Product Details

• Actors: Rip Torn, Tantoo Cardinal, Bill Raymond, Mark Margolis, Michael J. Fox
• Directors: Jay Craven
• Writers: Jay Craven, Don Bredes, Howard Frank Mosher
• Producers: Alan Davis, Bernd Schaefers, Bess O'Brien, Glenn Aveni
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Phase 4 Films (USA)
• VHS Release Date: November 21, 1995
• Run Time: 106 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303222560
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #96,029 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Rip Torn was critically acclaimed for his commanding performance in this 1993 drama set in Virginia in 1927. Where the Rivers Flow North is about an old-time logger who defends his property against a pair of power-company executives (Michael J. Fox and Bill Raymond) seeking to build a dam on Torn's leased land. Native American actress Tantoo Cardinal is equally superb as Torn's longtime partner and ardent supporter, and the strength of their relationship is what gives this modestly budgeted, beautifully photographed independent feature most of its high-spirited appeal. The film, adapted from a novel by Howard Frank Mosher, was written and directed by Jay Craven, and would likely have earned Rip Torn an Oscar nomination had it been more widely seen at the time of its release. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT ADAPTATION OF A WONDERFUL STORY, August 8, 2001

By 

Larry L. Looney (Austin, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Where the Rivers Flow North (DVD)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rip Rips it and Tantoo tatoos it, January 24, 2004

By 

stuart bullard (south carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Where the Rivers Flow North [VHS] (VHS Tape)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 64 times, and counting, August 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Where the Rivers Flow North (DVD)

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.