: If I could give this more stars I would...... The photography is beautiful and gives justice to the setting.... The music is perfect but the acting is just incredible. What a pair... Rip Torn as "Mister" became my favorite all time actor with this one. Tantoo Cardinal is perfect in her role.