Reviews

Maybe it was that the movie was not a blockbuster, maybe it was because Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman just happen to be two of the greatest actors of all time, but I feel that it is a mixture of a bunch of small things that made it wonderful. This movie tugs at the heart strings and actually gives a realistic picture of what life is like. The whole story is portrayed with the backdrop of the most scenic valley in the Rocky Mountains (I believe Canadian Rockies). Simple, yet complex. Few movies can actually be said to have this. There are some parts which I feel could have been left out, such as Josh Lucas' part (was it actually necessary?) but overall one of the best movies ever made, and I feel perhaps the greatest that was never released in a movie theater. All of the human emotion is felt: Loyalty between two best friends, Remorse and Regret, Love and Compassion, as well as Respect for nature and for a way of life. The premise of this movie provides a way to bring the problems of two completely different worlds together: the domestic violence and issues of a mother and daughter collide with a sulking, miserable father who disdain life but is loyal to a best friend. The best scenes are the ones between Morgan Freeman and Robert Redford, the dialog was original and realistic. I feel perhaps Jennifer Lopez might have been miscast, but I feel she still does a good job overall. 10/10, and I encourage everyone to see it, and don't let the fact that it wasn't a major release deter you from watching. A great film to watch with your family, possibly not good for smaller children but teenagers and young adults should watch this with their parents!

With this version out, there is no contest that this is by far the best version. No question that many of the other versions only cover about 16 of the 34 full chapters of Bronte's masterpiece. Therefore with this in mind, and the absolutely stunning performances from both Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, that this should be a staple in everyone's movie repertoire. The sweeping Gothic backdrop paints a somber and dark canvas for the movie to be played out upon. The powerful performance by Heathcliff (Fiennes) is shown in the scene when he is talking on the moor after finding out Catherine's death, the mixed emotions of hatred, despair, and hurt are seen as he shows how heartbroken in the news of her demise, with the words in mind "Haunt me then..." (by far and away the best line in the book). Catherine (Juliette Binoche) plays a wonderful counterpart to Heathcliff's malevolent, obsessive nature. She shows that there is a bright spot in the dark Gothic terrain known as Wuthering Heights. With an unreal soundtrack to go along with supreme acting and overall ability to stay true to Bronte's masterpiece, this movie is second to none, a 10 in my opinion, and should be in yours as well!