1 Story Pacing Off for Me
I would rate this movie 3.5 stars if half stars were an option. Most of the reviews have this movie rated at 5 stars so I know that puts me at odds with a majority here. I thought this was a captivating story, with gorgeous scenery shots, and marvelous casting. So why only 3.5 stars? I'm not sure if it was editing or directing but I found that the pacing and some of the shots were distracting to the point where I couldn't really become absorbed in the story or characters. A couple of the shots of Rachel Weiz staring wide eyed into the camera lasted long enough that for me it went by the effect I think the director intended. I thought even she started to look uncomfortable. The movie is slow paced through many portions, with beautiful and deliberate wide shots of people walking across fields with the ocean in the background or horse drawn carriages traveling down rustic roads. Don't get me wrong, I loved those shots. Its just that pivotal moments in the plot, such as when Amy's mother confesses who her father really is or when her things in the cave are burned, feel really rushed by comparison. These things were so briefly treated that they didn't impact me as much as they should have or give me much feeling for how they would impact the characters. Then there was the love scene in the ocean water. I grew up on an island in the Atlantic ocean at around the same latitude. After five minutes in the water even in summer your body would feel numb and your teeth would be chattering. Okay, maybe the water might be warmer there and they are in a grotto with a fire. I still think it was cold and even if not that dress she had on would weigh about 50 lbs when wet and the saltwater would be so sticky. Finally, in the last moments of the movie I really thought the next development in the Yanko/Amy saga would be their toddler aged son plunging to his death after playing unattended on the cliffs. These are my criticisms but I still think this movie is worth a watch, especially if you love the ocean. Even with the fine casting and performances of Kathy Bates and Ian McKellen the ocean is the biggest star of the film.
2 Comfort in the Storms of Life
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit. ~Helen Keller
Amy's life is lonely and she lives in almost complete silence, obeying the wishes of the family she works for in a coastal village. She is captivated by the sea and collects treasures that float up on the beach near her secret hideout/cave. For the first part of the movie, she seems to be living in a dream world. While some think she is a simpleton, others think she is a witch who can conjure storms. She has a gentle, patient, malleable nature.
Often Amy (Rachel Weisz) is found dancing in the rain or standing in a window letting the wind and rain drench her clothes. She is a child of the water and loves the rain, rivers and the ocean. She seems to drift from reality into fantasy as she twirls in the rain. In fact, it seems she dreams her true love into life. She seems to be calling to him from the cliffs of Cornwall.
Yanko (Vincent Perez) arrives in Amy's village and changes her life. He is the only survivor of a shipwreck. He finds himself in a foreign land with no way to communicate with the residents. They fear strangers and almost kill him a few times before they allow him to live a normal life.
Amy seems to be a naturally kind and compassionate Pices. She also seems to be in love with Yanko from the moment they gaze at one another through the kitchen window. Like two trapped animals set free, they run to each other whenever possible and share a secret world only they understand.
"I'm your home and you're mine." ~Yanko
While both Yanko and Amy seems to live at a higher level of existence, you might be shocked by the downright cruelty of many of the villagers. There is a sharp contrast between those who are accepting of Yanko and those who are willing to shun even those who talk to Yanko. Amy not only faces distain because of her quiet manner, she is also hated because she welcomes Yanko into her life. She accepts him like a gift from the sea.
James Kennedy (Ian McKellen) realizes he is one of the Russian emigrants from a recent shipwreck while the rest of the village views him more cautiously. James doesn't seem to know the full story and the wounds are only healed by retelling the story to Yanko's former employer.
At times this movie borders on cinematic extravagance. The widescreen edition is stunning in places. Scenes of Amy dancing in the rain in a blue haze, horses pulling carriages across vast expanses of land, trains, seascapes, ships and an abundance of lush scenery at the edge of the ocean.
Being a lover of the ocean myself, I rather liked this movie. Not only is the scenery gorgeous, the score is dramatic, romantic, filled with longing and almost torturous in places.
Swept from the Sea is a story of two people who have a connection to the ocean and who understand one another on the deepest levels of the soul. Most of what goes on in this movie seems to go on in your own mind. Yanko and Amy seem to almost speak to one another telepathically. At times it is pure magic!
~TheRebeccaReview.com
3 tres bien!!
