Customer Reviews

Shadowlands [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
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This BBC production of C.S.Lewis life is rich, very much better than the Hollywoodized version with Anthony Hopkins, etc.

What they leave out (the choice spiritual parts) this British production highlights, e.g. the scene after the funeral with Lewis highly angry and God and pouting as a little boy. He is brought back in a most touching scene in the attic with his wife's two small boys.

What this man went through from a foremost critic of the faith to one of its most prominent defenders is well showcased. The highlight however, remains the pain of his newly wed wife being taken so quickly from him.

Heartwrenching, yet profoundly edifying and inspirational. So well done. Wish there were more demand in our country for such quality without all the sensational and violent and sensual. Speaks too loud about where we are as a nation.

This film is definitely the one to view repeatedly for C.S. Lewis fans.

Am I REALLY the first person to write about this marvellous film? Incredible!
Anyhow: this is a wonderfully subtle, beautifully acted, deeply moving film. And it's a great shame it's out of order!
An elderly British university professor (Joss Ackland) and a middle-aged American lady (Claire Bloom) meet quite by chance, can't stand each other - and eventually fall very deeply in love with each other. Once they find the courage to leave their individual lives/isolation, they decide to get married and spend the rest of their lives together - only to find out that the lady is dying of cancer. I won't even try to describe how the great British (stage) actor Joss Ackland - whom I admired years ago at Stratford-on-Avon as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company - acts his part as the (gentle) man who loses his great love. But you will find VERY few performances matching this one!
One might find the whole story depressing, - and in a way it is, because it is intensely sad. But it also is a triumphant proof of what excellent acting can achieve!
Unforgettable, deeply moving (also due to a superb performance by Claire Bloom) - and, as I said in the title - absolutely wonderful.
SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE AGAIN SOON!

Joss Ackland does a wonderful depiction of CS (Jack) Lewis in this film. The way he portrays Lewis' relationship with Joy and her two sons is marvelous. The tasteful insertion of quotes from "The Problem of Pain," as well as other small things really made the film to be great. A must see for all Lewis fans.

I saw this beautiful story about two wonderful, intellingent, devoted human beings...Dealt very honestly with Lewis's faith and the trouble he had keeping it after he lost his beloved joy..I couldn't believe how Hollywood took this classic and TRUE story and totally misrepsented Lewis's life in the version starring Anthony Hopkins..It actually had him DENYING that the Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was a Christian meaphor,,,
A Great film this one, I have watched it countless times and it continues to inspire me...

I saw this version many years ago on PBS.There have been other versions of the story,but this one is my favorite. Joss Ackland and Claire Bloom give superb performances. I'd highly recommend this version.