Customer Reviews

Redwood Curtain [VHS]

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

 

 

A wonderful movie with fine performances by a great ensemble cast. The whole film, from start to finish is excellent. Lithgow's performance as an adoptive father striving to encourage his adopted daughter's, Salonga, musical career will touch a lot of buttons. Her longing to know her birth family is topical as well as intensely personal, a good blend. The adoptive mother flits in and out; obviously not all that interested in her adoptive daughter. Lithgow's sudden death leads to to a further estrangement between mother and daughter. A trip to visit Lithgow's sister starts a whole new series of events for Salonga and her meeting with Daniels and all that comes from that. The ending is a complete surprise but at the same times, explains much. A well crafted and performed movie. Even the small roles are done well, be it in a lumbar yard, vet's center or in the cemetery. This film touches a number of issues, adoption, emotional pair, personal developement and the maturing process. All are captured in this film and the result is a fine movie that should be in every video library.

Although this film has the same kind of background as the plot in Miss Saigon,it seems to have a strange "freshness" about it. I think that the introduction of Miss Lea Salonga into this cast was the perfect choice for this story.She was of course the original girl to play Kim in the London cast of Miss Saigon.Her "Newness"to film acting comes through now and again,but it was a good performance,and a good story with a little twist at the end.

The first time I saw this film I was awe-struck because I lived in the mtns. where there were a large number of Vietnam vets hiding just as this film portrays. I had always wished I'd purchased the film, but didn't. Recently, I stumbled across it in a library & enjoyed it all over again. I was captivated by the story line and acting from beginning to end & won't miss purchasing it this time around!

My favorite part is the storyline because this vide talks about finding your true self, who you really are, in all aspects of life, not just nationality. I certainly wish there was a soundtrack to go with it. I wonder if Lea Salonga plays in the movie. She seems to be quite a good pianist. The actors are wonderful, and I especially liked Jeff Daniels as the Vietnam soldier who lived in the Redwood Forest. He fit the part so nicely that I didn't even know it was him until I saw the credits.

A great premise, and even more promising cast. However, Salonga's acting is terribly disappointing. She's very theatrical, possibly from her then-recent Miss Saigon experience. Expect a pretty slow-pace film.