This movie was perfect. Great plot, gorgeous cinamatography, impeccable acting by Rachel, Ian, and of course Vincent. Everytime I see Vincent Perez in anything, he makes my heart ache. The first time i saw him was in "Indochine", I was 10 years old, and I totally fell in love. 10 years later, I still think he's amazing, he's one of those actors who just gets better and better with age.
4 Great for a night with the girlfriends!
My best friend and I just watched this and absolutely loved it. It's a five hankie movie, though, so be prepared.
Vincent Perez and Rachel Weisz are both beautiful and we quickly fell in love with their characters.
In fact, all the actors were wonderful. We were left with a bittersweet but satisfied feeling when the credits rolled.
5 moved my entire soul
This is one of those love stories that destroys hearts. Not in a bad way, but melts them like ice. This story reminds me a lot of Titanic. Titanic has a wonderful story, as does Braveheart. I rate this movie along with Titanic and Braveheart.
Braveheart has a gorgeous love story. Titanic does too. Swept From The Sea is its own! It is so unique!
I don't know what else to say, but one must see it to understand how much I love it. It is a movie that will be deeply buried within my mind. A jewel. So tender and kind!
BRILLIANT!
6 Beautiful and at the same time sad...
This is one of my favorite films ever. Swept From The Sea is a beautiful but sad story about two tragic lovers. The love they have for one another goes deeper than the sea. A Russian man called Yanko, the only living survivor of a ship that had been swallowed by the sea while on route to America to start a new life, washes to the shores of Cornwall England. The ignorance of the people who find him and how they treat him is sad, however, he is treated kindly by Amy Foster. She is a quiet and kind girl who helps Yanko who was locked away in a shed by her employer. One of the best scenes in the movie is when she sneaks out and brings the scared Yanko a blaket, food, water and a towel. She begins to wash his hands, feet and face. The look of such gratitude... I can't describe the beauty of that scene... Yanko is so touched by this woman's kindness it brings him to tears. That scene was so real and so moving. Amy Foster is an outcast because she is quiet and shy and Yanko is an outcast because he's from another part of the world. The time that the film is set in has alot to do with the ignorance of the people. Very few accepted Amy and Yanko. This movie is so wonderful and a MUST SEE for everyone. I don't want to say more to give it away. Make sure you have a box of KLEENEX!
CHEERS!
7 A truly wonderful and heart-breaking movie
I loved this movie! I was so drawn into the characters, it seems that they truly exisited heart and soul. The story of Yanko and Amy Foster will be with me for a very long time. Very seldom does a movie touch a person's heart, but this one did. It is a haunting love story that you will never forget. This is one to buy and watch again and again!!
8 A Beautiful Masterpiece
The beauty of the Cornwall Coast is only matched by the beauty of Rachel Weisz and Vincent Perez. Is there another actor who can convey so much through his eyes? This is also a story of how unkindly those who are considered a bit different can be treated. It is a great love story and I am so glad I own it so I can watch it agin.I have been to Cornwall and the power of the sea is there. Candace Serviss
9 A Truly Magnificent Romantic Masterpiece
Many previous reviewers have summarized this movie very very well. After seeing this movie, all I can add is, it should be up there with "Star Wars", "It's A Wonderful Life", "Gandhi", "ET", and many others who are known the world over. The story is so well acted, draws one in so well that the depth of feeling the viewer feels and the incredible acting and production makes this a movie that should have been a top-award winning movie, and only proves to me how out of touch with audiences the movie critics truly are. A must see movie, and to own and watch over and over.
10 Awesome Movie!!!
I don't know why this didn't make it into the theatres or why the critics didn't like this movie. This movie is the best romance movie besides Splendor in the Grass. I love this movie and you should too.
This movie takes place in Cornwall, England in the 19th century. It's about a misunderstood, outcast Amy Foster (Rachel Weisz) who is a servant that is in love with the sea because no one else will love her until a stormy night that brings a Ukrainian man, Yanko (Vincent Perez)to her. He is also a outcast and is considered a lunitic because he is not English or can not speak it until the town's doctor, Kennedy(Ian McKellan) teaches him it...but still he is not liked. Yanko and Amy fall in love and marry and this movie has a beautiful and heartwrenching ending that I won't spoil. There is some beautiful scenery and a great story based upon Joseph Conrad's short story. I really love this movie and can watch it over and over...
