Product Details

• Actors: Sophie Marceau, Stephen Dillane, Dominique Belcourt, Kevin Anderson, Lia Williams
• Directors: William Nicholson
• Writers: William Nicholson
• Producers: Brian Eastman, Carmen Finestra, David McFadzean, Matt Williams, Rick Leed
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Language: English, French
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• VHS Release Date: February 1, 2000
• Run Time: 103 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (134 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305268843
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #170,161 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Writer William Nicholson's (Shadowlands) directorial debut is a surprisingly refreshing art house drama. Even though Firelight has grandstanding elements of forbidden love, a bodice-ripping tryst, and the moody English countryside, the film is never trite or dreary. It's 1838 and Charles, an earnest sheep breeder (Stephen Dillane), wants an heir, but his wife is an invalid. He hires the penniless Elisabeth (Sophie Marceau, ravishing again) as surrogate mother and hopes a weekend of passionless sex will bring him a baby. The D.H. Lawrence-like love nest brings a surprise or two, as does the bulk of film that takes place seven years later. Whereas many a period drama would focus on potential scandal, Nicholson is squarely looking at love between mother and child, and the unmentioned love between Charles and Elisabeth. Miscast in nearly every film since her breakout performance in Braveheart, Marceau is wonderful here. She keeps her smoldering air, but her character is more hopeful than downbeat. Nicholson's casting of Dillane (think of a British Ed Harris) instead of some gorgeous hunk was box-office poison, but makes for a far more satisfying picture--and they are a very appealing couple. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Snowy landscapes, warm hearts...., February 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Firelight [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I bought my own copy after renting it three times, and I'd buy it on DVD in addition so I could see it letterboxed. I'm hooked--it's a marvel of film. I love everything about it. Why else would I be writing this review? The writing, photography and acting are perfection. The range and delicacy of feelings that flicker across Stephen Dillane's and Sophie Marceau's faces fascinate me, and their relationship with each other and with their daughter have a kind of deep, satisfying truthfulness. I appreciate Firelight's underlying moral that breeding is a serious matter, that sex transforms us and makes us 'one flesh'. The one false note, for me, was Elisabeth's assertion that her desire destroyed Charles' world. Not so. Not at all. Charles' world is ruined by his father, Lord Clare, who lives only for pleasure and who has no sense of duty to his family. Dutiful, faithful Charles and Elisabeth, united by their child, are freed and made whole by their desire for one another. It's a very Anglican sensibility. I probably wouldn't recommend Firelight to someone whose modern mind feeds on violence, casual sex and celebrity, but it's perfect for the rest of us. I want this film to be hugely successful on video so Hollywood will take notice, and everyone in it will have the satisfaction of knowing their work is recognized and appreciated. So buy it, recommend it to your friends. Enjoy.

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich, romantic, and beautiful to look at, November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Firelight [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I saw Firelight last year during its all too brief big-screen run and was stunned.

But even though it is a visually perfect film, the two lovers are more than simply exquisite - they have breadth and depth. They actually take on dimension and draw us into their world and time: we share their fears, denials, passions, and the joy they ultimately find in their love.

In addition, the scenery (bleak outdoors, lush in) and weather (winter) were mesmerising because they were deeply a part of the context. Even the ancillary characters (Connie and Lord Godwin especially), were well-played and endearing. Real.

This is absolutely one of my favorite movies. It is a definite MUST HAVE for every lover of romantic period films. Particularly if you like them sensual and erotic without coarseness.

Firelight is a kiss from William Nicholson that touches and warms the skin beneath the lace.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "The Fire Gives More Light Than One Expects" ~ Love And The Power Of Desire, April 2, 2007

By 

Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (Brea, CA - USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: NEW Firelight (DVD) (DVD)

Released in '97 `Firelight' is a delicate, atmospheric and romantic period film that in my estimation is more than an equal to such well known English classics as `Wuthering Heights' and `Pride and Prejudice.' To compare it with something familiar to movie viewers I would say it has a lot in common with `Jane Eyre' with a little touch of the American tale `The Miracle Worker.'

Sophie Marceau is not only beautiful as expected, but delivers a very emotional, controlled performance as the new governess to a wealthy Englishman's child who also happens to be her own daughter. Stephen Dillane also provides a superior performance as the little girls Father and is the perfect choice for Sophie's love interest.

`Firelight' has it all; great acting, strong storyline, enchanting soundtrack and lush, sometimes breathtaking cinematography. The sequences filmed of the lake house are magnificent.

Don't bother waiting around for a U.S. version to be released, the Asian all region DVD is perfect. Order a copy while they're still available.