Customer Reviews

Where the Rivers Flow North

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Director Jay Craven's adaptation of Howard Frank Mosher's 'Where the rivers flow north' is one of the finest transitions from literature to the screen I've ever witnessed. Craven is obviously an admirer of Mosher's work -- he also directed 'A stranger in the Kingdom', another piece of fine writing from this Vermont writer.

The cast is absolutely superb -- especially Rip Torn and Tantoo Cardinal. Torn throws himself into what could be the finest role of his career with such totality that he BECOMES Noel Lord, the fiercely independent former lumberjack who is the center of this story. Tantoo Cardinal's portrayal of Lord's live-in housekeeper/common-law wife is dead-on as well. I'm both amazed and disappointed that neither of them were nominated for Oscars when this film was released -- I suppose it was overlooked among all of the 'blockbusters' that year, which is a real shame. Performances of this calibre should be acknowledged. The only character that's a little hard to swallow for me is the power company executive played by Michael J. Fox -- Fox is a good actor in his own right, but he just looks too much like a kid in this role. I guess there's a curse attached to youthful looks, no matter how much people want them.

The score by the Horseflies is also first rate -- it fits the mood and scenery perfectly.

Craven has done a nice job here in bringing the character of early 20th century Vermont to the screen -- locations, angles, sets, all combine to transport the viewer to the time and place of the story.

And the story itself...? One of the most compelling portrayals of the fiercely independent American pioneer spirit ever -- a trait that is on the wane in this day and age. When it appears in modern times, the person is often looked upon with suspicion and disdain. In Noel Lord, we have a character whom we can admire for his values, and even for his stubbornness.

This is not a stodgy 'period piece' -- this is a vibrant look at an era that is gone, and a type of character that has all but vanished. These are not gold-plated heroes, but real people, with both strengths and weaknesses at play within them. struggling in a harsh environment to live their lives and at the same time be at peace with the world in which they live. Like today, there are those who weild power that would have it otherwise.

This is one of my favorite films of the modern era -- I cannot recommend it highly enough.

If I could give this more stars I would...... The photography is beautiful and gives justice to the setting.... The music is perfect but the acting is just incredible. What a pair... Rip Torn as "Mister" became my favorite all time actor with this one. Tantoo Cardinal is perfect in her role.

I have seen this movie 64 times, and I plan on seeing it at least 1,000 times more. It has an awesome plot; the chemistry between the actors is absolutely amazing, and it has superb camera work.
I would recommend this movie to anyone seeking a quiet night in front of the television! It is a bit "slow" but the acting and plot make the time well spent.

While this is one of my favorite movies and stories from my life, I might be a tad biased. I grew up in the kingdom and my heart will always be from there.
Before i go any further, lets just say, Amazon reviews suck. Virginia?
Are you on crack? Did your writers review anything? It's Vermont morons, not Virginia.
Frank Howard Moshers book was wonderful, as was Jay Cravens adaptation of the story.
Filmed where i grew up,the people I know in the movie were great. The story which rang true for many people when the power companies and or government needed right of way, destroyed their land, and lives.This is real life, sadly not fiction
I watched this movie at the Catamont theater in St.Johnsbury VT when it came out. You should own this and watch this

This movie was filmed in Vermont by moderate to successful actors filming for a Vermont Film maker.

The story is totally believable, the charators are believeable and it is a wonderful movie to just sit and watch on a Sunday afternoon.

Rip Torn plays a gritty old logger who just wants to keep his forest and trout streams in tact but is suddenly pitted against Michael J. Fox and a corporation that wants to build a big dam that will take them all away. The movie is commendable for not making the dam-builders horrible monsters and Torn the epitome of moral righteousness: the former want to bring modern services to remote areas and the latter is not an example of political correctness. Tantoo Cardinal plays Torn's wife, and she is perhaps the biggest asset in the movie; she is a spunky and sensitive actress. The storyline is a strong one (it's set during the 1920s), and the photography is stunning. Made on a tight budget, the production makes up for cut corners with sincerity of purpose. Pretty good movie, all around.

This film seems to be about as authentic as possible reflecting wilderness life near the turn of the century. Keeps you on the edge of your seat as the story developes with an ending that is unexpected.

GREAT movie ( I'm in it !! )The movie was shot in Northern Vermont. Our Model T club showed up in force with our old cars. This is a movie that was produced for a couple million dollars. If Hollywood did the same movie, it would have been 20 million.

I picked this movie up for $3 someplace and didn't expect too much. Boy, was I surprised! The acting was superb, the writing and dialogue was exquisite. In fact, the movie was a 5 star movie in every way someone might rate a movie.
"Stunning," "Fantastic. A must see." "Magnificent." are all ways his movie is described. I agree.

This movie is a love story between two mountain people who live off the land and "progress" attempts to drive them off it. The scenery shot in Vermont and New Hampshire is gorgeous. The performances were incredible. There is not a wasted word or scene in this movie. All are essential to understanding the lead characters and the flow of the story. You will be riveted to the television screen.