11 Breathtaking & Heartwrenching
What first appealed to me was the soundtrack--music was composed and conducted by Mr. John Barry of incomparable fame for beautiful soundtracks like: Somewhere in Time, Out of Africa, My Life,Zulu, many of the James Bond themes like Goldfinger, Thunderball--the list goes on.
When I read a review by some critic who gets paid for voicing a "personal opinion," I usually take it with a grain of salt, such critics gave "Somewhere in Time" only a 1-star rating. I happened to read the review by a famous movie critic who gave SWEPT FROM THE SEA a poor review. That being the case, he was either suffering from jet lag or never saw the entire film--his rating of the this moving drama was unfounded. (He should be honest enough to return his fee for his rating and move on to something he can understand) "Swept from the Sea" not only offers beautiful locals, but EVERYTHING was superbly crafted and executed.
I won't go into the particulars of the theme other than it well illustrates how truly rotten people can be and how "true love" can overcome the greatest of obtacles. It's much more than just a love story, it surrounds one with realizm. Rachel Weisz, Vincent Perez and Ian McKellen give powerful performances, even when they don't speak.
Overall, if you enjoyed films like Somewhere in Time, My Life, Moment to Moment, this movie will tug at the heartstrings too. Swept from the Sea is a masterpiece-- a must see!
12 A romance with a lot of possibilities
The story idea in "Swept from the Sea" is a very good one. I also liked the fact that there is actually a film out there where we didn't have to witness vivid sex scenes and endure filthy language. I thought that the actors were all very good. However, if I had written the story, I would have spent more time dwelling on Amy and Yanko first realizing how deep their feelings were. I thought that part moved too fast. The "eyes meeting" or "sparks flying from just a little touch" parts were too few and far between. But, overall I would say it was good.
The music is absolutely beautiful! John Barry is a genious in bringing on emotion with music. One of my all time favorite movie scores is from "Somewhere in Time", which he also composed. The "Swept from the Sea" soundtrack is now another of my favorites.
13 A Treasure Trove Love
This movie more than expounds on the Conrad story, "Amy Fisher," it makes it far more tragic, poignant, and bittersweet.
While I didn't catch on to the religious overtones, I certainly felt there was something divine about this film. Rachel Weisz plays an estranged girl whose collection of flotsam and jetsam from the sea leads to her encounter with a russian man. Unable to speak English, he fumbles to learn the ways of his new world, while falling hopelessly in love with the quiet, tender young woman.
The cave scene is not only seductive it is overtly symbollic. Everything Amy has ever truly loved has found its way to her from the sea. Even this man. In that moment, it's all with her there in the cave, safely collected, hidden, and more importantly not of her "land" world.
If you love this one, try 'Firelight' with Sophie Marceau. It conjures the same kind of gothic romance theme: love waiting to be consumed and requited.
14 Swept from the sea.
First of all, this is my first movie review.
I've just seen this movie on television. It really touched me in some way. The dramatic story, good acting and the beautiful coast at Cornwall leaves a very positive feeling. I never heard of this movie untill tonight. If you like a dramatic lovestory from good quality, this is the movie for you.
15 Breathtaking
A gorgeous, and virtually overlooked film! I stumbled across it quite by accident through a perusal of romantic period films, and let me say, this one leaves them all behind! The scenery and backdrop is stunning, the acting supurb, and the score haunting. The story of an outcast, a foreigner, and their tragic romance will leave you in tears, especially at the end. Forgiveness, Christian values, and the power of love inspire and enhance a wonderful film, perfect for any fan of beautiful love stories.
16 Piscean, Astrological and Unique
This film is extremely Piscean. Powerful! Racheal Weisz is herself a Pisces, born on the same day as I. March 7th! When I bought this film without even seeing it first I knew intuitively I had found a pearl just by the plot and by the Actress from "the mummy". Everything in this film is Piscean and "fishy". Some parts remind meof Jesus as someone else mentioned on this review page. This is the most intense, romantic movie I have ever seen in my whole life. Not to mention gorgeous and beautiful! Rachel and Vincent are perfectly cast together! Vincent's innocent smiles and Russian accents. Rachel's mysterious, highly independent and sensitive nature is astounding for the movie. I love the scene where she and Vincent are making love for the first time, and in water in a cave, for her first time. His gentleness and her innocence are so powerful and erotic. This film is so mature and strong, yet very poignant in its story. Some parts are very tragical and difficult to watch. Rachel and Vincent were excellent in making me weep!
