Heirat in Buffalo

I can't quite explain why I'm always drawn to an awkward romance but this is definitely one of my top 10 favorite movies. Most of my family/friends don't understand why I like this movie so much but I feel like it's a much more relatable romantic film. There is no "Hallmark" feel to this romantic connection but a more relatable awkward, yet realistic and true connection. I like that the main characters never had an instant connection but grew to love and respect each other. The music and scenery in the movie also add to the quality even though it seems like it was never a high budget film. The combination of Irish and Ukrainian heritage adds an extra level of interest to the plot.

...And I'm not just talking about Paul Gross! It's a lovely little film, very believable, yet a romance too. Funny, sweet, yet not treacly. Alberta is a co-star as much as Gross and Wendy Crewe, and comes off at least as well. Not only that there are three k.d. lang songs. What more could a film watcher want?

This is a great romance, played well by both leads, and set against the beautiful Alberta landscape. Good all-around fair, interesting exploration of family responsibility and second-generation immigrants, and the conflicts that have to be resolved. Lots of fun!

In terms of excellence, this film has plot, acting, musical score, cinematography, location, charismatic presence (more than one)social and cultural commentary, and best of all to me...a happy ending for all. Nothing murky or surreal,as the higher rated films in Canada always seem to be. It even "upside-downs" some common perceptions about native Canadians. So, why do I never see it on one of the "best" Canadian film lists? It never seems to be mentioned. The town of Cowley boasts "Brokeback Mountain" as having been shot there, and also Pincher Creek, but never this one. I list 'Why Shoot the Teacher" and this as my favourite Canadian films.

I loved a lot of things about this movie -- the setting close to home in the outstanding Alberta foothills, Paul Gross much younger then expected, the tender romance, the fairly unique plot, the notion of people trying to be good and not always succeeding. The Scottish vs. Ukranian prarie stereotypes. It's a good movie and there are lots of reasons to rent it.

It wasn't a great movie though -- a little too slow moving, production quality (at least on the DVD) is obviously made-for-TV, and the soundtrack was completely absent too often, and when it did show up it was too sappy. I would have preferred tighter edits, and less gratuitous cinematography (especially on video, which can't really do the Alberta ranchlands justice).

I'll stop short of calling for less gratuitous scenes of a semi-clad muscular Paul Gross working on the ranch, as I'm sure at least half of you will enjoy that.

It's a must-rent for anyone from Canadian Prarie Ranch Stock.

It reminds me a little bit of "The Hired Hand", but without the violence, without the hard edge, a sweeter romance, and I think better overall (sorry Mr. Fonda).

Doesn't begin to compare with "Bye Bye Blues" though.