Tom Cruise Movie:

Editorial Review:
Filmed in the widescreen splendor of "Panavision Super 70" and blessed with the finest production values that Hollywood clout can buy, this tale of spunky Irish immigrants forgot one crucial ingredient: a decent screenplay. The film is entertaining enough, and director Ron Howard brings his technical proficiency to the simple plot, culminating in a dynamic, breathtaking depiction of the Oklahoma land rush of 1893. But the movie is really just a vacuous vehicle for married stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as (respectively) the poor tenant farmer and rich landlord's daughter who flee Ireland to be American pioneers. The scenery and the stars are never less than stunning, but Howard falls short of the mark in his attempt to match the epic sweep of films by David Lean. On the other hand, this movie is certainly never boring even if it rarely makes sense, and Lean's own Irish epic, Ryan's Daughter, is a snoozer by comparison. --Jeff Shannon

Far and Away [Region 2] Reviews:
Offensive Language
2009-09-19 - Some may consider it tripe, but when I buy a movie that's rated PG, I assume the language is at least something my children/grandchildren hear in our house. Not so in this movie. I am not offended if they leave the God swear words out, but I AM offended if they (Hollywood) think it makes it a hot-shot, cool, liberated and child friendly movie. Maybe their children/grandchildren are exposed to this kind of disrespect, but mine are not! I wish I had been warned, so I am warning others.

The accents were there sometimes and not there at other times. I could have gotten over this. As I watched the movie progress, I almost felt sorry for Ron Howard. This was a B rated movie, in my opinion, from the beginning (even without the God words). Why do they use God's name (and His Son's) to swear by and never Buddha, Mohammed or even satan himself?

The scenery (I love Ireland) was beautiful. The storyline and acting were pitiful. I could almost feel the struggle to make it work and I struggled with them. I so enjoy period films, but this was a disappointment and was filed in my round file where all language like this belongs. You can fast forward through the constant fighting scenes, but it's hard to catch the words of the actors and fast forward through them. I wish more reviewers would comment on the language, violence and sex scenes in movies. I admit, I did not watch it all the way to the end. It was boring even before the offensive language.

Release this 70mm classic on Blu-ray!!!
2009-08-31 - The story is simple and as timeless as film. Poor boy and rich girl meet and fall in love despite the obstacles of social status. Hardly original as an idea, but the epic setting and the way the principle cast (Cruise and Kidman) engage the viewer and the chemistry between them make this a memorable film. Regardless of what you think of the actors, this is a must-not-miss film.

Some excellent horseback riding in the climactic scene is a bonus, as is the hugeness of the climax, in the pre-CGI era of filmmaking.

Only complaint is that the DVD release is old. The encoding technology has come a long way since this was released. Compression artifacts are very visible on an HD screen, and sort of spoil the incredible scenery of Ireland and Oklahoma. Also it looks like the colors could use some work. I did not see this film in the theatre, so I don't know if that is the way it was shot or the way it was encoded.

The film was shot on 70mm. The only way to do it justice would be to remaster and release it in high definition Blu-Ray.

EDIT: John Williams' incredible score for this film is by itself worth the price of a rental or even a buy.

Just wanted more
2009-08-29 - This is a fine film, beautifully shot and well acted. I loved this movie when I first saw it. I read the book that was based on the screenplay and it contained some excellent scenes that apparently were left on the cutting room floor to overcome the 2 plus hour length. These scenes were some of my favorites and I want to see them. I want to see a director's cut of the full film with those scenes included. Ron Howard are you listening? How could you take off the dream scene where his father introduces him to his dead ancestors or the one at the end where Shannon is chasing their little son through the wheat fields of their Oklahoma farm? Love this movie because it represents the dreams, trials and hopes of all immigrants to this amazing country and especially the Irish experience.

American Immigrants of the 19th Century
2009-05-14 - The story of immigrants of the 19th century is an exhilerating story of an Irish couple driven to have a better way of life in the young and upcoming industrial society of America. Every part of this movie keeps your attention - particularly if your ancestery is Irish, as mine is. Casting selection of actors is perfect! Very high spirited personalities for the characters.

A Great Movie
2009-05-11 - I first saw this movie years ago in my high school American History class and have loved it ever since. It's a fantastic story set in one of America's most interesting times. A great history tale with a little romance and adventure mixed in!