17 A Heart-felt spirituality
This film, I trust, will continue to draw enthusiasts for generations (not just per us women).
It explores the classic, magnetic theme of the Divine Romance, the eternal union of Lover and Beloved, that neither religious hypocrisy nor anything else may destroy.
To appreciate just how creative and perceptive the screenwriting and directing are, you might read, for contrast, the original short story, "Amy Foster," by the great writer, Joseph Conrad. His rendition certainly is gripping, yet leaves me with a subdued, unfulfilling aftertaste. Mr. Conrad left the love-relationship, and story-ending, ambiguous. At the end, doubts are raised, unresolved, by the author: was the heroine actually capable of loving the hero, or perhaps she was too simple-minded even to remember his existence.
The film version is weighted, from the start, in favor of the girl, Amy, as one who truly loves the foreigner. It seems the authentic angle, for me. In opting for an eternal love, the film elevates to spiritual levels, what was an intriguing, yet basically, mundane short story. It's stirring.
Other liberties are taken with the original tale, and justified by the awesome results: the doctor and Amy's parents are given background and conflict. The latter heightens the drama in which the young lovers are embroiled.
As in Mr. Conrad's version, the hero, Yanko, is a warm, affectionate, open, vulnerable being. In spiritual terms, he would embody the sacred wandering "Fool" exhibiting crazy wisdom, that befuddles, frightens, the townspeople.
Focusing on one specific tradition, Christianity, the film speaks about, and to, all religions. It cannot be coincidental that there is overt Christian-oriented symbolism: When the shipwrecked foreigner approaches the farmhouse window, he resembles in long hair, sweet silent demeanor, a traditional representation of Christ. Later, in the shed, the girl serves him humbly, washes his feet, his cheeks. Her actions are a composite, evoking accounts of women-followers of Christ, one wiping his feet with her tears and hair, or another, his face (the Shroud of Turin origin).
Who saves whom, is the underlying question throughout the story. In the above barn scene, in a potent, sacramental role, Amy asks him, "Can you eat this bread?" That touched me. She is offering him the experience of nourishing communion. Later, the hero feels his only hope, in a strange land, is to meet again "the girl who fed him bread." Ironically, his inner needs are revealed by outer suffering. Driven by outer thirst, at the beginning of, and afterwards in, the film, the hero's anguish reflects a classic spiritual scenario, the request for a cup of water.
Yanko also acts as a saviour to his Beloved. Yanko's goal is to deliver her from the claustrophobic world in which she's been trapped. For her sake, he challenges deadly employees and parents and vicious vandals.
The couple's humanness, however, threatens their rescuing ability. Going deeper, the film overall, via the lovers' crises, seems to project what I see as compelling truth: the infinite, saving Spirit of Divine Love. The latter is there to be recognized by the two. If they let it, it will transcend the pair's imperfect, frail efforts to understand, protect, each other,and unite them for eternity, in their bond of devotion.
The story encourages us, whatever our religion, to develop empathy. When Amy speaks of the sea as a "repository of hearts" waiting to be "reborn," the hero sputters, "But this is not Christian?" Nevertheless, he then instinctively embraces her. He realizes here that his acceptance of her purity, unconditional love, is not the rejection, but the very blossoming of his Christian faith. He does not forget his religion. He has no qualms about plans to marry inside the village church, the exterior of which was the site, where service-goers had spurned him. The emphasis for the two seems ever to be on their developing fidelity to the mystical heart of love.
The actors are superb, each one expressing sensitivity in nuanced ways. Rachel Weisz, the Amy character, via several close-ups, reminds me of photos of a pre-Kennedy, young-adult Jackie Bouvier. There's a simple quiet dignity and refinement to her character, to her movements. This is strikingly at odds with the coarseness of her attire, parents, employers, villagers, and jagged-rock landscape.
Ian McKellen mesmerizes. He sometimes seems to step out of character, and confide, once with pain, once in triumph, later in amusement, about his reality of being different. Vincent Perez radiates compassion, and his performance is heartwrenching and formidable.
