55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's been a long time..., September 24, 2003
This review is from: The Other Side of the Mountain [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I don't own this film, but came across it by accident while browsing on Amazon. I haven't seen it in over 20 years, but somehow the power of Marilyn Hassett's performance came to mind. I remember it and am looking forward to a DVD version. Anyone else agree? Since it's out of print, there are blood-suckers out there capitalizing on its unavailability. Give us a DVD and let the blood-suckers stew in their greed. I remember great photography and wonderful music, as well as Hassett, whose career didn't take off. Pity. Hassett was nominated for a Golden Globe.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jill Kinmont is an inspiration, June 14, 2000
This review is from: The Other Side of the Mountain [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This wonderful movie tells the story of world class skier Jill Kinmont, who seemed destined to reach the very pinnacle of her career, until a tragic accident left her a quadriplegic who would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and her struggle to forge a new and meaningful life for herself in a world which can be very cruel at times, especially to people who have a physical disability. A truly inspirational story which shows that life can indeed continue and can even be good, even in the face of overwhelming odds. A must see for anyone who doubts the existence of true courage in the face of adversity or the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Jill Kinmont, you're amazing!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Uninspired retelling of incredible, inspirational true story, August 14, 2004
This review is from: The Other Side of the Mountain [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"The Other Side of the Mountain" tells the true-life story of '50's Olympic skiing hopeful Jill Kinmont, whose career was cut short by a devastating skiing accident that left her a paraplegic. The film follows her triumphant recovery and struggle to maintain a normal life. As directed by Larry Peerce, the film is inspiring, funny, sad, filled with good performances and features the beautiful vistas of California's Eastern Sierra Madres, in particular those surrounding the lovely town of Bishop. Unfortunately, David Seltzer's script is the weak link, as it never rises above the level of standard Hollywood biopic, with spotty dialog and a tendency to lapse into uncomfortable melodrama. Still, most viewers will ignore the hoakum and be totally engrossed in Kinmont's story.
Little-know starlet Marilyn Hassett plays Kinmont, and it's a good performance--even though she's clearly in her mid-twenties, she's believable as a giggly adolescent, and appropriately plucky when in full survival mode after tragedy strikes. Beau Bridges and Belinda J. Montgomery lend valuable support as first love (and fellow champion) Dick "Mad Dog" Buek
and childhood best friend Audra Jo, whose own career was ended by polio. While Bridges is the big scene stealer as a maverick whose tough-love rehabilitation approach will undoubtedly raise eyebrows, Montgomery is the true standout as the kind of friend everyone should have. Nan Martin and William Bryant as Jill's parents and Dabney Coleman (in an early role) as Jill's supportive coach round out the fine cast. And for once that most overworked of cinematic conceits, namely the framing device, works wonderfully well as an older Jill looks back on her life while teaching a class of Indian children.
In all, "The Other Side of the Mountain" is an inspiring tale, with an ending that will leave all but the most jaded of viewers wiping away a tear or two. And while the execution may be a tad hokey and uninspired, one thing is undeniable: while most films fade from memory almost immediately, Kinmont's story will stay with you for a lifetime. It's been nearly thirty years since I first saw this film, and to this day, whenever I pass through Bishop, I wonder how Jill is doing, and hope life has brought her all the happiness she deserves. **** (out of *****)
A note to Universal Home Video: you've released "Gable and Lombard" on DVD, which was a complete flop from 1976 and critically maligned as an inaccurate and dishonest portrait of the great screen couple. "The Other Side of the Mountain," however, was a box-office success in 1975 and in its 1976 reissue and received decent notices from critics, yet it languishes on VHS with no DVD release date in sight. What gives? Please release this movie, with an update of Jill Kinmont.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
