![]() ![]() Audiences today have attention spans like gnats on heroin and this picture requires too much thought. I don't think "The Kidnappers" could be made now. It's a unique film for its sustained absolute realism all the way, and the only film I can think of to come near it in character was "Johnny Belinda" also from Nova Scotia, but this film was all made in England. The music is perhaps a little over-dramatising the events but very efficient as such. It's a very heart-warming film, and the ladies have their important say as well, finally actually even overcoming the latent local civil war over the ownership of a tiny hill. The two small boys eventually find something to cuddle with like a dog, keeping it away form the grown-ups to avoid their eating it up. The sinister grandpa won't have a dog, since dogs can't be eaten, and he only keeps animals for eating them. It's really the story of a dog, no dog is allowed in the film, the only one appearing doesn't turn up until after half the film, and still it's all about a dog. Most impressing though is the tale that is told. Theodore Bikel as usual makes a great impression, here as the one outsider, a Dutch doctor who is loathed for his origin, since there has been one casualty from the island in the Boer war - this is 1904, but all the other actors are perfect as well, especially of course the children. If any book is allowed at all, it's the Bible - or, as the only other book mentioned, "The Pilgrim's Progress". Every detail is 100% genuine in the almost intimate rendering of primitive life among primitive people in the wilderness of Nova Scotia, where almost no one even can read - the only established standard and education allowed is a fiercely puritan one. The overwhelming genuineness makes this fim a masterpiece. I hope that this is available on DVD as I would truly value the chance to share this story with my year 5 class. A wonderful film that has easily stood the test of time and reminds everyone who watches how precious a gift love is. He may not say it but by God he loves those boys and only wants what is best for them. The ending makes me cry every time showing the change in the grandfather who is finally able to show the love he has for his family. ![]() Wow!That is acting, making us feel all they are feeling with the sparest of movements. The subtle romance carried on between Kirsty and Wilhelm is shown beautifully through the use of expression facially and in tone, a controlled, almost heartbreaking exploration of suppressed feelings. Carried out off screen the faces of the three on screen characters, the granny, Aunt Kirsty and the younger child show their feelings and the strictures of a society that demands the respect of discipline without question. There are so many scenes worth noting, particularly when the Grandfather beats the older boy. The children are adorable and their language and movement incredibly well used by the director/writer. I saw this film recently and was reminded of just how good it is. ![]()
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