Watching, and re-playing, Swept From The Sea, many might find themselves, indeed, swept by emotions, transcendent, effervescent. Memorable.
Reviewer: Cory Giacobbe
18 Heart-felt, greatly directed & realistic actors = 5 Stars!
Words cannot describe the realisticness of not only the actor's characters, but the fine film making as well. There is only so much a review can help you envision, and my goal is to make you want to see this movie (that mind you is not available at a Blockbuster near you). My words of wisdom? If you have ever felt the sensation of happiness, longing, lust, or even true love for that matter. . . buy this movie. If you have ever dealt with the feelings of being outcast from society, or just simply misunderstood. . . see this movie. If you still can't decide if this is the movie for you, then by all means try your best to watch this wonderful movie on cable before you come back here to buy it. . .just as I did.
19 critics be damned
Swept from the Sea is one of those breathtaking movies that you get lost in, and forget the rest of the world. The entire film is flawless, with moving performances by all actors. They showed the full depth and complexity of their characters, and moved the audience scene after scene. Ian McKellen must be one of the best actors in the world, his face conveys so much emotion so easily. If critics don't feel moved by this movie, then they are made of stone..... let them have Schwartzenegger.
20 Critics have lost touch with with great film making!
I had to write this in the hopes that some off-base "movie critic" would happen to read it, and maybe get the hint that he/she is way out of touch with love, beauty and amazing film making. "Swept From The Sea" is one of the most wrenching films I've ever seen, evoking passion, heartache and intense joy in the audience one scene after another. It is the story of a ship-wrecked Ukranian who finds himself on the shores of hostile Cornwall, England, and how he finds acceptance and "true gold" in the heart of misunderstood Amy Foster. The acting is superb, with breath-taking Vincent Perez exuding more emotion and energy with a glance than most leading men are able to in a monologue. Rachel Weisz's elegant beauty and dignity brings Amy's character the fierce strength and delicate femininity that Yanko falls so deeply in love with. Ian McKellan and Kathy Bates add depth and diversity to the film with their individual impressions of the doomed love affair and McKellan's shocked realization of his ill-placed resentment for Amy is a scene that will stay with you a long time. In all, "Swept From The Sea" seemed to be taken by critics as Amy was taken by the townspeople of Cornwall...simple, dull and not worth the effort to understand or accept...and just like Amy, this film proved them wrong. It is complex and beautiful, sweet, powerful and deeply touching. Everyone should see this gem of a film...it will help you appreciate those dear to you as you search for the Amys and Yankos in your lives.
21 Can we rate whether Leonard Maltin was helpful?
"Swept From the Sea" engaged me from the begining credits to its tearful ending. With a terrific cast, spacious scenery, and delicate love story, it reaches out and shows us that prejudices and fears -- even storms and illness cannot stop the bonds of love between two who have found their home within each other. Such a subject, though often attempted, is seldom communicated as brilliantly as in this wonderful film.
22 One of the most underrated films ever!
I was dissapointed to learn that critics hated this film. I finally rented it, and had to watch it over and over. It's truly amazing. Rachel Weisz, so adorable in The Mummy, gives such an affecting performance, probably due to the fact that she hardly utters a word, and her un-earthly beauty speaks enough for itself. Vincent Perez, outstanding in the French film Queen Margot, portrays Yanko, the Russian shipwrecked in Cornwall, who finds a soul mate in Amy. Perez also has a language barrier to cross in this film, and he is just superb. If you've ever felt like the outcast, or ever been in love, do see this movie. It's an exceptional piece of work.
23 Scarlett and Rhett? Forget them- it's Amy and Yanko!
I loved this movie. The time period is 19th century England, and the scenery is gorgeous. Rachel Weisz (The Mummy) and Vincent Perez star as unlikely lovers who meet when Perez' character Yanko is almost drowned and washes up on the English shore. Weisz' character Amy Foster is the product of a scandalous marriage and is generally shunned. She has a deep love for the sea and shares it with Yanko. It is breathtaking.
24 Moving to The Extremes
I saw this movie when it was first released at the movies here in Australia, and was instantly brought to tears for the first time in my life. The plight of Yanko and Amy truly made the gut wrench, but the love they shared was so sacred and pure it was almost a phenom in itself. A must see for all 'Art-House' movie lovers. You will never forget it!
