Far and Away

This movie was one of the blockbuster kinds popular in the 1980s and 1990s -- epic story, big stars, powerful scenes and music. The story is about two Irish immigrants pushed out different reasons, make it to Boston, and then to the West. The three phases of the story are distinct and bring the characters together in the relationship, even though they were on different routes before. In America, the arrive poor like most Irish, but in a plot twist, they also have very different social backgrounds. The Tom Cruise character becomes a boxer to make money and the Nicole Kidman character is a nightclub dancer. What they really want, however, is independence.Cruise and Kidman give their usual strong performances. Back then, it was kind of fun for there to be such a strong female lead. The Kidman character is the "fiery woman" type character. Looking back, this was one of those movie made for the big screen experience. The action, adventure, and romance were key for making this film over the usual 90 minutes work (other feature films of the 90s era like the Merchant Ivory dramas were at times snoozers, going towards 2 or even 2 1/2 hours).The early 1990s were a very optimistic time in the US and the world, and in Ireland, and that spirit is reflected here. Today, though, we can also see that Ireland was, in the 1800s, an example of a nation with very limited natural resources where the weak lingered and dwelt in the past and the strong became pioneers. And, while millions emigrated they also brought with them their ideals, values, and distinctive character. They journeyed from the Old World and became an eternal feature of the spirit of America. Modern America's energy, intelligence, moral compass, and optimism came into existence from the work, adventures, and family life of our ancestors. Today, we can only hope that there is a frontier for new freedom and wealth as superb as the one they knew.

THE GOODRon Howard's Far and Away is a sprawling epic that was one of three 70mm film released in the 90's. It's a tale of a rogue poor Irish man and a Rich woman going to America to find some land of their own. It hearkens back to classic Hollywood films, in a similar way Titanic does. It's not the best epic of it's time but it's certainly not the worst.THE BADTom and Nicole are fine actors but they have terrible Irish accents. It's not too cringe worthy, just very inaccurate. They undoubtedly have good chemistry though.THE UGLYThe Blu-ray is transferred from a 35mm print. Meaning the resolution is cut in half and the aspect ratio has been cropped. It still looks good, but it doesn't look 70mm good. I would give this 5 stars if it was a 70mm transfer with a 2.20:1 aspect ratio.

Ron Howard directs a touching romance that depicts Irish Immigrants, played by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, coming to early America. They seek to find freedom, land, and love. Howard does a wonderful job directing sweeping panning shots as well as tender close up shots. From intimate private moments between the couple to spinning fight sequences, Howard captures everything so creatively in Far and Away.Thematically, Howard writes of an early America that is founded upon hope, greed, lust, selfishness, poverty, desperation, and a little kindness. You see how harsh life was in the start up settlements established in Boston and Oklahoma. I think Howard does a respectable job not fantasizing the plight of the immigrant with his realistic struggle and weighted depiction. You see Irish, Italian, British, Chinese, Black, and Native American people throughout the film. It feels like you are really there in the dusty set design, muddy costumes, and dim lighting.Furthermore, John Williams composed a very romantic score for Far and Away. The main theme is hopelessly tender and memorable. I absolutely love Williams' music for Far and Away. It fits the sweet tone and the dark atmosphere simultaneously.Lastly, the acting is Far and Away may have inconsistent Irish accents, but they pass as genuine for the most part. I find the enthusiasm and sincerity with which Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman speak quite endearing. They have both chemistry and charisma. They lead every second of Far and Away to loving greatness. Equally dramatic and comedic in tone, Cruise and Kidman develop a realistic relationship over the course of the movie. I find their performances to be captivating throughout the entirety of Far and Away's longer run time.In all, Ron Howard directed yet another masterpiece of cinema with this film. Far and Away is up there with Backdraft, Apollo 13, and A Beautiful Mind as his greatest movie. It is a moving romance and a deeply grounded drama. I hope you give Far and Away your time.

The film is credited as “directed”, “produced”, and “story” by Ron Howard, so it should be no surprise that Far and Away incorporates all the main themes seen throughout his body of work.The ebb and flow of relationships and/or the love story are generally the catalyst of the dramas, so the banter between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman has a chemistry that enriches the conquest of the characters, equally giving a comical undertone. Both Cruise and Kidman begin Far and Away with their own agendas, dreams, and opinions about America, but those ideas change as their relationship deepens, not unlike the rivalry seen in Rush.Cruise’s rise in the streets as an Irishman boxing for money is a preamble for Cinderella Man. From Cruise’s first scene in Far and Away there is a tenacity in his fight for a man of smaller stature; the aggression has a fearlessness. Of course, as a Ron Howard “story,” any and everything that can obliterate Cruise and Kidman’s prospects happens. However, it’s the non-stop fight of Cruise combined with the romantic union with Kidman that makes for a rousing comeback.

'Joseph Donnelly' (Tom Cruise) a potato-farmer working the fields in Ireland in the late 19th century seeks revenge forthe death of his Father blaming wealthy land-owner 'Daniel Christie' (Robert Prosky) his attempt failed miserably,it was at the big-house that he meets 'Christie's' daughter 'Shannon' (Nicole Kidman)'Shannon' persuades the young farmer to join er on a venture to the New-World 'America to seek land and fortune.On the voyage 'Shannon' treats 'Joseph' as a servant, after all she was a lady of means in the big-house, he, a humble farmerworking the land her father owned they learn that the lands are indeed being given away in Oklahoma, they have to race tostake their claim, however Boston where they land is 1000 miles from the territory.They have no money to buy a wagon and horses they will have to work, it's tough, 'Joseph' turns to fightingt to earn a crust,further misfortune awaits them just when they realize they have feelings for each other, circumstances see them pulled appart.However they will meet again in Oklahoma as they both seek the lands they crossed the Ocean to claim.Will they share the dream or will circumstances keep them apart ?A sweeping drama that will pull you in as the two seek their fortune in America.A long time since previously watching this 1992 movie, of course both, then young actors certainly went on to achieve much duringtheir careers ...and still do to this day.............well worth a re-visit or indeed a first viewing.The Blu-Ray upgrade is good.

Underrated.Great movie.

This was a real bargain three films s for the price of one I have really enjoyed watching them

This is not a bad movie from Tom Cruise' earlier films back in the 90s. It's not an Oscar winning performance nor is it fantastic but it is enjoyable to watch.The print from the blu ray is not bad, but sadly there are no features on here either.

Cannot fault the customer service!!! Amazing.Films great too ☺