32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Adaptation!, August 22, 2003
This review is from: O Pioneers! (Hallmark Hall of Fame) (DVD)
I thought this adaptation would have gotten a nod from Willa Cather. The scenery was beautiful, the characters just as Willa Cather drew them in her book by the same title. Jessica Lange was Alexandra with her quite dignity, and strong will and the chemistry between she and Carl was very believable. Perhaps the best characters were Maria (Anne Heche) and Emile, who did a superb job at playing star crossed lovers. I was very impressed with the screen play. There were so many quotes from the book, who ever did it had a good sense of the book. There were only two faults I found with the film and that was the casting of two characters. I believe they could have found someone else to play the younger Alexandra. Heather Graham seemed too stiff and her accent was always slipping. The other character was the land. There should have been more shots of it. The land was such a central part of the book. It is what gave Alexandra her strength and her faith.
If one likes very accurate novels into film or period pieces and great actor/actress chemistry this is a great movie to watch.
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Gripping Tragedy & Love Story, August 1, 2005
This review is from: O Pioneers! (Hallmark Hall of Fame) (DVD)
This is a gripping story that is well acted by all the cast, and is based on the book by Willa Cather. However, this isn't your 'typical' pioneer film. It's very touching, but the ending is very bittersweet. Alexandra's father dies and leaves the farm to her because she is the oldest and has the wisest judgement, even though she is the only girl in the family. Her mother is still alive, but has no interest in the land. Alexandra's brothers listen to her because of their father's command, but sadly really have very little respect for her. Her childhood sweetheart and kindred spirit, Carl, is a budding young artist and leaves town with his family to fulfill his dreams. I found these earlier scenes, played by younger actors to be very sweet and touching. After finding success and making the family rich, Alexandra has to settle issues of her heart when Carl returns 15 years later. She also tries to fulfill a promise to her mother that she will help her youngest brother find a career away from farm life.
Sensitive viewers please beware! This is the story of two couples who are separated and are re-united, one ends happily and the other very tragically. I had actually had nightmares after watching this, because it was such a beautiful love story but was rather disturbing in its outcome. Due to the mature storyline of this film & the tragedy, I would not recommend it for younger children. Parents may also find they have to discuss the meaning of adultery, etc. However, I love many of the scenes in this movie which is one reason why the ending was such a disappointment to me. This movie is definitely worthwhile though and has a good message.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good literature in a movie!, April 1, 2005
A Kid's Review
This review is from: O Pioneers! (Hallmark Hall of Fame) (DVD)
I love this movie! it has a wonderful meaning to it, and the acting is superb! This is worth the money BIG time!
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