"The book is a film that takes place in the mind of the reader." ~ Paulo Coelho

Monday, June 24, 2019

Movie Review: The Man From Snowy River (1982)

G'day everyone!

Today I am reviewing a movie that I saw for the first time a few years ago, and it instantly became a favorite. This is actually a surprisingly rare thing for me because as you all know, I am very picky.

I normally say that I hate '80s movies, but this one is great. Enjoy!


My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning.


The Man From Snowy River (1982):
Based on: The Man from Snowy River (poem) - by Banjo Paterson.
"It's just the beginning, not the end."
Jim Craig has to leave his home in the mountains to get work in order to show that he can "get by on his own" and that no one can take his home from him. He gets a job with a rancher, Harrison, who has a pretty but fierce daughter. Working together they begin to train a horse that Harrison bought. The other help don't like Jim, and he finds out a secret about the family, that some hate just might run too deep.
"There's a lot of pain and suffering when you try to dig up the past."
Genre: Western, Romance.
Length: approx. 105 minutes.
Costumes: 9. All good!
Script: 7, a few bad words and name calling.
'"How romantic."
"Romantic! Your brains've got soft!"'
Crew:
Directed by: George T. Miller.
Written by: John Dixon & Fred Cul Cullen.
Starring:
Tom Burlinson as Jim Craig.
Sigrid Thornton as Jessica Harrison.
Kirk Douglas as Mr. Harrison & Spur.
Chris Haywood as Curly.
Kristopher Steele as Moss.
Jack Thompson as Clancy.
Lorraine Bayly as Rosemary Hume.
Terence Donovan as Henry Craig.
David Bradshaw as Banjo Paterson.
Tony Bonner as Kane.
June Jago as Mrs. Bailey.
Gus Mercurio as Frew.
Howard Eynon as Shorry.
Cinematography: 10! It is beautiful! There is a weird quality that makes it seem older than it is, but it is still gorgeous!
Cinematography by: Keith Wagstaff.
Music: 10! Love it!
Music by: Bruce Rowland.
Quotes: 8, "One minute it's like paradise, and the next it's trying to kill you."
Storyline: 7, there is smoking, drinking, a suggestive comment, and a little bit of fighting.
Good For: Western lovers, everyone.
Age Range: I only saw it for the first time in 2017, but I feel like anyone any age would love it!
Overall Score: 8.5!!
"I'll be back later to check on your work."


Now why today (it was actually supposed to be yesterday) of all days would I be review this? Because this is my entry to Quiggy's (who blogs at Midnite Drive-In) "Blizzard of Oz" Blogathon, which is about all things Australia! (Isn't that an awesome name for a blogathon? Especially since this is The Man from Snowy River. Hehe.) This movie is set in Australia!
Look, the button even has a picture from it!
The cinematography and landscape are so spectacular, it makes me want to visit Australia!
I, like many others, love this movie. And you know what? I don't even know why. It's just one of those movies that makes you so incredibly happy. I recommend it 100%.


Thanks to Quiggy for hosting this event and accepting my (late) entry! Thank you so much for reading!  Have you seen this movie? What do you think?

MovieCritic

17 comments:

  1. I love this movie! And the the sequel is even better!

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    1. Oh really? I've owned the sequel for awhile now but I haven't tried it. Now I'll have to!

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  2. This is my favorite movie of all time. Has been since I saw it in the theater when I was 2. SO glad you liked it too!

    (But I don't care much for the sequel. It's a predictable '80s movie and lacks the distinctive charm of the original.)

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    1. Random thing: All three of my children were born while I was listening to this soundtrack. I always took it to the birth centers and it got me through transition and the final stages of labor so beautifully.

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    2. The sequel is so bad. I was really excited to see it since the first one was so good. But I totally agree...it lacks the charm of the original.

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    3. Lilly, I think it has this feeling of "loss of innocence" that just... disappoints me. At least the original will always be wonderful, right?

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    4. Hamlette, you got to see it in theaters? That's so cool! I'm sure that it was stunning on the big screen. I've seen it a few times now, but just this last time I was able to introduce it to my sister this time so that was fun. :-) Oh, that is such an awesome story!! The soundtrack is so beautiful, I can imagine that it would be very calming. And your kids probably love it, too. ;-)

      Hamlette and Lilly, I like hearing your opinions! It's true that very rarely the sequel is better than the original. I do own it so I guess I'll watch it eventually, but I almost like to imagine my own sequel, you know? :-)

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    5. Well, yes, I did. I was 2, so I don't actually remember seeing it. I do remember seeing the sequel on the big screen, though -- my family rarely went to movies at the theater until I was a teen, and that was one of the rare times.

      Possibly one of the reasons I strongly dislike the sequel is that it doesn't match what I've spent my whole life imagining up as the rest of their story. So, um, yeah, ymmv?

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    6. I get you. Until recently it was pretty rare for my family to go to the theater, too, maybe only twice a year, so I remember each time we did go pretty vividly.

      Directers like to leave things where it is possible for a sequel, but I love to just imagine my own. When they do decide to make a second or third one I usually see it to compare my version to theirs, unless I just love my version so much that I don't want anything to spoil it. So yeah, I definitely understand :-)

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  3. Love love love this movie!! I saw it a few years ago as well and immediately fell for it!!

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    1. Exactly! I had heard of it and wasn't sure that I would like it, but as soon as it started playing I loved it!

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  4. Oh, I've heard of this movie, but dont' think I've seen it. I'm not usually a fan of this time period either ;p But occasionally I am.

    keturahskorner.blogspot.com

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    1. That's what I thought! It also has Kirk Douglas who I don't really like, but it is amazing! You should definitely try it some day, Keturah!

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  5. Been meaning to see this for years. Maybe I will in August since that month is still wide open.

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    1. Yes, that would be the perfect time. So movies are jhst meant for certain months through the year, and this one definitely saws "August" ti me. Thanks for hosting this!

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  6. This is a great movie! I haven't seen it in a few years. I should watch it again. ;)

    astorydetective.blogspot.com

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    1. I love movies involving horses. So much fun. You should definitely rewatch this! :)

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To comment, or not to comment? That is the question. Whatever you decide, I would love to hear from you!! I am always open to suggestions, advice, and any other comments! Even if you don't agree with me, I would love to hear from you as long as you keep the comment respectful and on subject. And, please, no swearing. I love comments on old posts!!
My computer won't let me leave comments, so it might take a few days, but I will reply!

"If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, where you stop your story." -Orson Welles