25 A Great Movie
This movie is the type that you are glad to see, because it is seldom that a story is the main ingredient in a movie. The acting was terrific and the leads, though unknown, do great work. I am a guy, and if this is considered a 'chick flick', then I've been buying the wrong movies, cause this one is a keeper.
26 Great movie but some supplies are needed!
This beautiful story will touch your heart. Supplies are needed though! Here is the Swept From The Sea supply list: popcorn (naturally) hot chocolate (nice and warm with marshmallows!) kleenex (always carry kleenex! Just in case!) nice, warm blanket (to cuddle up in) and last but not least ice cream! (always eat during depressing parts! It works!) Enjoy your movie experience! Sniff! Sniff!
27 A Beautiful Film
"Swept From the Sea" goes beyond being a love story. It shows the plight of two very human individuals, who, luckily, find love from each other amidst the prejudice and scorn of their surrounding society. Newcomer Rachel Weisz plays Conrad's Amy Foster extremely well with a needed unearthly quality. Perez is near brilliance in his portrayl of Russian shipwreck survivor, Yanko. With his character's language barrier-- limited to only his expressions and gutteral delivery, Perez gives a heartwrenching performance. The film captures the Irish countryside in its amazing cinematography. It's an instant classic!
28 One of the best movies I have ever seen.
I can't believe I just watched this incredible movie. It absolutely captured the beauty and romance of young, pationate love - especially a first love. Not have I been so moved by a movie since, well I dare say, Gone with the Wind (I tend to go through hopelessly romatic periods). All lovers must experience this movie - together.
29 tragedy even touches 'the lucky ones.'
Unlike Mr. Maltin, I did not find this movie 'sluggish' in the least! Perhaps by todays standards it is, what without buildings exploding every other scene....or fast action car races and deadly swift thrill kill rides.
In spite the 'sluggish' pace of the movie, I found it profoundly moving. (No pun intended of course) I am a romantic though. I couldn't help but feel empathy toward the young Amy Foster, outcast and object of derision. Amy with her treasures from the sea. The love story is sweet, with a bitter twist. Tragedy even touches 'the lucky ones'.
Beautifully filmed and wonderfully acted, this movie is definately worth any romantics time.
30 One of the BEST!
One of the Best movies I've ever seen in my whole life! An awesome story with Great actors, well directed. It's a fine item for a collection.(Vincent Perez A+)
31 One of the BEST!
One of the Best movies I've ever seen in my whole life! An awesome story with Great actors, well directed. It's a fine item for a collection.(Vincent Perez A+)
32 EXCELLENT-A very Talented Cast...
I was very impressed with this movie. As well as the extreme acting talent of VINCENT PEREZ. He is such a fine young Actor,and he did an excellent job creating his role as "Yanko". I have been a very big fan since seeing him in "The Crow-City of Angels". I also admire the acting talents of the remaining cast in this movie. Their roles were very creative and enduring. The love between Yanko and Amy was a blessed gift,and a perfect example of what True Love really is. Vincent's character, Yanko was passionate,sweet, and caring. I have never seen such a beautiful story. VINCENT PEREZ is truly one-of-a-kind, a Godsend. He is incredibly gorgeous and extremely sexy. I have had the pleasure of seeing his earlier movies as well,and was very pleased with his talent. Hollywood has been given a wonderful opportunity to see such a talent,and they are considerably lucky to have found this talented man.
33 Classic chick flick!
Swept From the Sea is a great movie!!!!! It is the most romantic movie I have ever seen, too! It is also historicly accurate to it's time and place! It's not pedictable either!It it sutch a wonderful movie!The best in the world!
34 Sweet and Romantic
This story is a sweet and romantic story. The plot was slighly predictable but if you dont mind that it was overall good. Vincent Perez did an excelent job as well as his co-stars. I would suggest this to anyone who loves romantic movies. But if you love happy endings... Well, this one is all on how you look at it.
35 Beautiful, yet haunting story of star-crossed lovers.
The scenery in magnificent. The sound track by John Barry is so wonderful, you'll rush out to purchase it (like I did). The story captures you and soon you feel the ache of love and loss like the main characters. If you liked the movies based on Jane Austen, you like this movie, but the theme is a little darker. Get your kleenex box out when you watch it. Great girl movie!!!
