Customer Reviews

Hedd Wyn [VHS]

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

An outstanding film from S4C, HEDD WYN depicts the futility of war in general and specifically for the Welsh people. While England is fighting for King and country to save their way of life, the war is bringing about the destruction of the Welsh way of life. English troops and gunnery ranges planted squarely in one of the most Welsh areas of Wales disrupt the daily life. Still the men of Wales enlisted in droves despite the scorn heaped upon these Welsh speakers by their English superiors. As the war drags on, the death toll rises and casualties mount; those at home cannot escape the turmoil. Ellis Evans, a pacificist sheep herder from Trawsfynydd is finally forced into the army. From Flanders he completes his epic poem "Yr Awrw" (The Hero). From the spectacular landscapes filmed on location in and around Trawsfyndd, to the acting of this Welsh cast, the film HEDD WYN is absolutely wonderful. It may be somewhat difficult for those not familar with Welsh culture and of the importance of poetry and the Eisteddfod, but if you are willing to try, you will be rewarded. The Welsh language is wonderful. Cymru am byth!

I hope very much that S4C, or whomever decides these things, would decide to issue this important Welsh film on DVD. Perhaps with a documentary on Ellis Evans and a taste of the Eisteddfod. Until then, iechyd dda pob Cymry!

I played 'Enid', Hedd Wyn's youngest sister. They wanted a local accent for the character so they held auditions at the local primary school, at which I was a pupil. Strangely enough, welsh was my second language! Filming this was a valuable experience for me.....although to a 10 year-old it was a bit slow and boring. It made me realise that although I wished to carry on with my acting career I would far rather do it on stage than on screen! In my opinion, the film has managed to portrey very accurately the atmosphere of the area but however failed to illustrate Hedd Wyn's true character. According to surviving family members still living in the village, he was far less serious and much less hard-working!

This lyrical and lovely film may draw some favourable comparisons with "All Quiet On The Western Front" as it explores some of the same themes about the random cruelty of war.

Huw Garmon is a revelation as the doomed Welsh poet Ellis Evans. He handles a difficult role, which requires quicksilver lurches from Evans' noted boyish charm to his sobering moments of artistic reflection, with skill and aplomb. Surely this is one young British actor we will be seeing again on this side of the water!

"Hedd Wyn" deserves a place in any intelligent person's video collection. It's a well crafted and beautifully acted work with a timeless storyline.

And finally, I defy anyone to remain dry-eyed as the infamous "Black Chair" (as it came to be called from that years' Eisteddfod) is carried up to the little cottage belonging to Ellis Evans' mother.

This film, which was nominated for an Oscar, is the most famous film made in the Welsh language. It tells the story of Huw Garmon, known under his poetic name Hedd Wyn, who tries to win the chair at the Eisteddfod. (For those of you who aren't Welsh-speakers: Being crowned at the Eisteddfod, and being awarded the throne, is an enormous honour. It is by far the greatest honour a Welsh writer can be awarded; quite like the Nobel-prize). The film also tells of his life and his loves (he had a few). He grew up in the middle of Wales, in Trawsfynydd, which is a beautiful, Welsh-speaking place. The film also gives a picture of life in Wales in the early 20th century. The strongest message of the film is the opposition to war and the meaningless slaughter of a generation in the World War.

Mae'r ffilm 'ma'n dda iawn, ffilm enwog yn Gymraed ydy o. Mae o'n dweud am Huw Garmon, (y bardd Hedd Wyn) y mae o'n triw ennill y gadair ar y 'steddfod. Mae'r ffilm yn siarad yn erbyn rhyfed.

This is a fantastic film about love, poetry, war and tragedy - one of the most stunning films to watch with wonderfull actors bringing history to life!

Great for those who love history and war films.

This is a lovely bit of film-making about a very tragic time.

Mainly I wanted to write and correct the review that states that Hedd Wyn was the bardic name of the poet Huw Garmon. Huw Garmon is the name of the excellent actor who played Hedd Wyn. Ellis Evans was the name of the much loved Welsh poet.

As a welshman currently living away from Wales (In Cambridge UK) I can identify with the beautiful surroundings depicted in this film.

Probably the greatest triumph for the film in my opinion is it's depiction of the futility of war. The scenes on the battlefield were especially moving.

Beautifully acted (other than the father character), beautifully filmed, and beautifully directed.

A lovely and important film about the poetic tradition in Wales.

Anyone who loves the art of film-making should add this one to their collection.

This is absolutely incredible. I would recommend anyone to watch this as it is a deeply moving film which gets right to the heart to the issue. Defintely at least two boxes of tissues needed. Ardderchog.

I am from Wales and I live about 10 miles from Hedd Wyn's original home at Trawsfynydd. This film made out many ironies and paradoxes as I have studied the film for A-Level Welsh at college.

It is the best Welsh film ever made and ever will be in my point of view. It makes me proud to be Welsh